Taping epees?

[JAnthony]

I'm looking at electrical epees and leaning toward German tips based on this forum's feedback about their durability. The exception seems to be damage to the tip screws. Is it permitted to tape an epee barrel to protect the screws? Does this cause any problems?

[Purple Fencer]

If your opponent somehow lands the his point on your tape (it can happen) his shot won't go to ground like if me het the bell guard...touch for him.

[SJCFU#2]

Why?

Besides offering your opponent additional target, unless you remove the tape frequently enough to find each loose screw your first hint of trouble will probably come when the tip shoots out after the second screw works its way loose. Referees may make you remove the tape in order to verify that both screws are in place (i.e. you have properly conforming weapon) prior to starting the bout.

Most people find it easier just to check both screws regularly to make sure they are still tight. Are you sure you aren't thinking of foil screws, which extend beyond the barrel and are much more vulnerable to damage?

[DHCJr]

I must agree with the 2 above. The epee screws do not stick out. But here is an even better reason for not taping. The weapon may not work. Look at how the Epee is designed. The screws must move freely down a slot. You tape it and get it on tight. Will the screws move freely?

[CvilleFencer]

It is only the German foil points that are radically differant in design. In epee the designs are pretty much the same, just that German tips are made to better tolerances and have a much smother travel and better steel. In foil, that is where the German tips have problems, as they do not countersink their screw heads, but leave they out to get smashed up and poke holes in you tape.

German or Leon Paul tips are the only way to go in Epee... with the possible exception of some of the Estoc or Negrinni screwless tips if you have lots of money and lots of weapons to put them on.

[JAnthony]

Thank you! What a great forum - so many of us less-informed folks would be in the dark without the help you all provide.

[Purple Fencer]

It is only the German foil points that are radically differant in design. In epee the designs are pretty much the same, just that German tips are made to better tolerances and have a much smother travel and better steel. In foil, that is where the German tips have problems, as they do not countersink their screw heads, but leave they out to get smashed up and poke holes in you tape.

German or Leon Paul tips are the only way to go in Epee... with the possible exception of some of the Estoc or Negrinni screwless tips if you have lots of money and lots of weapons to put them on.

If you're going to go screwless (boy...THAT sounded bad), go with the Estoc...they can be used with any German or French wire...the Negrinis use a proprietary wire that can only be used with their point design.

[Zilverzmurfen]

It's already been said: don't tape.
You could try using LocTite to secure the screws (am not sure what the correct name of the fluid would be in english, sorry).

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

It's already been said: don't tape.
You could try using LocTite to secure the screws (am not sure what the correct name of the fluid would be in english, sorry).

I have taped the epee wires as a quick-fix to pop-outs in training weapons, and close to the hole in the bell, where gluing is often less than perfect. However, if you do that - see to it that it is special conductive tape (costs a lot, and can be bought in some speciality shops). This tape has an incredibly strong glue, is very tough, and takes away all conductance problem.

LocTite är ett samlingsnamn för många kemiska produkter från ett och samma företag, men jag tror att folk fattar vad du menar.

Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[Zilverzmurfen]

Jag tänkte på "skruvlåsningen" men kunde för mitt liv inte komma på vad det kunde heta på engelska...

"Screw tightening fluid" kanske?

[fencinman89]

AHHHHH different languages oh no. Just kidding, I thnk its good that there is more than one language on the board, but back to the topic. If u were goin to tape ur epee tips, only do it whenu travel and when u get to ur club or to a meet tighten the screws.
-Tre'

[The Armourer]

As far as I know this would not be acceptable in an international competition - the tape will not conduct electricity and if struck by your opponent will register a valid hit. On balance not a good idea I would have thought.

The Armourer