Jacket Suggestions

[prototoast]

So I'm looking for a new jacket to replace my disgusting old one. I'd a good one, and particularly I'd like one that dries off quickly. FIE would be nice, but it's not essential, since I don't imagine I'll be competing international for a very long time (if ever). So now, the main issue is money. I don't exactly have a lot of it. I'm not looking to go cheap, but I don't really want to spend money unnecessarily, as money is too often a scarce resource. So basically, what's the best jacket for the least money. I'm also not looking to order from overseas, because given the exchange rate right now and the small nature of my order, I don't believe it would be worth it.

[glowstix]

what are you looking for?? stretch nylon? cotton? combination?? if you're not looking for anything FIE do you want name brand non-FIE or just any non FIE?? if you want name brand non FIE, i think all-star offers one for about $100. if you want non FIE anything, then you can't go wrong with anything from blue gauntlet (popular choice) or physical chess (my choice...primarily because of service). these will cost in the area of $45-$70 and are good enough. anything from santelli, triplette or any other will be over $70. i went with physical chess, like it and will probably buy from them if i ever needed another jacket. their stretch nylon is $65...about the average price.

also, check the product reviews page on this site since thats probably what everyone else will tell you to do.

[telkanuru]

The BG nylon front zip is a very good jacket. However, if you're looking for something possibly FIE, it should be noted that 1) BG now has an FIE line, and 2) I always must reccomend the Estoc jacket.

[achilleus]

If money's the main concern, then wait until you are going to an NAC, or someone you know and trust is going to an NAC. Have them pick you up a jacket cheaper.

If that's not an option, shop online at The Fencing Post.
20% off online orders, with a stretch nylon jacket listed at $69.

Uhlmann non-FIE listed at $129.

Uhlmann FIE sale (no 20% discount) for $179. Honestly, you can never go wrong with Uhlmann FIE. Durable, comfortable, and well worth the money.

[prototoast]

what are you looking for?? stretch nylon? cotton? combination?? if you're not looking for anything FIE do you want name brand non-FIE or just any non FIE?? if you want name brand non FIE, i think all-star offers one for about $100. if you want non FIE anything, then you can't go wrong with anything from blue gauntlet (popular choice) or physical chess (my choice...primarily because of service). these will cost in the area of $45-$70 and are good enough. anything from santelli, triplette or any other will be over $70. i went with physical chess, like it and will probably buy from them if i ever needed another jacket. their stretch nylon is $65...about the average price.

also, check the product reviews page on this site since thats probably what everyone else will tell you to do.

I'd probably prefer name brand and I'm not necessarily opposed to FIE, but it had better be worth the extra money beyond just it's necessity at international competitions.
I'd really like something nice. Something really nice. It's just, I don't really have the money for like the Uhlmann FIE stretch stuff (I have the uhlmann fie stretch knickers, and it would be awesome if I could get that in jacket form, but I can't justify the $300 price tag). So far, I've looked at the Allstar 350N jacket, as well as Pbt, Duellist, Leon Paul (but their shipping is a little prohibitive). So, I really want something nice.

[prototoast]

If money's the main concern, then wait until you are going to an NAC, or someone you know and trust is going to an NAC. Have them pick you up a jacket cheaper.

If that's not an option, shop online at The Fencing Post.
20% off online orders, with a stretch nylon jacket listed at $69.

Uhlmann non-FIE listed at $129.

Uhlmann FIE sale (no 20% discount) for $179. Honestly, you can never go wrong with Uhlmann FIE. Durable, comfortable, and well worth the money.

How much cheaper are things at a NAC? I have never gone myself (again, goes back to that money thing...). I've tried on an Uhlmann World Cup jacket, and I haven't liked it that much, though it's still an option I'm considering, since I know their stuff is good quality.

[mackillian]

I have a Duellist jacket that I still need to exchange. I SO wish I could wear it. It's well constructed, sweat wicking, and comfortable.

Aside from my shoulders being too big for it. If the jacket performs as well as their knickers and plastron do (I got those in the right sizes) I'd recommend them. And their customer service was great.

[achilleus]

I'd probably prefer name brand and I'm not necessarily opposed to FIE, but it had better be worth the extra money beyond just it's necessity at international competitions.
I'd really like something nice. Something really nice. It's just, I don't really have the money for like the Uhlmann FIE stretch stuff (I have the uhlmann fie stretch knickers, and it would be awesome if I could get that in jacket form, but I can't justify the $300 price tag). So far, I've looked at the Allstar 350N jacket, as well as Pbt, Duellist, Leon Paul (but their shipping is a little prohibitive). So, I really want something nice.

Have you checked Duellist - USA?
Shipping from Southern CA can't be that expensive...

But really, The Fencing Post is cheapest, except if you order from Europe. The World Cup/Athens FIE uniform is $140ish without shipping.

[achilleus]

How much cheaper are things at a NAC? I have never gone myself (again, goes back to that money thing...). I've tried on an Uhlmann World Cup jacket, and I haven't liked it that much, though it's still an option I'm considering, since I know their stuff is good quality.

A lot cheaper. No shipping, no tax, and sales.

Especially if you get them on the last day, before they pack up. The vendors usually want to ship as little as possible, and so that's when the best deals are made.

[mackillian]

I ordered from Duellist-USA and my stuff still got shipped from England. However, it was 4.95 per item for shipping.

[prototoast]

I ordered from Duellist-USA and my stuff still got shipped from England. However, it was 4.95 per item for shipping.

Sounds good.

So looking around, basically I'm thinking the best options in my range are Allstar 350N jacket at $100, PBT 350N jacket at $115, Duellist 350N jacket at $130, Uhlmann World Cup at $180 and the Estoc FIE at $210.

So any opinions between those?

At what point does the extra money no longer justify the added price?

And thanks to everyone who has helped.

[MyraTrue]

If that's not an option, shop online at The Fencing Post.
20% off online orders, with a stretch nylon jacket listed at $69.

Uhlmann non-FIE listed at $129.

Uhlmann FIE sale (no 20% discount) for $179. Honestly, you can never go wrong with Uhlmann FIE. Durable, comfortable, and well worth the money

.

I agree with Achilleus on this one- the Fencing Post is a good way to go. I actually own two sets of whites- I liked my Uhlmann worldcup jacket enough to buy another, despite the price. MY only complaint is over the issue that I have a long waist (so the jacket's a tad short on me: compensate with high-waisted knickers).

My original jacket has seen some heavy use (ie, 4-6 days a week of fencing, washed at least every two week for two years) and is still going strong. The jackets are very comfortable, have washed REALLY well (they come out white, they don't fall appart or deform, and dry quickly), and fit nicely- a must for epee.

Of course, this is my bias. But especially in epee, FIE is important to me. And knowing I could compete in any level competition with the jacket, even if I'll never be "that good."

Good luck figuring this one out, hope you find something you like!

[achilleus]

Sounds good.

So looking around, basically I'm thinking the best options in my range are Allstar 350N jacket at $100, PBT 350N jacket at $115, Duellist 350N jacket at $130, Uhlmann World Cup at $180 and the Estoc FIE at $210.

So any opinions between those?

At what point does the extra money no longer justify the added price?

And thanks to everyone who has helped.

If you're not going FIE, get either a house brand, or the Allstar/Uhlmann FIE. You won't be spending over $100, and they should last.

Any more than $100, and you might as well get the World Cup FIE. It's not that much more than the expensive 350 gear. Also, the FIE stuff lasts a lot longer than the non-FIE equipment. Enough to make it worth the price. Also remember that the PBT uniform, while expensive here, is dirt cheap (I mean dirt cheap) in Europe. It's only expensive here since there is only one distributor. I've noticed that their stuff is inconsistent. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, but even at it's best, it's not Allstar/Uhlmann.

Also, the FIE stuff lasts a lot longer than the non-FIE equipment. Enough to make it worth the price.

As for the Estoc stuff, never tried it. All I can really say is, it's not too popular at the world cup level. The French fencers are usually wearing Allstar, Soudet (gone now), Cartel, and sometimes Prieur. It could be great stuff. It does, however, say a lot to me that their market penetration is so weak in their home country.

[oso97]

I'd have to recomend the Estoc FIE. Very comfortable, excellent construction. Zippers that don't break, velcro that doesn't frazzle. Crotch strap is wide enough not to tangle. Mechanism in the back for securing the crotch strap is high quality. And they dry very quickly.

Swordmasters is a good stateside dealer for them. Excellent customer service.

[prototoast]

As for the Estoc stuff, never tried it. All I can really say is, it's not too popular at the world cup level. The French fencers are usually wearing Allstar, Soudet (gone now), Cartel, and sometimes Prieur. It could be great stuff. It does, however, say a lot to me that their market penetration is so weak in their home country.

Thanks again for your help. If the FIE stuff will last longer and hold up better, I certainly have no problem spending a little more on it. Your post got me curious and I checked out some of those French ones. I checked out Cartel and even with shipping, their FIE jacket cost a little less than an Uhlmann world cup jacket from the fencing post. So, do you have any info on their jackets. Basically, the cost between that and an Uhlmann is about the same, so I think my new decision (thanks to your advice) is between those two. So basically, is the Cartel jacket any good, or at least worth experimenting with? Keeping in mind, that when I tried on a World Cup jacket, I wasn't all that fond of it.

Again, thanks to you and everyone for your help. I appreciate it.

[P.B]

Prototoast,

If you weren't that fond of the WorldCup jacket - don't buy it!

I have tried on numerous jackets in the last few months (Uhlmann Olympia & WorldCup, LP Sydney, Duellist 800N, Tournois (my current jacket)) before deciding on a tailor-made Allstar Startex. But this would cost you USD300 + P&P.

However, I recently brought my wife a Leon Paul Competition jacket (350N) and I've been very impressed with the attention to detail, fit and finish AND it dries very quickly. In my opinion this is the next best jacket I've seen, although I haven't seen any of the Estoc range.

In my opinion it's worth spending the extra on a jacket you really like. On another thread 'Shoud I buy from LP or Santelli' there is a rumour that LP will set up a US distribution. It might be worth the wait.

[achilleus]

Thanks again for your help. If the FIE stuff will last longer and hold up better, I certainly have no problem spending a little more on it. Your post got me curious and I checked out some of those French ones. I checked out Cartel and even with shipping, their FIE jacket cost a little less than an Uhlmann world cup jacket from the fencing post. So, do you have any info on their jackets. Basically, the cost between that and an Uhlmann is about the same, so I think my new decision (thanks to your advice) is between those two. So basically, is the Cartel jacket any good, or at least worth experimenting with? Keeping in mind, that when I tried on a World Cup jacket, I wasn't all that fond of it.

Again, thanks to you and everyone for your help. I appreciate it.

It'll hold up a lot longer. At least the Allstar/Uhlmann FIE stuff will. As will the Leon Paul stuff. PBT, depends on the quality of that particular item.

I mean, I still have Uhlmann Olympia jacket and pants dated '95 that are still in good shape after being used for world cups and practice (3-4 days a week). It's worth the money if you want to keep your stuff a while.

As for Cartel, I don't know. I haven't seen the stuff up close and personal. I can tell you that the owner is the guy who ran Soudet, and their uniform was very light, comfortable, and durable. Not as durable as Allstar/Uhlmann, but lighter.

If you don't mind spending the money, order Allstar/Uhlmann from Europe. I think it's worth paying top dollar for known top quality equipment that will last.

[prototoast]

It'll hold up a lot longer. At least the Allstar/Uhlmann FIE stuff will. As will the Leon Paul stuff. PBT, depends on the quality of that particular item.

I mean, I still have Uhlmann Olympia jacket and pants dated '95 that are still in good shape after being used for world cups and practice (3-4 days a week). It's worth the money if you want to keep your stuff a while.

As for Cartel, I don't know. I haven't seen the stuff up close and personal. I can tell you that the owner is the guy who ran Soudet, and their uniform was very light, comfortable, and durable. Not as durable as Allstar/Uhlmann, but lighter.

If you don't mind spending the money, order Allstar/Uhlmann from Europe. I think it's worth paying top dollar for known top quality equipment that will last.

Interesting thought. I really don't have the money to go with a top quality uhlmann/allstar uniform. Given my financial situation (college student), there really is a big difference between $180 and $250.

So I guess my decision will be between the Cartel jacket or the uhlmann/allstar world cup. Generally, how much does shipping cost from germany?

[achilleus]

Interesting thought. I really don't have the money to go with a top quality uhlmann/allstar uniform. Given my financial situation (college student), there really is a big difference between $180 and $250.

So I guess my decision will be between the Cartel jacket or the uhlmann/allstar world cup. Generally, how much does shipping cost from germany?

I'm not too sure. Every time I've ordered, it's been in a group, so the shipping is broken down between 7 - 10 of us on a large order.

From Germany, the Allstar Startex runs about $235 without shipping. If you like the uniform that much more, save, use Christmas funds and order. It'll last.

[Dclax07]

I had the same question.
I dont want to start a new thread so:
Im looking for a mid/high range jacket. After i buy this one im not going to buy another one for at least 2-4 years.

Leon Paul Atlanta 135 USD
Estoc 350 N 124 USD
Duelllist 350 N 128 USD
Uhlmann 350 N 130 USD

Suggestions? Recommendations?

Thanks