Grips revisited.

[Fencer X]

Fencer X wrote:

Just FYI;

As the topic "sad story" seemed to create
such a ruckus, (and drew attention from
fencing sucks) I allowed chris to have the
final word, then deleted the topic. I'm
quite familiar with UBB, As initiator of the
post, I'm within my rights, to do so. Just
went too far, got too ugly, (despite some
good feedback from the bunch here.) Felt it
was the right thing, to maintain civility.

Next- Just started using a "belgian" grip.
One of my clubmates referred to it as the
"crippler"?!? grip. Said it could cause
carpal tunnel-type problems, with prolonged
use. I chose it, initially, as it had the
most comfortable feel. My friend highly
recomended the "visconti" grip, Anyone see
any advantage, of this type? (or any other?)

-Thanks,

Fencer X

[space_cadet]

Belgian only comes in one size but differs between manufacturers for the most part. Since it only comes in one size, it may not fit your hand properly resulting in uncomfortable fencing.

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Cadet à Space

Following up and agreeing w/ Space, the visconti's come in a variety of sizes and if you can find one thats fits well (WITH the glove on...) they are very comfortable and effective. I suggest you be open minded about it and try several different styles. I've finally settled on the Russian after many years of different types. It reflects my style, not too fancy but gets the job done!

[Fencer X]

Fencer X wrote:

Jeff;

Russian, eh? With my lack of experience, they
all look so similar. Russian seemed to be a
larger grip, if I'm not mistaken. Are there
other "pistol" types I've left out here? I
agree, best to try 'em all!

-Fencer X

[HilandDoug]

Carpal tunnel from a pistol grip? I think you'd have to use it for something other than it was intended for that to happen. Pistol grips were originally called "orthopedic" grips, and were first made for those vets from WWI that had hand injuries but still wanted to fence. (Don't remember where I read that, but I think it was American Fencing). It is best to try out a few, if possible, before buying one so you make sure you get the best one for your hand size. A few Maestro's have told me in the past that if my hand and grip were stong enough, I should stay with a French grip because I'd be able to do more with it in the long run. However, as any fencer with a desk job knows, weak hands can benefit from a pistol grip.

There's a thread on page 2 of this board that discusses this topic somewhat called "what grip do you prefer?". There's a lot of different styles out there. The simplest suggestion I have is, "if it starts to hurt or feel awkward, don't do it anymore". I've got several grips that I still lug around that I don't use anymore for that reason. I'll bet a lot of the fencers in your new sport club have plenty of variety in their bags and would be happy to demonstrate them to you. Remember your classic training and use the orhto grip to enhance your game.

[edew]

There are actually several varieties of the Belgian grip, so you may find one of the various types suitable for you. Most fencers I know use the visconti grip. The only fencer of top skill who doesn't is Felicia Zimmerman. She doesn't use the Belgian that most people use, either.

Also, you need to practice using it by actually using it in competition for a number of days. I've tried the german grip and found it fit well at the store, but after using it for a short while, it was horrible. Similarly, the belgian fit well at the store, but with a couple of parries and coupes, I got blisters at various places. The rambeau (only from American Fencers, I believe) is pretty good, but the prong going between the thumb and forefinger hooks too much and can be pretty painful.

I've settled on the visconti after trying quite a number of grips. If you're asking for advice, the advice will be, go with the visconti.

[Purple Fencer]

Everyone has their own ideas about grips. When I started having a trigger finger problem in my weapon hand, I switched for a time from a Belgian to a German. However, I never felt I really had a good grip on the German, and the Visconti felt the same way. I went back the the Belgian for both foil & epee because I actually feel like I've got a hold on it.

'Course, I've seen plenty of grips that have been altered (and still appear to be within the rules). The most common alteration is usually cutting off the back end that lays against the wrist. Terry Dix brought a Zivkovic grip to a tourney once that had been modified thay way...felt like I was holding the tang!

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Sam Signorelli -- Boldly going forward...'cause I can't find reverse!

[attila]

And building on Purple Thunder's post. There is no such thing as a perfect grip. As your game progresses you will find a need for a different grip. Best you can do is find that 95% good grip and fine tune it with a little filing here and there. Play with the original a while and file where it rubs. Once you get a bit more "active" like getting really close you might want to cut off the "tail" of the grip so your palm can come in without the tail hitting your wrist. Then if you start flicking you might want to reduce or eliminate the "trigger" because it tends to lock up on the middle finger and reduce the arc of the flick. Oh what fun. See ,you don't have to worry about this thing in CF,eh?

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"Kill the men, save the women, and by the gods, do not spill the wine"

[Ring_wraithe]

"I've tried the german grip and found it fit well at the store, but after using it for a short while, it was horrible."

Blasphemy!!!
Seriously though, I use german grips and love them , however I have found that they come in different sizes from different suppliers. Maybe you just got one that was too small?

[edew]

Doubtful. My hand is rather small, so if anything, it's too big. Basically, the german grip is angulated differently than almost all other grips (including the french), and the angle it sets my hand is really awkward to use. And it prevents any kind of finger motion. And finally, the part that sticks back to the wrist is monstrously large. Can't do infighting moves with such a huge anchor.

[Fencer X]

Fencer X wrote:

Attilla- Hee, Hee- Sorry amigo, Don't do CF
anymore. Kinda lost my taste for it. (burp)

Just gave a uhlmann visconti #1 a try tonight
, didn't seem as comfy as the belgian. Did
seem to allow for more high-prime infighting
(love that stuff!). Modifications? just how
much tomfoolery is allowed on the grips,
as per USFA rules? After skimming thru, I
didn't see anything specific. I'll never give
up my beloved french grip entirely, but one
must change with the times.

-Fencer X

[attila]

Hi

You can do pretty close to whatever you like except put a french pommel nut when there are any prongs on your tool. Something about having both the advantage of reach ,and an ortho's worth of leaverage. Guess it is reach or strength ,but not both.

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"Kill the men, save the women, and by the gods, do not spill the wine"