Grip Insulation

[HDG]

I'm just getting back into the sport after about a decade away, and I'm seeing a lot more insulated pistol grips than I remember. Have the rules changed, or are you still okay with a properly taped up grip; ie. do I have to buy new ones?

[DHCJr]

You don't say, but I assume you are talking Foil. Before, handles were required to be taped, because if they were not taped, this would put your opponent at a disadvantage, if your handle came in contact with your lame. Now it is just the opposite. It is too your disadvantage to not tape your handle. Thus the rule is still 'On the books', but is not enforced.

So now, they can just use a painted handle or something else without maring it with tape. You can still tape and it is to your advantage, but noone will stop you.

[HDG]

Originally Posted by DHCJr

You don't say, but I assume you are talking Foil. Before, handles were required to be taped, because if they were not taped, this would put your opponent at a disadvantage, if your handle came in contact with your lame. Now it is just the opposite. It is too your disadvantage to not tape your handle. Thus the rule is still 'On the books', but is not enforced.

So now, they can just use a painted handle or something else without maring it with tape. You can still tape and it is to your advantage, but noone will stop you.

DHCJr,
Thanks for the response; I remember the basis for requiring some sort of insulation, tape or other, but why is it that now the party using an un-taped (or presumably any un-insulated foil) is at a disadvantage?

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by HDG

DHCJr,
Thanks for the response; I remember the basis for requiring some sort of insulation, tape or other, but why is it that now the party using an un-taped (or presumably any un-insulated foil) is at a disadvantage?

If you touch an uninsulated grip to your lame, your grip and guard (and blade, though I've never seen a tip set off on the opponents blade) will become valid target area, so if your grip touches your lame while parrying your opponents tip with your bell, the hit will register valid.

[kalivor]

Originally Posted by HDG

DHCJr,
Thanks for the response; I remember the basis for requiring some sort of insulation, tape or other, but why is it that now the party using an un-taped (or presumably any un-insulated foil) is at a disadvantage?

The foil guard is grounded. The lame is not.

It used to be that the contact between the guard (or uninsulated grip) and the lame would ground the lame, causing hits on the offending fencer not to register.

With newer machines, that has been reversed. Instead of grounding the lame, contact between the guard (or uninsulated grip) and the lame causes the guard to become valid target -- generally not an advantageous situation.

[HDG]

Thanks, definitely the sorts of changes someone coming back to the sport should be aware of.