LARP shields
- Available
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Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
- Available
-
Delivery time: 7 - 9 working days* (GB - int. shipments may differ)
LARP shields made from PU foam offer the ideal balance of safety, authenticity and practical handling – the Viking round shields from Battle Merchant in this category are specially designed for use in live-action role-playing and have proven themselves time and again at major conventions such as the Drachenfest.
PU foam as a safety standard: why it has become the norm for LARP shields
The construction of a LARP shield made from polyurethane foam follows a tried-and-tested two-layer principle: a softer outer layer reliably absorbs the impact upon contact, whilst a harder core ensures dimensional stability over many uses. Compared to historical wooden shields, the weight is considerably lower – the shield arm tires significantly later during battle scenarios lasting several hours, making the combat performance more convincing and sustained. PU foam is also UV- and weather-resistant, which is a real advantage at outdoor events when shields are exposed to the sun for hours on end. No hard inserts, no sharp edges, a consistently soft surface – LARP shields and weapons made from PU foam thus meet the typical convention safety requirements from the ground up.
Safety and compliance: What you should know before the convention
Typical LARP events require shields without hard inserts, without sharp edges and with a consistently soft surface. PU foam shields meet all these criteria and are generally accepted without issue at major events such as the Drachenfest or Con-Mythodea – where certified foam for weapons and shields is often expressly required. Battle Merchant is well-known in the LARP scene as a manufacturer whose material quality is recognised by the weapons checks at most major events. As each event has its own set of rules, it is still worth taking a quick look at the convention guidelines before you set off.
Historical model: The Viking round shield between 800 and 1100 AD.
Historical Viking shields from the period between approx. 800 and 1100 AD consisted of radially arranged wooden planks, a leather rim running around the edge and an iron boss in the centre. Their diameter typically ranged between 60 and 90 cm. The models offered here, with a diameter of 60 cm, strike a practical balance: large enough to provide effective cover in the game, yet compact enough for dynamic combat scenes. Traditional colour schemes include combinations such as red/white and blue/brown, as well as plain red, all of which are historically plausible variants. In the shield wall – the tactical core formation of Viking warfare – uniformly coloured or patterned shields were also an important means of identification in the heat of battle. You can find out more about the history and culture of the Vikings in the Viking section of the shop.
LARP vs. historical original: What distinguishes the foam shield from the wooden shield?
- Authentic materials: wood, leather, iron
- Typical weight: 3–6 kg
- Not suitable for full-contact LARP
- Hard surfaces, sharp fittings possible
- Ideal for exhibitions, decoration and re-enactment displays
- Material: 100% polyurethane foam
- Significantly lighter – your arm won’t tire as quickly
- Con-approved, meets LARP safety standards
- Soft surface, no hard inserts
- Visually almost indistinguishable from a wooden shield – deceptively real from a distance
A comparison of the three models: Bjornir, Fjorn and Skjaldar
Bjornir
Classic Nordic colour scheme with strong contrast. The Bjornir makes a striking impression on the battlefield and pairs well with light-coloured garments or a red tabard.
Fjorn
A dignified, earthy colour combination with a Nordic character. The Fjorn goes well with natural brown tunics and dark capes – ideal for characters who are meant to appear distinctly down-to-earth.
Skjaldar
Clean, minimalist design with no pattern. The Skjaldar is particularly suitable for a uniform shield wall look or characters who favour simplicity. All three models are identical in size (60 cm diameter), material and price.
Care and storage: How to keep your LARP shield in good condition for a long time
To ensure your shield stays in good condition for many conventions to come, a few simple basic rules are helpful. After use in the rain, it is advisable to let the shield air-dry completely before storing it – residual water trapped in the material can lead to material fatigue over time. Prolonged direct sunlight should be avoided during storage, despite the general UV resistance of PU foam. Minor cracks or superficial damage can be easily repaired with standard LARP adhesive, significantly extending the shield’s lifespan. For ideal storage, keep the shield dry and store it lying flat or hanging to maintain its shape permanently.
The perfect Viking setup: weapons and attire to go with the round shield
The Viking round shield fits seamlessly into a Nordic combat setup. Suitable weapons include Viking axes, Viking swords and the Viking sax – all available in the shop. When it comes to attire, a Viking tunic, chainmail or a Nordic-style gambeson harmonise particularly well with the round shield. For a cohesive overall look, we recommend matching the shield colour to your tabard or cloak: the Bjornir goes well with red garments, whilst the Fjorn harmonises with natural brown or dark blue garments. If you wish to provide additional protection for the arm holding the shield, you can complement the set-up with arm guards – depending on your costume concept and the event rules.
Whether you’re a first-time LARP adventurer or an experienced battle player – the Viking round shields Bjornir, Fjorn and Skjaldar from Battle Merchant provide safe, convention-ready equipment with a Nordic flair. Choose the colour scheme that best suits your character and complete your outfit with matching weapons and clothing from the Viking range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Battle Merchant’s shields are made from PU foam and meet standard LARP safety requirements: no hard inserts, no sharp edges, soft surface. At major conventions such as Drachenfest or Con-Mythodea, PU foam shields are generally accepted without issue. As each event has its own set of rules, it’s worth taking a quick look at the convention guidelines before you set off.
All three models are identical in diameter (60 cm), material (100% PU foam) and price. The only difference lies in the colour scheme: Bjornir is red and white, Fjorn is blue and brown, and Skjaldar is solid red. The choice depends entirely on your own costume concept and personal taste.
PU foam LARP shields should be stored in a dry place and protected from prolonged direct sunlight. After use in the rain, it is advisable to allow the shield to air dry completely before storing it. Minor damage can be easily repaired using standard LARP adhesive, which significantly extends the shield’s lifespan.
The Viking round shield goes particularly well with Viking axes, Viking swords and the sax. Suitable garments include tunics, chainmail, tabards and gambesons in a Nordic or early medieval style. For a cohesive overall look, it is worth matching the shield colour to your tabard or cloak.
Historical wooden shields are authentic, but not suitable for full-contact LARP: they are heavy, have hard surfaces and could injure fellow players. PU foam shields weigh significantly less, have a soft surface without hard inserts and meet the safety standards of most LARP events. Visually, they are barely distinguishable from their historical counterparts from a distance.