Fencing clothing

[Mark]

I am considering of buying a FIE 800 N jacket and breeches either from AllStar or Uhlmann. They are

1. Uhlmann FIE fencing jacket and breeches "World Cup" 800 N FIE
2. AllStar fencing jacket FIE Athen, 800N all over with elastic inlets for perfect comfort.

Since they are in same prices as stated in their international official websites. So I don't know which one is better. Would you mind helping me to figure it out?

P.S. AllStar website has a detailed description of their products and better promotion in their website when compared with that of Ulhmann after scrutinizing their websites (I think), and I don't want to be affected by this on making decision of which to buy.

[rudd]

Exact same product. The Allstar one will probably have a slimmer fit.

Ger

[Zilverzmurfen]

Exact same product. The Allstar one will probably have a slimmer fit.

Yes it does.

allstar: 'Slim' cut.
Uhlmann: 'Loose' cut.

Both excellent products. Just don't count on the so-called "stretch panels" to be too stretchy... IMHO they're not and if you can afford it I highly recommend the 'Startex' kit.

[P.B]

Both excellent products. Just don't count on the so-called "stretch panels" to be too stretchy... IMHO they're not and if you can afford it I highly recommend the 'Startex' kit.

I have a Startex jacket and Athens breeches and I'd agree with Zilverzmurfen; spend the extra money and get the Startex / Olympia range. The cheaper range is heavy and stiff (double layers like denim) except in the 'stretch' panels and there are thick seams which can rub. I'm going to buy Startex breeches ASAP and my Athens breeches are only 3 months old.

The Allstar & Uhlmann, Startex / Olympia jackets are NOT exactly the same - I've tried on both and there are small differences in the detail. IMO the Allstar ones are very slightly better finished - the zip has large robust looking teeth whereas the Uhlmann one has smaller teeth, the Allstar jacket has a velcro tab at the bottom of the zip and as has been said before it has a slightly slimmer cut.

It terms of fit the smallest jacket would be Startex 52, then Olympia 52, Startex 54 and biggest Olympia 54. A bit like having a half size if you can find a vendor that sells both Allstar & Uhlmann.

[CvilleFencer]

I agree with everything that has already been said. Uhlmann/Allstar are the same (actually the same company) except for the cut, their stretch panels aren't, and you should really go for the startex/olympia. If you have not already looked at them PBT makes a good, cheaper alternative to the Uhlmann/Allstar kit you mentioned and LP makes a much better version, but of course it costs a bit more as well.

[CvilleFencer]

The Allstar & Uhlmann, Startex / Olympia jackets are NOT exactly the same - I've tried on both and there are small differences in the detail. IMO the Allstar ones are very slightly better finished - the zip has large robust looking teeth whereas the Uhlmann one has smaller teeth, the Allstar jacket has a velcro tab at the bottom of the zip and as has been said before it has a slightly slimmer cut.

There have been slight changes over the years between one and the other and it is often impossible to tell when a uniform has been made. I would guess that you looked at an older style and then a newer one that has had some small changes. Uhlmann/Allstar lie to tweak and change things as they switch factories, retool machines and update things. Of course this sometimes results in problems like the current replacement bibs not fitting the first generation masks with removable liners! The next time I have a chance to compare them side by side and get an idea of the make date I will look for any changes but my guess would be that the above accounts for the differances you noticed.

[armataforte]

Yes it does.

allstar: 'Slim' cut.
Uhlmann: 'Loose' cut.

Both excellent products. Just don't count on the so-called "stretch panels" to be too stretchy... IMHO they're not and if you can afford it I highly recommend the 'Startex' kit.

I agree with what the Queen has said. If you're looking for something that's going to provide comfort, isn't going to shrink and provides freedom of movement, the Startex is excellent. As far as the slimmer versus looser fit... it depends on how much of your figure you want to show off, unless you don't really care about looking like you've got some extra pounds on you... (shallow, I know, but there are people out there who care amazingly enough! )

[tbryan]

Exact same product. The Allstar one will probably have a slimmer fit.

I don't remember which "model" of jacket I looked at, but about a year ago I tried on an Uhlmann jacket and the equivalent Allstar jacket.

The Allstar was slimmer, and felt like a better fit, but it also had shorter sleeves. Since I do quite a bit of epee, I went with the Uhlmann because it felt like I would have less chance of ending up with a blade up the inside of my sleeve.

I highly recommend making expensive fencing equipment purchases at an event where you can actually try on the equipment and see how it feels. Even if you can't try on both, you can at least try on one and see if anything feels or looks "wrong" to you.

[acaba]

Tom is right. I have made all my expensive purchases at a NAC or Summer Nationals. Trying on different models/sizes really reduces the agrivation of buying a $200 piece of clothing, returning, it, waiting 2 weeks for the new one, returning that, paying shipping 3-4 times, etc., etc.

Not sure about the models you have mentioned, but I would recommend going with an all stretch fabric jacket. I tried on some of the jackets with stretch panels, and found that they do no provide enough freedom of movement. Compare how you make an around the head hit in a stretch and non-stretch jacket. There is a big difference in mobility.

- Aaron

[ReverseLunge]

If you like to do long lunges or ducks then don't buy the worldcup knickers. They dont stretch at all and are very uncomfy. The woldcup jackets are fine.

[Mark]

Thanks all.