Zivkovic plastic kid's set

[wflaschka]

http://www.zivkovic.com/item.jsp?web_id=610

Has anybody seen this in action? Are the "plastic foils" at all durable? It looks like a nice concept, especially for people running classes with children who fence 3 months and then quit. I'm curious if anybody has any experience with this product.

The foils are from an Italian place: http://www.scherma.it/curiosita/nasycom-kit-aramis.asp

[hscoach]

The plastic swords are a great alternative for classes. If you have any old masks around you do not need to buy the plastic masks. If you use them do not put batteries in them in the beginning. The beeping and the kids touching the floor and toes to make it beep will drive you nuts. After they have learned the basics you can have them "beep" for a competition. Then take the batteries out after the competition. They are very durable.
The kids still want "real swords" but they are a great inexpensive alternative. It is also easier to introduce fencing in some school systems with these swords.

[Strytllr]

I agree with hscoach.

I bought a pair of them for my nephew who has been wanting to learn, but is a bit young for a steel weapon (so says his mom, at least )

They basically have a button on the end, covered with a rubber cover, which sounds off, not so much a buzzer, but a high ear piercing squeal. They held up fairly decent, even if sometimes the rubber covering gets the button stuck either on or off. hehe.

The battery's the oddest thing I've ever seen though. It's a 12 volt battery that's the size of a double A. I have never seen one of those before... and even though 12 volts should last a very long time with just buzzing every once in a while, I wonder where I can buy replacements. Of course, by then, my nephew should be "old enough" for steel blades.

[hscoach]

I do remember Mr. Zikovich showing me how you can change the sound on the swords. Now I forget!

[hscoach]

Sorry about the spelling of Mr. Z's name.