Uhlmann/Allstar mask fit?

[disarmedfae]

You all were great helping me with sizing advice when I bought my new uniform last summer...now I'm looking to finally buy an FIE foil/epee mask from Fechtsport-Langenkamp-- and the question is: Uhlmann or Allstar? I've read in other posts that the cut of the Allstar mask is narrower/smaller/uncomfortable to fence in with glasses-- is this true? I know the only difference between the two is blue vs. red, and some say the cut of the clothing...I'm personally partial to red, but if the Allstar mask is cut on the small side I'd rather get the Uhlmann. Can anyone tell me?

[Inquartata]

I use a medium Allstar ( sabre mask ) and have no problem wearing glasses in it. Masks can be spread wider or squished narrower if need be, within limits that is.

[Grey]

Uhlman FIE Mask in my experience is fine. I've a M sized one. You'll find that initially the mask is abit uncomfortable to wear. Takes a while before it becomes seasoned.

[DangerMouse]

From my shopping at summer nationals last year, I found that the allstar mask is cut about the same as the uhlmann I had been using for the past few years. However, there is more padding in the allstar, which makes it fit a little bit more snug. Both of them are cut for somewhat rounded faces (circular). If you have more of an ovalized or elongated face, then the Leon Paul or Prieur masks will fit you better. Picture the difference between O and 0.

[neevel]

It's for uniforms that Allstar uses a more slender cut in the body than Uhlmann. The masks are identical except for trim color and label, so unless you have a strong preference for red or blue, just go with the best price you can find between the two (from Langenkamp the prices are the same).

-Dave

[D'Artagnan1673]

Dave, I respect your expertise, but how can you explain this? I started with an Allstar, non FIE mask size S. This mask could not fit better. When I went to an Uhlmann FIE mask size S, I found it too small. The size M is a little too large. If the cut is identical, then why the difference in how they fit? Oh! If only I wasn't so crazy about the color of blue Uhlmann uses!

[neevel]

D'Art-

Those were different models of mask you're comparing (a non-FIE vs. an FIE mask). I had a non-FIE Uhlmann mask about 5 years ago (it's still in my club stock), and there is some difference between the shape of its mesh and the shape of Uhlmann and Allstar FIE masks. The non-FIE mask was proportioned a little bit taller and narrower than the FIE model.

-Dave

[D'Artagnan1673]

Dave,

That was my guess. As I began to write my post, it came in my head that the difference could be the FIE vs. non FIE.

Thanks for the clarification.

D'Art

[MyraTrue]

ok... so maybe *I* am a freak of nature. I own an Uhlmann FIE mask, and I love it. I'll say several things of it, however. Its hot, VERY hot, compared to any other mask I've fenced in. It also is a little hard to hear in. On the other hand, I've gone from pounding dents from my mask every day to never having to do it. When I get hit in the mask (often, I'm afraid) its like you were never hit. It was an excellent investment.

I've a very small head, and fit a size 1 Uhlmann. I CANNOT wear my glasses with it. I've tried, I had to resort to fencing without glasses because it was impossible to get it over without taking them off. And I've fenced in glasses for a year and a half before that. It might be that my glasses sit too far off my face.

But the mask? REALLY worth it!

[yeoldearmourer]

Consider this for food for thought Leon Paul make the mask mask and frame for most of the European Compines including Allstar and Unlmann