i'm sorta a noob with electric stuff....

[Welted 24/7]

LPs. My cheap, Fencing Post two-prongs have never once died on me.

[telkanuru]

Since I've done armoury for two teams now, I've seen both die in spectacular ways. I do find the bayonett easier to fix because I hate the clamshell case. In any case, you should get whichever your club uses so you can borrow if necessary.

[Aerevon]

thanks for all the input...another random question, has anyone ordered any of the Blue Gauntlet electric sets? The foil one sells $104 which is basically cheaper then all the individual parts added up, if you're counting the cheapest they carry. I'm assuming they use the cheap ones in the sets...?

[rsy]

The BG blades (and their SG blades too) are very light but are very soft as well. The problem is that becasue they are so soft, they are not as durable and they are easily kinked or broken. If you make a mistake in distance you can lose one of these blades on the first bout. The Blade/FenceSmart/PhysicalChess house brand Fleche blade (not their econo model) is more rigid and more durable and their Super Elite is a pretty good choice as well. Amanda's new shop, Absolute Fencing, has comparable prices, but I don't know anyone who has purchased her Absolute blades. She does say that they are stiffer and more durable than the BG/SG blades.

The kits tend to have the bottom of the line stuff unless you upgrade and if you call the shop they will normally give you a small break on the price of an upgrade.

There is nothing wrong with starting out with the cheaper stuff. The less expensive lames will last a season or two as will the bottom of the line body cords, as long as you maintain and care for them properly. I have a few cheap blue BG body cords that are going into their 5th season. They still work fine, they are just a little shorter than when the started.

My advice is not to blow your budget out on higher priced equipment until you have the experience to know what you want. In a year or two you will know what you want and be better able to make your higher priced purchases the right ones.

-r

[mrbiggs]

thanks for all the input...another random question, has anyone ordered any of the Blue Gauntlet electric sets? The foil one sells $104 which is basically cheaper then all the individual parts added up, if you're counting the cheapest they carry. I'm assuming they use the cheap ones in the sets...?

It's not a bad idea for your first tournament, but the BG lamé and blades aren't too good. The fencing post's lamé costs the same, but is higher quality.

As for the blades, get an FIE blade as soon as you can afford one. Cheap blades rarely save money in the long run, and you have a nicer blade if you buy a good one.

I don't have a problem with BG bodycords, but I'm probably the only one.

[Zara_athlen]

from now on im calling all electric weapons 'wet'