Pipe Insulation

Typical pipe insulation during a power outage in Carlsbad Caverns

Pipe insulation (copper pipe insulation, iron pipe insulation, etc.) is simply a foam tube sold as an easy way to insulate plumbing pipes. There are two major types of pipe insulation- one type is light, "fluffy", and is rather bubbly in cross section. It comes in black, grey, and even brown. The other type pf pipe insulation is always black. It is heavy, rubbery, and does not compress much on contact. It is not appropriate for weapons, as getting hit with it is akin to being beaten with a garden hose.

Pipe insulation is inexpensive, and often comes in 4 foot section in a 4 pack, or in 6 or 8 foot sections individually. It is also sorted by diameter of pipe it is meant to cover. Note that the insulation meant to fit a certain diameter of copper pipe will be smaller than a given diameter of PVC. Check your pipe and insulation to make sure there is a close fit.

Pipe insulation comes with one slit up the side, to better enable it to fit on a pipe. Sometimes this slit has a glue already applied to it, with plastic strips to contain the stickiness. The insulation will easily stick to itself and the weapon core beneath. If the insulation does not have glue already applied, spray-on carpet glue works well to keep the piece from rotating on the core.

When not used correctly, pipe insulation tends to break down quickly, even more so than Funnoodle. Using it as an outer layer of foam with a camp pad core has proven to make long lasting and durable weapons, not unlike MC swords. It's also successful as Courtesy Padding. It does have an advantage over noodle in that it is readily available year round.