Allstar Startex vs Athens Jacket

[RebelFencer]

hey guys--

I'm getting the startex knickers, but I don't want to shell out around 300 for the jacket. Is the Athens pretty comparable? What are the main differences between the two FIE jackets?

[Zilverzmurfen]

What are the main differences between the two FIE jackets?

Besides the price?

That the 'Startex' kit is full stretch fabric whereas the 'Athens' kit has so-called "stretch" panels. (These 'stretch panels' aren't particularly stretchy IMHO.)

If money was no object I'd exchange my Athens jacket for a Startex one right this instance!

[RebelFencer]

If money was no object...

haha, I think that's part of the alternate dimension where I'm a huge rockstar and wake up next to Sada Jacobson each morning!

Thanks for the info. Is the Athens jacket comfortable or have any give to it or is it just rigid?

[Zilverzmurfen]

Is the Athens jacket comfortable or have any give to it or is it just rigid?

Oh, don't get me wrong; I like my Athens jacket. But still, if I had the money right now...

Anyway. I find the Athens jacket a little 'stiff' when I first put it on (this could also be because my jacket is rather small) but once you've gotten warm it feels great.

What I wanted to point out though are the so-called stretch panels, I don't find them particularly stretchy so if you're after "stretchiness" then I suggest you get the Startex jacket. (My competition breeches are Startex and I looove them, very very comfy!)

Best of luck with your new kit (and new girlfriend..? )!

[prototoast]

haha, I think that's part of the alternate dimension where I'm a huge rockstar and wake up next to Sada Jacobson each morning!

Thanks for the info. Is the Athens jacket comfortable or have any give to it or is it just rigid?

Personally, I have the uhlmann olympia knickers, but didn't have the money for the jacket (uhlmann equivalent of startex). I didn't like the feel of the Athens jacket and I ended up getting an FIE jacket from Cartel. The tailoring isn't quite as nice, but it costs about as much (under $200) and it's a much more comfortable material. I wouldn't necessarily advocate Cartel specifically (especially since the material might be a bit light for an epee fencer, but under a sabre lame, I want something as light as possible), but don't find yourself limited by just allstar/uhlmann. There are many other companies out there who might have a more competitively priced jacket that's not as expensive as the Startex but more comfortable than the Athens.

[Goofy]

hey guys--

I'm getting the startex knickers, but I don't want to shell out around 300 for the jacket. Is the Athens pretty comparable? What are the main differences between the two FIE jackets?

For cost comparison, is there anyone going to Sacramento who can check out the sale prices on Startex/Athens for you? The vendors sometimes have pretty good markdowns at Summer Nationals.

[RebelFencer]

yea, but I just bought the knickers and have quickly become poor. I think I've decided to get the whole Startex kit just for symmetry.

[RebelFencer]

UPDATE::

Just got the knickers the other day. WOW, these are completely double plus good. Worth every penny my friends. If you have the money to spend on the startex, I highly recommend it.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Just got the knickers the other day. WOW, these are completely double plus good.

Yay, congrats!

[RebelFencer]

Still no Sada Jacobson though..

[Zilverzmurfen]

Still no Sada Jacobson though..

Awww...

Cheer up, there'll be someone else -- someone better! -- for you when the time is right.

[scodeb444]

I just received my Startex pants and jacket, and I too am very impressed with them. This is my first FIE set, so I can't compare to other styles/brands, but I would whole heartedly recommend the Startex. I was considering the Leon Paul, but I got a great deal on the Startex so they were much cheaper than the LP.