In the market for a new sabre mask

[Welted 24/7]

Okay, so before the nationals last year I had to get myself my own mask, since I'd been using my club's old and probably unsafe equipment. I bought a JL mask because I needed something to use that didn't cost too much, and it's pretty much falling apart not after only a few months of use. I need something that can stand up to the stresses of competition without having it's rivets fall out.

So far my number one choice is an Uhlmann FIE mask, but does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Purple Fencer]

The Negrini FIE's nice...the shape's a touch different than the JL/Uhlmann model...where JL and Uhlmann have a nice smooth "U" shape to the mask (at the back, where your head goes), the Negrinis slant inward right about the corners of the head. Feels wierd to me.

I sell the Negini FIE for $200 (blasted change in the Euro!) and the Uhlmann FIE for $217 ($232 for the model withthe removable inner bib)

I don't sell the Uhlmann non_FIEs because they were having a tendancy to rust a little while back.

I used to push the JLs as an inexpensive sabre mask...but that was before the cheek plates kepp getting knocked off. The Negrini cheek plates are much more flush to the surface of the mask...less likely to get hacked off.

[Welted 24/7]

Thanks for the help. And I know what you mean...my coach told me the JL would do for what I needed it for, but I would get what I paid for. He was right, the rivets in the cheekplates started coming off at the beginning of last month and the stitches for the head strap have been fraying for longer than that. It's basically being held together by prayer at this point.

[Peach]

I have the Negrini FIE sabre mask and I love it. It has already lasted longer than my Uhlmanns did.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Peach

I have the Negrini FIE sabre mask and I love it. It has already lasted longer than my Uhlmanns did.

My female student has one...never a prob. I may decide to buy one for myself and retire my Uhlmann (which is actually a size too large). 'Course, the joy of being a vendor is I buy stuff for myself and a better discount (I make no money on the sale, but what they hey...)

[neevel]

I lean towards the Leon Paul X-change mask, since it will end up saving you money and hassle when the lame bib wears out. It also doesn't have the cheek rivets & plates that are prone to getting pulled away on other masks. Given that it's listing for $230 at the LP USA site (with shipping included), it's not uncompetitive with the Uhlmann in terms of price.

The Negrini FIEs are comfortable, well-made masks and wouldn't be a bad choice at all.

-Dave

[CvilleFencer]

I have never gotten my own saber mask, but have used a lot of masks in general. I would agree that the Neginni's are a very well made mask, although I had heard of some recent quality control problems. One option that has not been mentioned here yet are the Priuer masks. They are very well made and will stand up to quite a beating. Iwould say they are just as good as the Uhlmann or Negrinni in my experiance.

They are also a bit cheaper at only $148 at Blue Guantlet under the specials section. They have a very robust and thick bib that takes shots very well and is very quick to dry. I would really suggest you take a look at them if money is a concern at all as I think they are a great option. Failing that I would go with the LP Xchange system mask for all the reasons that Neevel mentions, and you really can't go wrong with LP kit for quality.

[i'mnottelling]

[quote=CvilleFencer] I would agree that the Neginni's are a very well made mask, although I had heard of some recent quality control problems. One option that has not been mentioned here yet are the Priuer masks. They are very well made and will stand up to quite a beating. Iwould say they are just as good as the Uhlmann or Negrinni in my experiance.


I've has quality control issues with the Negrinis. Our club purchased three of them a few years ago. The mesh was failing the punch test within four months. The mask were not abused either. I recently looked at some at a vendors table. I could flex the mesh with my fingers.

I would agree with you about the Prieurs. They can take a beating. Does anyone still sell them in the US?

i'mnt

[CvilleFencer]

Originally Posted by i'mnottelling

I would agree with you about the Prieurs. They can take a beating. Does anyone still sell them in the US? i'mnt

Blue Guantlet has them under their "specials" section, and at a very good price. This is the link: http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/cgi-bin...=7897818.27255

[Purple Fencer]

[quote=i'mnottelling]

Originally Posted by CvilleFencer

I would agree that the Neginni's are a very well made mask, although I had heard of some recent quality control problems. One option that has not been mentioned here yet are the Priuer masks. They are very well made and will stand up to quite a beating. Iwould say they are just as good as the Uhlmann or Negrinni in my experiance.


I've has quality control issues with the Negrinis. Our club purchased three of them a few years ago. The mesh was failing the punch test within four months. The mask were not abused either. I recently looked at some at a vendors table. I could flex the mesh with my fingers.

I beloieve that's been solved (I failed a number of masks at scholastic events last year for the same reason). They'd gotton some bad mesh form their supplier. It should be noted that the only faulures were in the non-FIE masks. I've never heard of the same prob with the FIE level masks.

They have now been applying some of their FIE treating processes to the non-FIE masks, so the problem should be solved.

[sabrebelle]

My vote goes for the Leon Paul FIE X-change mask. It is the most comfortable and the lightest I've ever used. Bonus points for the removable padding and replaceable bib. I've been using mine for a year now in practice and competition and may need to replace my bib (for the first time) before it passes in Richmond. I will continue to use the "old" bib for practice. The rest of the mask shows very little wear.

If you search for them, there are numerous other threads like this one with mask commentary.

[Welted 24/7]

Thanks for all the input, but I can get a deal on an Uhlmann FIE mask for $185. I'm going for that.

[CvilleFencer]

The Fencing Post has them for $173.00 just as FYI. With the current exchange rate, unless you are ordering a fair amount of kit they are almost as cheap as ordering from Germany.

[Welted 24/7]

On second thought, I just looked at the Duellist site, and I can get one of their FIE 1600N masks for $165. That sounds like a hell of a deal, but is it gonna backfire on me like the JL one did?

[Welted 24/7]

A little help on the Duellist mask? Does anybody have any experience with them who can tell me if it's worth it or not?

[mackillian]

All I can say about Duellist is that I have a jacket, plastron and pants from them and love 'em. Customer service is great as well.

My mask is LP, though. Wish I could be of more help.

[Alain]

Originally Posted by Welted 24/7

A little help on the Duellist mask? Does anybody have any experience with them who can tell me if it's worth it or not?

I have two Duellist masks, they're both of the highest quality, are very comfortable, and have lasted very well.
The first one is their 1600N Extreme - http://www.duellist.com/UK/fencing.c...=Masks&pid=660 - the inner lining is a superb idea.
The second is their flashy visor mask, the "C-Thru" - http://www.duellist.com/UK/fencing.c...ks-New&pid=690 - I've had it ages and it's the best mask I've ever used (my old LP visor mask got binned).

I hope this helps

[Welted 24/7]

Awesome, thanks a lot. 165 for an electric FIE sabre mask sounds like a great deal and it's good to know I won't get ripped off or anything.

[Inquartata]

Yes, that's about what I paid for my Allstar FIE 3 or 4 years ago, and given the depreciation of the dollar since then I'd say it's a very good price indeed...

( With the caveat that I don't know anything about Duellist gear personally. )

[Point_Left]

http://www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13497

I still haven't ordered mine... I guess it'll be my Christmas present to me.