AstroLam

What is called "shield foam" in Amtgard was popularized by Sir Rath. It is a sturdy foam that is both strong enough to function as a shield core and soft enough to be considered padding on a shield. This results in a shield that is composed solely of one particular foam. These shields have proven durable to stand up to Belegarth and Dagorhir combat as well as Amtgard combat.

The foam itself is typically white due to cost, but is available in colors. It is a closed-cell polyethylene foam and is commonly used in either 1.7 pounds per cubic foot or 2.2 pounds per cubic foot densities. The 2.2 is stiffer and heavier, as is to be expected. The 1.7 density is generally purchased as laminated sheets: several thinner sheets are laminated together by the manufacturer to make a thicker board. The lamination increases the strength of the end product. The 2.2 density is usually extruded as a single sheet of appropriate thickness and uses no lamination. The foam typically used for shields in Amtgard is two inches thick, whether it is 1.7 or 2.2 density.

What is called "shield foam" in Amtgard comes from Pregis Corporation (www.pregis.com). Previously it was available from Pactiv Corporation but that business was acquired by Pregis. Foam is not purchased directly from Pregis but rather from local distributors. The number for Pregis is 877-692-6163. They will refer you to a regional salesman, who will either give you a price quote and refer you directly to a supplier who will sell to you at that price or who will refer you to a local salesman who will quote you a price and connect you to a supplier you can buy from.

When ordering "shield foam" it is best to refer to it by its trade name. The trade names are PolyPlank EXT Polyethylene Foam Plank and PolyPlank LAM Laminated Plank. Pregis typically sells the foam in 108x48x2 sheets. The price is typically around $75, as of 2009, but varies by region. Almost any town of 100,000 or more will have a local supplier, and even small towns like Ocala, FL typically have more than one supplier. (Ocala has two.)

Pregis Product Webpages:

http://www.pregis.com/Products/ProtectivePackaging/FoamPlank/PolyPlankLAMLaminatedPlank/Products/tabid/287/language/en-US/default.aspx http://www.pregis.com/PregisHome/ProtectivePackaging/PlankFoam/PolyPlankEXTPolyethyleneFoamPlank/PolyethyleneFoamPlank/tabid/286/language/en-US/default.aspx

A more recent alternative to PolyPlank foam is provided by Warlord Sports (www.warlordsports.com). This company provides pre-cut shield foam in both a 2.2 density and a composite 2.2 density with a 4.0 density backing for extra strength, which also provides an excellent platform for attaching shield hardware. The 2.2 density foam that Warlord Sports uses is slightly "friendlier" than that PolyPlank 2.2 density. Warlord Sports prices range from $10 to $35, depending on size and materials.

Local suppliers (state, city, info):

This website was posted on E-Samurai http://www.foamforyou.com/polyethlene_planks.htm