Visor Masks - Tinting the Visor?

[Boo Boo]

Ok, am looking for practical information (from senior armourers or anyone else who has tried it etc.) rather than comments on my poor taste...

I have taken the plunge and ordered a visor mask (partly because of the likelihood that they will be compulsory at A-grades from the 2005 Senior World Champs, partly because I have been thinking for a while that I might benefit from the clearer vision).

Although the (rather frightening) "look of concentration" I usually have when I fence could probably stop a lot of people's hearts (good thing!), I am aware that my eyes may well communicate other expressions that I don't want people to see...

So, has anyone here used any "tints" behind the lexon (am considering applying a tinted film, possibly even a mirrored tinted film!). At one point, Katalin Varga (Hungarian WF) used to have a slight dark tint to her PBT lexon visor. At the moment there are no rules specifically against this, but that may change... (especially against a mirrored finish - since the idea of making lexon masks compulsory at world cups is so that television viewers can see your eyes...).

Boo
(thinking tinted film is easier than practicing a poker face...)

[Prometheus]

Rather then somehow trying to dye the polycarbonate, I would probably go with a colored film applied to the shield. That way it is removable if the rules change and has less chance of damaging the underlying material. The material is fairly robust, but, personally, I would avoid “voiding the warrantee” on something designed to protect your face.

Colored contact paper might work and should be available from a craft store. Or any other colored film that has adhesive on one side.

What would probably be optimal is something like these "goggle skinz"

Either that, or convince Leon Paul to make shields out of factory colored polycarbonate. The shields are made from the same material that Nalgene uses for their bottles, so anything in their color spectrum should be possible.

This is all of course pure conjecture as I have never owned a clear mask myself, nor do I purport to be an expert in materials science.

[Zilverzmurfen]

This "skin" on you visor would look quite nice!

[Boo Boo]

Thank Prometheus - very interesting.

Yes, was thinking about applying a film tint (rather than anything paint/spray on) too.

The site tat you liked too is very interesting (like the national flags - that's a cool idea) - good idea.

Am probably thinking of a plain tinted/mirrored film (I am far too boring for anything too flash...) that doesn't effect the vision colour/quality too much (otherwise sort of negates some of the reasons for having a clear visor mask in the first place).

Boo

[Boo Boo]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

This "skin" on you visor would look quite nice!

Yes, thought that was amusing too (preferably with a "?!" after it... )

Boo

[Maeve_Mari]

Originally Posted by Prometheus

Rather then somehow trying to dye the polycarbonate, I would probably go with a colored film applied to the shield. That way it is removable if the rules change and has less chance of damaging the underlying material. The material is fairly robust, but, personally, I would avoid “voiding the warrantee” on something designed to protect your face.

Colored contact paper might work and should be available from a craft store. Or any other colored film that has adhesive on one side.

What would probably be optimal is something like these "goggle skinz"

Either that, or convince Leon Paul to make shields out of factory colored polycarbonate. The shields are made from the same material that Nalgene uses for their bottles, so anything in their color spectrum should be possible.

This is all of course pure conjecture as I have never owned a clear mask myself, nor do I purport to be an expert in materials science.

A-
You sound like you know about the materials sciences... one thing though, if you get a colored film it won't need an adhesive because it would just stick to the Nalgene. It'll make it easier to remove too. You can find the film at craft or fabric stores too. They sell that stuff for projects.

Sunglasses underneath - even slightly tinted decorative ones will hide your eyes. Or the gooogly eyes like the World Poker Tour champ wore!!!

[Boo Boo]

Originally Posted by Maeve_Mari

Or the gooogly eyes like the World Poker Tour champ wore!!!

I was hoping to hide any negative emotion, but making my opponent laugh themselves until they pass out MAY be another option...

Boo

[parrythis]

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

Am probably thinking of a plain tinted/mirrored film (I am far too boring for anything too flash...) that doesn't effect the vision colour/quality too much

You could try going to your local automotive supply store. They sell windshield tint strips that you can apply to the top 4" (or so) of your car's windshield. It should stick easily when you apply it and still be removable. I'm not sure the optical quality is sufficient for our purposes, but it's a cheap experiment.

[Purple Fencer]

*waggles hand back & forth* Pretty sure you'll really cut down your own visibility if you apply tinting film to the mask....an example...

Our show for the Sr drum corps I march in last season was the music of "Earth, Wind & Fire"...kinda disco-ish. Since I'm the drum major, I turn and salute the audience to signify when we're ready to begin.

For a visual effect, I applied silver auto window tinting film (by taping hte edges down) to a pair of flip down shades.

Even in bright sunlight, I couldn;t see through them. Granted I was looking through 2 pairs of flip down shades in addition to the tinting, but you get the idea.

Here's a pic of me, btw (yeah...I look like a pimp!)

[Maeve_Mari]

Here you go:

Give 'em some religion!

[ReverseLunge]

I thought the whole point of the FIE insisting clear masks to be worn was to make fencing more viewer personal. As in, "Look at his eyes! He looks so focused!"

Mesh is way better.

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by Boo Boo

Ok, am looking for practical information (from senior armourers or anyone else who has tried it etc.) rather than comments on my poor taste...

I have taken the plunge and ordered a visor mask (partly because of the likelihood that they will be compulsory at A-grades from the 2005 Senior World Champs, partly because I have been thinking for a while that I might benefit from the clearer vision).

Although the (rather frightening) "look of concentration" I usually have when I fence could probably stop a lot of people's hearts (good thing!), I am aware that my eyes may well communicate other expressions that I don't want people to see...

So, has anyone here used any "tints" behind the lexon (am considering applying a tinted film, possibly even a mirrored tinted film!). At one point, Katalin Varga (Hungarian WF) used to have a slight dark tint to her PBT lexon visor. At the moment there are no rules specifically against this, but that may change... (especially against a mirrored finish - since the idea of making lexon masks compulsory at world cups is so that television viewers can see your eyes...).

Boo
(thinking tinted film is easier than practicing a poker face...)

Yeah, umm, isn't that the point of the masks? So everyone can see your eyes? Therefore, by tinting it, you might as well get a mesh mask, right?

If you're an international fencer and are required to wear one, though, it's not a bad idea. And it probably looks pretty pimp to have tinted windows on your mask.

[Boo Boo]

Originally Posted by mrbiggs

Yeah, umm, isn't that the point of the masks? So everyone can see your eyes? Therefore, by tinting it, you might as well get a mesh mask, right?

No, the reason for getting one is to see better (which is one of the reasons I am slightly weary of tints too - don't want into to undo the improved vision...)

Originally Posted by mrbiggs

If you're an international fencer and are required to wear one, though, it's not a bad idea. And it probably looks pretty pimp to have tinted windows on your mask.

Maybe required to wear one - they are talking about making it compulsory from this October (for all weapons), from this March for sabre.

I am just wondering how long it will take the FIE to ban tints/colours/reflective visors...

Boo

[Inquartata]

If they do, and if the things ever become compulsory down to my level, I will wear a ski mask and sunglasses. I do not think even Roche can ban prescription glasses.

Or hey, maybe I'll get "F***" tattooed beneath my right eye and "Roche" beneath the left...

[CutLass]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Our show for the Sr drum corps I march in last season was the music of "Earth, Wind & Fire"...kinda disco-ish. Since I'm the drum major, I turn and salute the audience to signify when we're ready to begin.


Here's a pic of me, btw (yeah...I look like a pimp!)

What was the name of your corps? Purple looks like SD Alliance, but that would be too far for you - ???

[drippingwet]

Boo, why don't you wear sunnies under your mask? Alternatively, you could try tactical feints (with your eyes) e.g. look at the floor, to make the opponent think you've lost concentration, and then parry riposte. This might be especially effective with an added yawn. You might be able to stick your tongue out at your opponent and pull all sorts of ugly faces in an attempt to make them lose concentration. Have you ever stared into someone's eyes and they've stared right back, and eventually one of you bursts out laughing... you could try that, then make a nice lunge into the chest (which might not register because of another rule change). Also, when close quarters fencing, is there any rule which says you can't breathe condensation onto the opponent's visor in order to obscure their vision? If it's allowed, you could also try fleching past with a big breath of air, in order to set you up for an easy attack next time round. But if the fencer then starts clearing their visor, then the FIE might throw the visor masks out and then all these revolutionary tactics will be lost.



P.S. Is the visor still condensation-able?

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Or hey, maybe I'll get "F***" tattooed beneath my right eye and "Roche" beneath the left...

Well I never! Such language!

Anywho, I've done eye fakes before in epee with mesh masks, but they only work against reasonably unskilled fencers. They're lots of fun when you pull them off, though.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by CutLass

What was the name of your corps? Purple looks like SD Alliance, but that would be too far for you - ???

Well, San Diego is where I'm from, but Alliance folded for the season (maybe permantly...kinda hard to compete for members when you've got Esperanza -- a Div II champion -- a half hour drive away).

I'm actually a Blue Devil alum (1984), but I currently march with Dream Sr.

p.s.....we could always use more people for our "Kill Bill" show this year... http://www.socaldream.org

[KShan5[PrFC]]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

*waggles hand back & forth* Pretty sure you'll really cut down your own visibility if you apply tinting film to the mask....an example...

Our show for the Sr drum corps I march in last season was the music of "Earth, Wind & Fire"...kinda disco-ish. Since I'm the drum major, I turn and salute the audience to signify when we're ready to begin.

For a visual effect, I applied silver auto window tinting film (by taping hte edges down) to a pair of flip down shades.

Even in bright sunlight, I couldn;t see through them. Granted I was looking through 2 pairs of flip down shades in addition to the tinting, but you get the idea.

Here's a pic of me, btw (yeah...I look like a pimp!)

Those are so pretty snazy uniforms...wish I could wear something like that.....(kidding of course).

[KShan5[PrFC]]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Well, San Diego is where I'm from, but Alliance folded for the season (maybe permantly...kinda hard to compete for members when you've got Esperanza -- a Div II champion -- a half hour drive away).

I'm actually a Blue Devil alum (1984), but I currently march with Dream Sr.

p.s.....we could always use more people for our "Kill Bill" show this year... http://www.socaldream.org

Wow, can I just say, the BDs are my favorite corps. I only get to watch the finals on tape or on CBS, but they always have the best music. And on the DCI Finals CD, no one beats them.