Boffer

A boffer is any padded weapon used in the act of boffing and quite often associated with LARPs. Normally they are constructed by using either a PVC or wooden core wrapped with some sort of padded material. Other cores used are graphite and bamboo. Padding is normally closed-cell pipe insulation foam. The weapons are tipped with a thrusting tip of open-cell foam which is much softer and more compressible than the blade of the sword. Depending on which set of rules are being used, the pommel of the boffer may also have a thrusting tip for striking with the back of the weapon. The foam is covered with either duct tape or cloth. Some extravagant boffers are dipped in a latex coating that can be painted to add to the realism.

Weapons such as swords, axes, polearms, maces, spears, and defensive devices such as shields can all be made for boffer combat. Blades such as that of a boffer axe are normally constructed of a large piece of open-cell foam to make them safer.

Rules for constructing boffers vary a great deal, normally concerning the allowed weight, flexibility, thickness of foam, length of thrusting tip, and type of materials that may be used as a core.