Dude, what's up with the new LP jacket?

[cornflower]

Your opinions??
http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_product_sheets/004.htm

I think it's a good idea... but the colour!! ERLACK!

[esskreemr]

I think it's sweet. It's specifically for clubs (or growing kids, I guess). It will be kind of like bowling shoes. So ugly, no one will want to steal them.

[lochinvar]

I like it. The color doesn't bother me. I wish all jackets had the double straps for adjusting the fit...

[CsmaCD]

This is a nice idea, but impractical. A club which used these would, in essence, be requiring new members to purchase a jacket before doing any competition.

This should be offered in white, or a 'legal' colour.

Maybe clubs could keep both, new fencers get the blue ones, experineced get white, like the karate belt system. This might encourage newbies to 'earn' their white jacket & be able to compete, but I'm not sure such a system is currently workable.

[achilleus]

You forgot to show the matching club, comfort fit blue mask.

I think it's great. Distinctive, flattering color, with straps for a customized fit. LP lists all the benefits from less dirt showing to stealability.

As for club gear being used for tournaments, I don't think it's a problem. My club provides the beginners class with equipment, past that, you're on your own. So, it makes sense.

[downunder]

This is a nice idea, but impractical. A club which used these would, in essence, be requiring new members to purchase a jacket before doing any competition.

the competitions these new fencers would be doing would not adhere to the rules that strictly, and assuming they were fencing foil and wearing a aprroved lame, they would not be in contractiction of the rules anyways.

[cornflower]

I think it's sweet. It's specifically for clubs (or growing kids, I guess). It will be kind of like bowling shoes. So ugly, no one will want to steal them.

Hahaha! Good comparision!

[Black Jeebus]

That looks awesome to me. I like all the ideas they have presented.

[mrbiggs]

I really like the idea, but it's a bit pricey-about $135 U.S. I realize that it's not a low-quality jacket, but I think that most clubs can't afford that for their beginner classes, even if they do save on the plastron.

[glowstix]

Your opinions??
http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_product_sheets/004.htm

I think it's a good idea... but the colour!! ERLACK!

it looks terrible to me. anything with back closure sucks!! i once had a zipper clip break off my first jacket (back zipper) and it was a pain to deal with afterwards.

[Black Jeebus]

Yeah but the more inconvinient the club equipment is the sooner the newbies will want to get their own.

[lochinvar]

This is a nice idea, but impractical. A club which used these would, in essence, be requiring new members to purchase a jacket before doing any competition.

In the US, any color is allowed up to but excluding NACs, Summer Nationals and the qualifying paths thereto: Sectionals (Division IA qualifiers) and Division II/III qualifiers.

Since I wouldn't expect Newbies to be going to NACs or Summer Nationals, it shouldn't be a problem. However, you are correct in that they would have to buy new kit to compete on that level--but that probably would be a year or two away for most of them...

[grotto]

it looks terrible to me. anything with back closure sucks!! i once had a zipper clip break off my first jacket (back zipper) and it was a pain to deal with afterwards.

back zip is inconvenient but for a club, having a jacket that either right or left handed fencers can wear is invaluable. Great concept, terrible price.

[esskreemr]

Exactly. In addition, how long will they want to be called the "Blue Boys", or perhaps smurfs will become the term for noobs...

The equipment is there, but a little extra nudge to get your own gear. It's also pretty easy to determine what is club gear and what isn't.

[Black Jeebus]

Hey! New fencing lingo. No longer shall fencing use the universally understood newb/noob/n00b, it is decreed that all new fencers henceforth shall be known as "smurfs".

[Gav]

I think it's a good idea. The 'ick' factor on the colour will help clubs keep their kit.

[Zilverzmurfen]

all new fencers henceforth shall be known as "smurfs".

Be afraid, be very afraid... *evil grin*

[Zara_athlen]

the best part about the design in the foam padding inside. Thats good for new fencers who are not used to getting poked with a foil or epee.

[melihop]

I really like these jackets!!!! I like colored uniforms and stuff, they are pretty, though i would never be daring enough to wear them. The strap thing is a good idea, expecially for clubs, beacuse you are more likely to get a proper fitting jacket!!!! Which is annoying when y ou are still trying to decide if you like the sport enough to buy your own stuff, but can't find a jacket that you can breathe in!

[Kat]

The price tag of almost £75 seems unrealistic to me, especially considering they also sell jackets that are much cheaper. I would be surprised if many clubs could afford more than a handful of them.