stretchy-ness: knickers

[deathstar]

I'm new to fencing. I need advice from the pros out here before I buy more of the "wrong" stuff. I bought a pair of Allstar Lyon knickers, and I don't think it suits me well due to it's lack of stretchyness (only stretch inlets). It seems to hinder my lunges. I've looked high & low, can someone confirm that out of the Allstar & Uhlman, are the Startex (Allstar) & Olympia (Uhl) the only ones that are full stretch? What about worldCup, Athens?

[noodle]

most of that stuff (i own some or have seen it or know people who own some) is minimally stretchy. they're made of very tough fabrics meant to resist lots of force. stretching generally pulls fibers apart making certain areas in the fabric more weak than usual. they'll have some give in some parts, but not much. either make sure that you have a well-fitting (room for your lunge) size picked out, or get a stretchy something from somewhere like BG or somesuch. i suggest trying to buy a pair at summer nationals if you're having sizing issues (or at least waiting to order afterwards so you can find out your size and then order from elsewhere).

[vincikai]

Olympia (Uhl)

[telkanuru]

FIE stuff and stretch are not exactly something you tend to see in the same outfit because of the nature of the 800N test. Perhaps try a size larger. My reccomendation is with the basic $40 BG knickers if you're just starting, or with the Estoc 800N if you want FIE stuff. The former are stretchy and baggy, but comfortable, the latter are just excellent.

[wpotere]

I use a pair of The Fencing Post knickers and they work just fine for me. They are pretty thick and extreamly comfortable. For a jacket I use the Uhlmann 350CE jacket. Not very stretchy, but very comfortable and the protection is pretty good. Anything that is Kevlar is not going to be stretchy at all.

[Gav]

Try the Leon Paul Sydney range breeches. Good fit and very stretchy.

[MyraTrue]

If you want FIE that stretches, you'll pay a LOT of money for it. But I know what you mean about non-stretchy stuff hindering lunges.

Cheap stretch fabrics are like being wrapped in a bedsheet and chasing someone with a baseball bat. Its gonna hurt when they hit you. While I fence with an FIE jacket, I use the competition grade Leon Paul knickers (which stretch, are heavy enough to keep shape/protect against hits etc, and are the most comfortable thing I've ever had). I hear great things about their Sydney range uniforms, if you want to spring for FIE.