altering or enhancing chest protection

[pacer]

After the third time in as many weeks of being hit HARD in the chest, I'm think of enhancing my chest protector. I fence epee and have been hit in the high chest area (below the bid and just above where my chest protector ends). Usually I can parry these away, but not lately. I have seen some women's chest protectors with a leather extension providing protection farther up on the chest ... How are these attached - are they riveted? sewn, glued. Any suggestions for altering my equipment ( I'm working on the fencing part) Thanks and pass the ice bag...

[Artisan]

Thanks and pass the ice bag...

After a few hits to the collar bone in a row, I made a custom plastron: opened the bottom hem of a cheapo Blue Gauntlet plastron, inserted a cut to fit piece of thin neoprene foam rubber that covers most of the chest, front of shoulder and bicept areas. A section protruted throught hte sleeve seam to cover the inside of the elbow. Two layers @ collarbone. Sewed up hem and sewed through padding in several places to keep it in position. Way fewer bruises.

[pacer]

thanks for the idea - I have the polyester stretch fencing post plastron i imagine is much the same and some neoprene at home - that may be my week end project. It sounds like it would be more flexible than leather and easier to work with.

[Artisan]

- and won't get nearly as funky.... takes to the washing machine w/o a problem. To find All KInds of Alternative materials: search www.mcmaster.com

[Grey]

I would advise using a french grip over a pistol grip and pommel it? Well, alternatively instead of changing equipment, change your game. Play with distance and score with it. I used a french grip and since most epeeist (at least those that I fenced with) kept a rather bad distance so I could usually score on them before they even realise they are within my striking distance. Try to keep about at least 2.5 metres or more away from the opponent if you do not wish to engage him/her yet. The distance should VARY against people of different heights.

[Grey]

Well, I've found that wearing 2 plastrons is rather useful. Wear a normal 350N plastron with a FIE plastron (I bought the Uhlman FIE plastron which was rather thin which thankfully did not restrict movement) Getting a "plate" kind of restricts movement. "Cushioning" the impact might work alot better with little sacrifice to agility.