Christmas tree masks?

[veeco]

If you look at the pictures for the Mens' Sabre final at this years WC, you will see that they have some type of electronic box that's attached to their mask.
See for yourself at:
<a href="http://www.fpe.pt/esgrima2002/photos.htm" target="_blank">http://www.fpe.pt/esgrima2002/photos.htm</a>

Also, I recall seeing footage from the Havana world cup on <a href="http://www.escrime-tv.com" target="_blank">http://www.escrime-tv.com</a> were the sabre fencers masks were ligthing up like Christmas tree lights. Anyone has more information on these things? Are they expensive? Do the fencers have to have their own? What's the next "novelty" that the FIE is going to come up with?

Why is it for sabre only? I cannot see this on the womens' epee fencers' masks.

<small>[ 08-19-2002, 05:53 PM: Message edited by: veeco ]</small>

[Mo]

Why is it for sabre only? I cannot see this on the womens' epee fencers' masks

I'm sure the thinking was that putting lights on epee masks where the lights would go off...what...once every five minutes?...was not exciting enough for the audience.

The Other Mo

[Purple Fencer]

Looks like they're trying out the wireless system again. I think it was tried for a Jr. sabre world cup a few years back...just before the Sydney games?? if you look at the pics, there's no reel cord behind the saber guys

[edew]

The wireless system works for sabre only, at the moment. There are other wireless systems available, but the troglodytes at the FIE are not willing to experiment and understand modern wireless technology.

[oiuyt]

A minor semantic correction. It's reelless rather than wireless. The FIE has no interest in wireless systems (which implies radio signals or other EM broadcasting through the air). All signals are only sent through actual metal to metal contact in the reelless system that's being tested currently.

And as Eric mentioned it (the FIE approved system) only works in sabre for now.

The organizers supply the equipment and in turn have to pay to fly in the largish contingent of Ukranian technicians required to run it.

-B

[MHS Fencer]

It's interesting to see in action, and I have to say that it does seem to work well. It takes a little getting used to when watching the bouts, but you get used to it after about 5-10 touches (thisis jsut from watching - I'm much too enlightened to actually fence saber). If it eliminates reel problems without creating many more, then more power to it.

[edew]

Which is not necessarily the case, as it requires hiring those Ukrainian experts to do the job.

[sallearmourer]

The Techs are from Allstar. Wants its does is turn your body into a huge capaticons. According to Joe Burns the system was actual invented by the French about 25 years ago. Wait until the first person get knock on there butt,

Tim

[Inquartata]

I trust they're high-impact!

[oiuyt]

Dan DeChaine mentioned a similar thing regarding the original inventors. The Ukrainian group is officially the inventors of the current system, the fact that their schematics look like photocopies of the French design from 25 years ago is of COURSE coincidental.

The system is being marketed as a joint venture between the Ukranian "inventors" and Allstar (the FIE wanted a more known group involved) but the technicians are all Ukranian. Allstar (from my understanding) is basically just lending its name and credibility to the joint group.

Incidently the reason the French system was rejected is that periodically one of the fencers would get badly burned by the system. It's not clear what changes have been made to it, but at least so far that hasn't happened again with the current system.

-B

[veeco]

Maybe the now famous excuse:
"Sir I am getting mild electric shocks when I hold my weapon".

Won't be considered as a lame excuse for getting some rest anymore <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />