Leon paul mask legality question

[Ben[PrFC]]

Well I recently graduated highschool(huzzah me..) and as such I have some extra cash from relatives etc. Now..I could save it or invest it or something. But I really want a new mask
And what with summer nationals coming up, I figure now's as good a time as any. I did some research and found one that I love. It seems perfect. It's the Leon Paul X-change Sabre Mask.
Reading their website, <a href="http://www.leonpaul.com/main/main.html" target="_blank">http://www.leonpaul.com/main/main.html</a> it says the bib is detachable from the mask, and can be replaced if it is torn. Good deal,as the current problem I'm having with my mask is the bib and lame` material attached to the side of the mask is starting to tear, and I don't enjoy looking on nervously as I wonder whether or not the armorer will pass my mask.

But now to my concern. Is this mask legal for usfa competition? I know the rules say that the bib must be sewn into the mask, and this past weekend at a tournament a man in front of me's mask didn't pass inspection because the bib was fixed on with buttons.
So...would this leon paul mask be legal for usfa competition? Also, if so does anybody know anyone else besides the leon paul website where I could order this mask or something like it from?
Thanks in advance.

[Zelda]

Ben ,if the USFA rules follow the FIE rules, then if the Leon Paul Mask is FIE I cant see why it wouldnt be legal. If I remember looking at it awhile ago it was legal in Australia and they follow the FIE rules.

[sallearmourer]

After seeing the protype of the mask and talking with Barry Paul its legal for USFA
Competation. Matter of fact they were used in the World cup at boston. The problem with the snap on bibs is the fact that they come undone. Santelli carries the Leon Paul mask.

Tim

[edew]

And one more voice of reassurance:

I saw several fencers at the Div I Nationals in Louisville KY wearing that particular style of fencing mask.

I think the recent innovations in fencing equipment, with this detachable bib, Uhlmann (and AllStar and Prieur)'s detachable inner lining, the Favero machines (as well as the Eclipse and others), and the Adidas branded jackets and colored lames, are all indicators that fencing is increasing in popularity.

New stuff I've just checked out on American Fencers's website are the new schermasport foil and epee tips. They look pretty darn good, and I might just try one or two, once I get around to breaking some of my current equipment (all of which are in working condition).

[barry paul]

Hi, The Leon paul Contour X-Change sabre mask has been approved by F.I.E. at the last world Championships and are being used at A Grades. The bib takes a pull of over 0ne tonne (2400 pounds.) and passes the european CEN standard. regards Barry Paul M.D. Leon Paul

[three_hundred_fifty_five]

Just so you know, the snap-in bibs of the past actually snapped on with metal buttons. The buttons are kind of like the ones you see on motorcycle jackets. These are they kind that are not-legal.
The Leon Paul website states the bib is attached through slots and not buttons. I am curious to see how it attaches.

[Ben[PrFC]]

Thank you all for the help in answering my question. I've resolved to buy the mask from santelli when I get to south carolina. I appreciate all the input. Thanks again.