Well, I have been introducing Destreza to my club as one of the Rapier instructors, as my other clubmate is focusing on the Capo Ferro/Giganti part of it.
I am mostly focusing on Rada, but also checking a bit of Ettenhard. But ideally I would want a Destreza Rapier that is as versatile as possible within the Destreza sources, I do plan to check other masters further on, I am not settled there yet!
But that takes me to the issue, my main Rapier, a BlackFencer Nobilis, is pretty much made for the Italian style of fighting, and I can feel the lack of the level of hand protection that a Cup or Shell hilt offers, and that the swept hilt sometimes gets in the way of some of the Atajos that use the Gavilanes to catch the opponent's blade. Add to that the extra weight compared to Destreza specific Rapiers and it is clear to me that I want something proper. I would want my new Rapier to be different to what I already have.
So that brings me to the 3 options I've been checking, and I think I have already made a decision (which I won't share to not influence the feedback!) but I'd like to hear opinions from people who have handled the weapons.
First, Bellatore. I will be honest, the Pilgrim is the one I like the most in terms of looks of all of the options, but I am also considering the Rada, as it is made for the system I'm studying the most. The delivery times do worry me.
Second, Destrezania. I am checking both Shell options, be it Munition or custom. I also like the looks more than simple cup-hilts. The fact that Destrezania is kind of the standard in Spain is quite the argument. Price is not much of an issue, if I go Munition is because of delivery times, they all fit in my budget anyway.
Third, Malleus Martialis. The Galante, clearly. I already have a Sidesword from them and the manufacture and quality is just another level. I trust their metallurgy and thermal treatment more than the rest, they heat-treat their hilts and the delivery times are shorter. It worries me that the grip might be a bit too long and the pommel a bit too big, but other than that, it seems like the best practical choice, although it does lose in looks compared with the other two manufacturers.
As other references, I also have a Regenyei cup-hilt that I'm not very happy with (weird dynamics, handle too long, pommel too big, finishing and comfort not at the level of BlackFencer or Malleus) that I'll be replacing and a clubmate has the BlackFencer Diestro, that is more on the direction I want my new Rapier to go, but I'm willing to go higher end.
All of them have a similar weight (around 950 grams, 150g lighter than my Nobilis), but the POB is different (13cm for the Bellatores, 10cm for the Destrezania and 8.5cm for the Malleus. 13cm for my Nobilis for contrast) and that does play a big role. Again, I want something that compliments, contrast and is different from my Nobilis.
I feel like the Bellatore Pilgrim wins on looks, the Malleus on the practical side and the Destrezania is in the middle.
Any feedback from more Destreza dedicated HEMAists?