Foil size: 5 vs 4

[soygirl]

After fencing for about 8 months with a sz 5 blade that was given to me by my coach, he just took me for a lesson with a sz 4 and told me it was what he had learned with (hey, then why didn't I start on it??? :P) I guess he wanted me to be able to feel the difference. Anyway, I found that the weight reduction and the added control was really amazing, and I am now considering making my first blade purchase, a Leon Paul sz 4 Maraging FIE. I am 5'7" and female, so my reach is not extremely long, nor exceedingly short.

What is your experience with a 5 vs a 4, what do you see as the positives and negatives of each?

[The Armourer]

I thought all adults fenced with size 5 blades.

I know that smaller blade sizes are used for age group competitions in the UK - the extract below is for the popular LPJS series:

"Maximum blade size:
U9 Foil size 3, Epee size 2, Sabre size 0
U11 & U13's: Foil size 3, Epee size 2, Sabre size 2.
U15, U17 & U19's: Size 5 for all weapons."

I believe our old coach explained to me that the blade size was essentially related to the number of inches shorter the blade was in relation to a full-length blade. If this is correct then your losing (i.e. 5 minus 4) one-inch in reach compared to a size 5 blade so I suppose it comes down to trading this loss against your increased 'comfort' with the size 4 blade.

I have to say that I remember when Alain was fencing in the LPJS competitions he sometimes fenced with a shorter blade than his age 'entitled' him to because he felt more comfortable with it.

[Alain]

After fencing for about 8 months with a sz 5 blade that was given to me by my coach, he just took me for a lesson with a sz 4 and told me it was what he had learned with (hey, then why didn't I start on it??? :P) I guess he wanted me to be able to feel the difference. Anyway, I found that the weight reduction and the added control was really amazing, and I am now considering making my first blade purchase, a Leon Paul sz 4 Maraging FIE. I am 5'7" and female, so my reach is not extremely long, nor exceedingly short.

What is your experience with a 5 vs a 4, what do you see as the positives and negatives of each?

Advantage of a Size 5: a little bit longer. Disadvantage: a little bit heavier.
Advantage of a Size 4: a little bit lighter. Disadvantage: a little bit shorter.

So really, there's not much difference. Everyone tends to use a 5 because... well, just because really. It all comes down to your own preference - if you really feel more comfortable using a size 4, then go for it ! Size doesn't matter. Well, I mean, it depends...