PBT - are they a good brand?

[capa]

Hi,

I have tried searching but have found nothing.

Does anyone have an opinion about PBT? I just purchased a 1600N PBT mask but it was cheaper than masks sold by other vendors ($160 cheaper than Prieur, $50 cheaper than Uhlmann, $40 cheaper than Allstar and $90 cheaper than Leon Paul). Does that mean the mask is of inferior quality? Or, do the other vendors simply like to make alot of profits?

It is FIE approved and 1600N and PBT looks like a reputable company.

In short, did I get a good deal and is PBT a good company with good quality equipment?

[reposte]

Yes you did.
PBT are as good as any European brand, considerably cheaper at times.
They've got this upsetting think about nett/gross prices which made me avert my eyes angrily when I was in search of breeches but other then that - you made a good deal.

As a matter of fact, you may see "made in Hungary" on some of Uhlmann's products (I've noticed it on my Uhlmann glove and I also have a wonderful PBT glove) and I suspect it's the same make.

[CvilleFencer]

PBT is a top-notch company easily up there with Uhlmann/Allstar and even LP on most things (LPs tailoring and attention to detail are just the best IMHO). Here in the US the local vendor has an exclusive contract and enjoys economically raping US fencers by selling almost everything with close to a 100% markup so it is as much or more than Uhlmann/Allstar and most people in the US do not even know that it "should" be the best deal in Fencing!

I have never seen anything from PBT that was not at least comparable in quality to Uhlmann and I have gone through a lot of gear for our club.

[S. Hunter]

From my limited experiance with them, their quality is great and so are their prices. IMO their fencing shoes are just as good as any adidas make for a fraction of the price, and whenever I've fenced with a class blade or borrowed weapon of their make it seems fairly good.

[achilleus]

PBT's alright. I have some stuff of theirs, and I will say that it's cheaper than Uhlmann/Allstar, and some of the items are the same quality.

That said, they lack consistency and some attention to detail.
I liked their uniform until I realized they did not have the extra collar on the neck. Catching a point on my throat wasn't cool...

Yeah, I never buy from the US dealers, might as well go U/A for the prices they charge...

Still, everything compared to U/A lacks in one area or another...

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

everything from them is awesome except for their non fie epee blades. They take kinks easy.

[Dee EffEll]

A local fencer's FIE PBT mask failed a punch test within a few months of purchase. I would ask about their warranty on such things.