Duelist uniforms and blades?

[CvilleFencer]

Hey all. I was at my division champs a bit ago and a fencer I know had just gotten his new Duelist Evolution Uniform, I think in the 350n flavor. It looked very nice and well made and I thought I would check them out being a fencing gear junky. I looked over both their UK and US websites and I have a couple of questions for anyone out there who may be familiar with their equipment.

1. How are the uniforms for durability/fit over time compared with other high end gear like Uhlmann/Allstar or LP?

2. The prices on the US site are very much higher than the UK prices. I was wondering if they even sell to US fencers from the UK store (of course I could just call and ask)?

3. They have two types of blades I have never heard of before, and XL blade that is non-FIE and priced around the better blade brands, and a VX that is priced even higher than the BF FIE blue range of blades. Does anyone have any knowledge of these blades such as where they are forged or how they feel or hold up?

Any info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all.

[P.B]

Hi CvilleFencer, I can give you my experience for question 1.

Earlier this year I needed to replace my 350N Uhlmann jacket, as it was getting very tight under my arms, I tried on about eight jackets from Adidas, Allstar, Duellist, Leon Paul, Uhlmann and Tournois!

When I was younger I weight trained hence I have larger than normal muscles under my arms and across my back (Latimus Dorsi I think they're called). My build is 42" chest and 32-33" waist. The Allstar/ Uhlmann cut tends to be quite blocky: a size 54 (42" chest) allows for a 37" waist (German beer-gut I presume!), Allstar are cut less generously and Uhlmann are more generous but both have the same (blocky) proportions. The Leon Paul was a little better (slightly more tapered) and the Tournois fitted me like a glove.

I would place the Duellist jacket between the Leon Paul and the Tournois for cut – it was at the top of my list until I tried the Tournois. If the Duellist had the same fit as the Tournois I would have brought it as I was very impressed with the quality of the finish and details.

Duellist is one of the more popular jackets at our club (someone has a contact there); we spent a large government grant with them a few months ago (jackets, gloves, masks, weapons, etc). From what I've seen the jackets are very well made and I've heard no-one complaining about them not lasting. The club jackets, although still fairly new, don't have any seams splitting from when beginners try one on several sizes too small and appear to be holding up to the general abuse club equipment receives.

On the UK website they display two prices: member and retail. Membership costs £35, so be aware when comparing prices. To answer questions 2 & 3 – give them a call, I've found them really helpful. I visited on a busy Saturday and they still found time to give advice and a cup of coffee even though I didn't buy anything.

[Artisan]

I just exchanged email with someone at Duellist: Here is the exchange. I asked about the blades but did not get a direct response.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Q- The members pricing in US dollars does not seem to be a direct currency conversion, does this reflect the subtraction of VAT as well?

A-We automatically removed the VAT from our prices so that USA customers can see what price they pay in dollars. We do not charge the VAT from here.

Q- What would be the typical shipping charge for a parcel that contained for
example two blades and an article of clothing; shipping to USA,
A-It would cost £15 to ship those goods to the USA. Delivery schedule would be about 3 to 7 days.

Q- Regarding your Epee blades: the " Super XL Gold Competition" and the "Carbon Steel Plus" and " VX FIE Competition Pro" Where are these blades manufactured, and what if any information do you have about their characteristics such as weight and stiffness? Are any of them from the StM forge?

A-We have just started stocking STM blades which we will be selling cheaper than the BF blades. We are also aware that the BF blades do not have the same quality that they used to have. We do not have the STM blades advertised but what I would suggest you order the BF blades on the site and state in the comments box which STM blades require and how you like them using the cart. Quote my name and I will deal with request from here.


Best Regards

Ian Lichfield
Sales Manager

[CarlKnoch]

Doesn't exactly tell you where they were made now does it? Just where they aren't made....

C

[hpfencing]

Anyon here actually fencing in Duelist gear, if so how does it how up?

Do any of the American vendors carry Duelist stuff yet?

Oh one more question, what is the web address for the duelist?

[Artisan]

Oh one more question, what is the web address for the duelist?

Duellist has a US website that appears to sell clothing only.

Duelleist URL? ... I use www.google.com

[noodle]

http://www.duellist.com/

that last answer was kinda funny
more of a "yes, our blades are in fact forged by people somewhere and i'll tell you what they aren't..."

[Masterurethane]

Most of my stuff is duellist, I really love my jacket, plastron and breeches.

[Inquartata]

Maybe they figured everyone knows that BF=Blaise Freres, ie French...

[Symon]

Anyone here actually fencing in Duelist gear, if so how does it how up?

Do any of the American vendors carry Duelist stuff yet?

I'm fencing In the evolution kit at the moment !! and to be honest I have absolutely no problems with them at all!!! and to answer your 2nd question duellist have just put up a link on their site for a U.S. vendor ................................... you should drop Ian Lichfield an email he'll be able to answer all your questions

[Tomas N]

Anyone know what material the Duellist FIE jacket is made of? Does it really stretch or is it a pseudo-stretch jacket?

Also, the Evolution jackets and knickers look cool. Can you still get your name printed on them, or do the stripes get in the way?

Tomas