new fencer gear advice

[Calder]

Im a fairly new fencer. Ive actually been fencing most of my life, but am just now getting into it in a much more competetive way. With the intentions of competing and training seriously, does anyone have any advice as to which brands are best? Also, is it better to start with all non electric and then make the switch or is it better to just start off with the mid range competition gera ill need eventually anyways? Also, I did a lot of research and was failry impressed with most of the gear from Leon Paul but became slightly skeptical when reading a few reviews of the blades tendencies to get a bit soft over relatively short periods of time...thanks for any advice anyobne can give!

[CvilleFencer]

This subject has been asked and answered numerous times in the armoury section. I would suggest that you do a quick thread search there for your information and then ask more specific questions. For some general answers check out these threads:

http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthr...971#post137971
and
http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12980

Best of luck and welcome to the board!

[esskreemr]

If you're serious about competing, purchase, practice, and learn to repair electric blades. They tend to be heavier overall and have a different balance ( a little more tip heavy). You don't have to replace the springs until competition (I replacing them soon as they go soft) and a new tip will run about $3.00 (I go through about 3-6 a year depending on the quality of the tip).

Just some suggestions.

[Calder]

Thanks esskreemer & CvilleFencer for the info. Its helped steer me in the right direction a bit! Sorry to repeat such an oft asked question!

[esskreemr]

Originally Posted by Calder

Thanks esskreemer & CvilleFencer for the info. Its helped steer me in the right direction a bit! Sorry to repeat such an oft asked question!

Personally, I don't have a problem with a repetition of certain questions. I'm not sure why it gets other people's panties in a bunch...

[CvilleFencer]

No bunched panties here! I just did not feel like writing all that again! :-) Questions are good but if you have already answered them before I see no problem in pointing them to the correct threads. Sorry if I seemed curmudgeonly! Hey Esskreemr, are you planning on being at the Kickoff this year? I haven't seen you around in a while. TTYL!