Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

Chafunkta · 06-07-2005, 10:26 PM

I know this topic has been broached a couple times, but there hasn't been (as far as I can find) a thread fully devoted to it.

I'm from a hot and humid climate, and I'm looking for a uniform that will keep me cool. Yea, yea, I know we fence indoors, but cooling down a gym in Louisiana can prove to be quite a challenge. So are there any good uniforms that attempt to keep the wearer cool?

Oh, and I'd prefer, if possible FIE uniforms.

ReverseLunge · 06-07-2005, 10:35 PM

No uniform (especially FIE) is really that cool. What you might need is an Infinity lame.

fencinman89 · 06-07-2005, 10:40 PM

I wear under armour under my gear it helps alot since it doesnt get baggy like t-shirts do. I have seen a few oldtimers at a near by club who, wear their equipment against thier bareskin... never tried it myself.
-Tre'

mrbiggs · 06-07-2005, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencinman89

I wear under armour under my gear it helps alot since it doesnt get baggy like t-shirts do. I have seen a few oldtimers at a near by club who, wear their equipment against thier bareskin... never tried it myself.
-Tre'

I've done that once or twice (when I forgot a T-shirt). It's weird at first, but I could get used to it. It didn't really help me much with heat, the T-shirt is almost negligable when you have 4 layers of thicker fabric on top of it.

Zilverzmurfen · 06-08-2005, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

Oh, and I'd prefer, if possible FIE uniforms.

The allstar 'Startex' kit is made from one layer fabric that has a 'cool' feel on your skin, as is the PBT 'Superlight' kit.

I've also heard the same about the Duellist kit (but have never tried it myself). The same very possibly goes for the Leon Paul 'Sydney' range (haven't tried that one either).

These are all 800 N.

***Craig*** · 06-08-2005, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

I know this topic has been broached a couple times, but there hasn't been (as far as I can find) a thread fully devoted to it.

I'm from a hot and humid climate, and I'm looking for a uniform that will keep me cool. Yea, yea, I know we fence indoors, but cooling down a gym in Louisiana can prove to be quite a challenge. So are there any good uniforms that attempt to keep the wearer cool?

Oh, and I'd prefer, if possible FIE uniforms.

All of the Leon Paul uniforms from the Competition range (350N) through the FIE ranges have a wicking lining in the jackets. The transpor lining does a great job of pulling the sweat away from your skin which will help you feel a bit cooler.

You can read more about the lining that Leon Paul uses here: http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_pro...y_transpor.htm

You can view the Competition Range 350 N Jacket here.

Leon Paul FIE: Atlanta Range (Partial Stretch)

Leon Paul FIE: Sydney Range (Full Stretch)

Note: I have an interest in sales of Leon Paul gear, so please read other people's opinions on the different gear out there.

In the past I've used Triplette, Santelli, Uhlmann, and Leon Paul uniforms. I like my LP Atlanta the best out of what I've owned with my Uhlmann uniform coming in 2nd.

Craig

mackillian · 06-08-2005, 11:55 AM

I use the LP jacket and have noticed a great difference between that and my triplette jacket (the duck cloth one, however).

For the warmer months, I also switched from my LP lame to my light Triplette one and that's made another good difference. Between myself and my clubmates, I'm noticeably cooler when I'm wearing the sweat-wicking jacket and light lame as opposed to cotton duck and a regular lame. I also had a Duellist jacket that served just as well (it was ill-fitted for me, so I had to switch).

So there is something to be said for sweat-wicking fabrics. Using a sweat wicking tshirt such as Underarmour, a sweat wicking jacket and a lighter lame, you should see some difference.

But nothing can compete with a wet, sticky Southern summer.

Inquartata · 06-08-2005, 12:56 PM

Ahem. Well, I have this fabric...it's extremely light and cool, yet soft and strong, finer than any silk. But it's so beautiful and rare that only people of taste and discrimination can see it....thus far it's distribution has been confined to royalty. But I might be persuaded to make you a suit of it....

DangerMouse · 06-08-2005, 01:25 PM

To add one more to the list, the fabric that Cartel uses is extremely light. It's actually translucent. However, the durability is less than the heavier uniforms. In terms of comparison, I have direcly compared it to: Uhlmann/Allstar, Estoc, Negrini, Soudet, Duellist, and Carmimari.

fencinman89 · 06-08-2005, 05:07 PM

Danger is that another joke also?
-Tre'

DangerMouse · 06-09-2005, 04:23 PM

No joke. You can actually tell what color shirt I'm wearing underneath. It is far lighter than all of the other brands I mentioned.

lindajdunn · 06-10-2005, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencinman89

I wear under armour under my gear it helps alot since it doesnt get baggy like t-shirts do. I have seen a few oldtimers at a near by club who, wear their equipment against thier bareskin... never tried it myself.
-Tre'

Thanks for the tip. On this recommendation, I stopped at Dick's Sporting Goods and checked out the Under Armour line and tried one of the shirts at fencing practice that night. Considering the cheap shirts I'd been wearing, this was a definite improvement and I'm setting it aside as tournament wear.

I note the outrageously expensive Under Armour sports bra is the best one I've ever tried and worth that outrageous price (imho).