Foam Tubes

Premade Amtgard-legal Foam Tubes for swords

Here is an article testing the pros and cons of several different types of foam: 2015 Foam Testing

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE) Foam

XLPE foam is a fine-celled foam with a smooth, pleasant feel combined with superior physical and chemical properties.

Warlord Sports XLPE (Cross-linked) Foam Tubes

Aether Tube

This foam is very light and does not have a seam. It is made by Warlord Sports and is a 1.3# density cross-linked foam. It comes as a 2' long tube with a 2.6" diameter and a 0.5" hole in the middle. The foam is UV stable and not very susceptible to heat so it won't break down in sun-light. If you are looking to make the lightest weapon possible with a pipe insulation type foam, this is the foam to get. You can purchase it from the Warlord Sport's website.

Dura Tube

Dura Tube does not have a seam and is noticeably heavier than all of the other foams listed on this page. It is made by Warlord Sports and is a 2# density cross-linked foam. Like Aether Tube it comes as a 2' long tube 2.6" diameter with a 0.5" hole in the center. The foam is UV stable and not very susceptible to heat so it won't break down in sun-light. It isn't so heavy as to cause any real problems, but the weight difference is noticeable. Out of all of the foams mentioned on this page, it is likely to last the longest, with most weapons lasting over a year. You can purchase it from the Warlord Sport's website.

MC Tube (2#)

MicroCell (MC) foam is a type of cross-linked polyethylene foam which is treated in an EVA process making the cell structures (little bubbles) highly uniform and considerably smaller. This results in pressure being more evenly spread through the foam leading to reduced cell failures. Because the bubbles are so much smaller, impacts are more evenly distributed, allowing the foam to last much longer. However it is heavier than most other foam. MC is firm, durable, and features an excellent cell structure for carving and plastidipping. Comes pre-formed into a 24" x 2.6" octagon with a half-inch hole, but is otherwise completely solid. You can purchase it from the Warlord Sport's website.

Fitz Armaments XLPE (Cross-linked) Foam Tubes

Fitz Armaments XLPE 2# cross linked tubes come standard in 24"L x 2.5" W x .5" ID with 48" lengths available upon request.Fitz Armaments.

The Prestige XLPE (Cross-linked) Foam Tubes

The Prestige XLPE foam tubes come in 24"L x 2.6" W x .5" ID variety. The Prestige Stop and Shoppe

Non-cross-linked 2# foam

Drill Spot / Thermacel

Drill Spot is also known as Thermacel and is made by a company called Nomaco and sold by Drillspot. When Nomaco sells the insulation directly they call it Thermacel and it is generally just a little bit cheaper.

You can find it on Zoro.com relatively cheaply and with free shipping on orders over $50. You can also find it on the Drillspot website.

Frost King

Frost King is actually just the Nomaco brand in Canada and can usually be found at Lowes. Its a bit cheaper than Drill Spot is and a lot better for making weapons out of. Apparently it is cheaper because its not as good as an insulator.