looking for a certain mask, Help?

[f242]

I'm just starting out and am about to purchase some equipment. The club I fence at has this Santelli mask that is probably 20 years old but I really like the design. Firstly it's silver (most masks I find are black), it has a fairly pronounced "ridge" running vertically down the center of the face, and it comes to more of a point at the chin. Most the masks I find have flatter faces, are almost exactly oval and black. Anyone Know where I can Find the "older" style mask or has design changed and thats simply the way masks are now? much appreciated.

[veeco]

The design has indeed changed, for security reasons. I would buy a newer mask if I were you.

[yeoldearmourer]

I would not be fencing with that mask in practice at all since it's was desgin to pass the 7k punch test and not the 12k. You are taking a risk in using a mask that is 20 year old.

[Louweasel]

The design has indeed changed, for security reasons.

Security reasons? What, do silver masks spy on us and give away national secrets to terrorist organisations?

Seriously though, why are silver masks any more secure?

Back to the topic - my club has several masks similar to what you describe, and they are far newer than 20 years old. As they lend them out to club members, insurance and health and safety regs would mean they have to conform to certain safety/age standards. They are from Leon Paul, so you could try there. I was wearing one last night, as it happens.

[MyraTrue]

I think it was generally the idea that the older masks (which is described above) are no longer legal because they don't hold up to a 12Kg punch test. The silver is simply that the wires are not insulated, which would make the mask illegal for foil (I think??) in competition.

[grotto]

Santelli still sells that sort of mesh and mask in there "collegiate" practice mask. We have several of these sort at our club that are 14+ yrs and the mesh still passes the 12k test (tested each semester) Note: the Collegiate has a removeable bib which is not USFA legal unless you also sew it into the mask. but a nice practice mask for clubs with many sweaty faces (being able to wash the bib)