Cole family, I would recommend Roiles Gears for they best in new designs for Helmet and body protectors, for gloves I would recommend Lacross gloves, I like the shock doctor. The fensing masks are great for knife but not for stick fighting head protection. As you are learning you will have wear all of the gear but as you train and get better you fight with less and less fianlly it will be just one glove and safety glasses, finally just safety glassess.

1st rule- get out of the way-hit but do not get hit 2nd rule- block- block and counter 3rd rule- the armour takes it- this means you failed rules 1 & 2. This is ok as you are learning. The basic rule of Eskrima is timing, rhythm and fluidity do not forget it when you put on the gear. Wear safety glasses when practicing thrust anywhere near the face

Thanks for your input. It's been difficult researching sparring equipment online. I've looked here (FMA Pulse), Superior, and Kwon just to name a few. Found Roiles-their equipment looks real nice. I need to check out lacrosse gloves too now. What makes Roiles helmets and body protectors so much better? Thanks again

Jeff

Felix Roiles  & Roiles Gears Co. did a big redesign based upon a lot of fighter inputs, his quality control is really good as his family does the quality control inspection on the equipment. He has really re-enforce areas where the helmets were weak or just would wear out. He also developed a reversable body protector,  Good quality stuff for the money. 

Search for Doce Pares and you'll find Master Questa from New Jersey, Jersey City. He has gear to ship to you, regards, Greg, tell him I sent you.