03-30-2004, 01:08 PM
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#1 | | Member
Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 37
| Triplette 1999 Mask, is it any good? Comments Please.
I am new to fencing and am looking to purchase a mask. I am looking at Santelli and Triplette. Triplette interests me because for around $90, the mask has washable bib liner. Triplette also says that this mask's frame is made in Europe. From what I can gather most likely the frame is by Leon Paul. I would really appreciate comments from the veterans out there.
Thanks.
T. Ragan | 
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03-30-2004, 01:21 PM
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#2 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CT
Posts: 103
| Not to disparriage triplette, but I have not garnered a good opinion of them.
My old team decided to simply not buy from them after a while, despite the good prices. We came to the conclusion that their equipment is cheap in both senses of the word. What we were saving on budget we'd respend when we had to replace it a season or two later.
The equipent was still GOOD, but it can't stand th abuse a team puts it through each year. I still own my whites from them, and am happy with the quality. The way I think of them is "Casual equipment" not the kind of quality you'd want if you're competing a lot, but if you're a casual fencer who isn't going to stress your stuff to the max during every bout, it'll suit you just fine.
I'm sure everyone else on these boards has more specific cases to cite.
-Pepster
- Who had to return 3 triplette saber masks from denting after 1 Meet.
__________________ UNAGI!!! | |
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03-30-2004, 01:30 PM
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#3 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 727
| You may want to check out PBT's non-FIE mask at www.fencepbt.com .
My girlfriend has had one for a bit over a year and it has held up very well and is not too expensive.
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-DM
Penfold, Shush!
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03-30-2004, 02:13 PM
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#4 | | Member
Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 74
| I have a Triplette 1999 mask. I've had it for about two years now while fencing twice a week. I have to agree with Pepster though, if you're looking to really compete a lot then I'd go with a high end mask (Leon Paul). If you're just looking for a good starter mask that should last a few years then I'd say the Triplette would be fine. I do really like mine and I've never had a problem with it, but when I do have to replace it I'll probably switch brands. | |
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03-30-2004, 02:24 PM
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#5 | | Armorer
Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 1,624
| Triplette buys their frames from Gajardoni, not Leon Paul. Pepster's comment about then being okay as "casual" equipment is spot on. About 7 years ago I had 10 TCA masks purchased for my club. After a couple of years worth of use for beginner's classes, "loaners" for practice, and occasional competition use, the mesh on all of them was noticably beaten up (lots of small dents and deformities that I'd have to fix). They still passed punch test, but it was clear that they were getting to the end of their life. The Blue Gauntlet "Olympic" masks I've since been buying have held up much better under the same sort of use.
While the liner is a nice feature, it's much less important than basic durability.
-Dave
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03-30-2004, 05:36 PM
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#6 | | Member
Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 37
| Thanks for the help.
Trey | |
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03-30-2004, 06:35 PM
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#7 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Meadville, PA
Posts: 600
| Hi trragan,
I own a Triplette 2000 and my club owns 4 Triplette 1999. I bought the 2000 about 4 years ago and we bought the 1999s last year. I would say that the greatest weakness with these masks is that the rubber (or whatever material it is) that circles the mask from your chin to the top of your head (the part that covers up the joint between the front and back mesh of the mask) isn't very good. On one of our 1999 masks, it has broken in two. This may have been to misuse, but I do not know. On my 2000, which has generally been a good mask, that covering is loose and tends to droop forward towards the front of the mask. On other masks, that piece of covering is sewn in and does not move around so easily.
I'll admit though, that I like the 2000, because it is white on the outside and is therefore hard for your opponent to see in. Good for competitions. Bad for lessons when you partner can't see your facial expressions!
Tomas | |
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03-30-2004, 08:28 PM
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#8 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC, the WET coast of Canada
Posts: 1,971
| If you value your face and life, spend he money for a better mask.
A blade in your face can really ruin your day.
PK | |
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03-30-2004, 10:06 PM
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#9 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 131
| I have the entry level Triplette mask, the 183 and it has served me well for 3 years. It has accumlated some dents that need to be fixed but I expect that for 3 years. I fence 3 times a week and compete fairly regularly, I like this mask... I haven't heard complaints about their masks before around here, and I would recommend it. | |
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04-03-2004, 03:36 PM
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#10 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sweden
Posts: 3,028
| *real* oldie
Hi!
A teammate of mine still uses his first mask, made way back in 1941. The mesh is backed up by a cross of approx 4mm steel bar on the inside of the mesh, but otherwise it looks like a modern mask. He is pricipally a sabreur, which probably gives the mask fewer really high-load incidents.
Have a nice time!
Peter Gustafsson | |
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