Behold the power of SOCKS!!!

[hpfencing]

I bought my last set of socks on e-bay.

Someone is sell a lot of different colors under armor socks there that are great and cheap....

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by CvilleFencer

I still don't quite know what you mean by side release snap closures/fasteners

I think he means these:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...255065.1304075

The issue may be durability. Anything plastic is going to be more breakable than a metal ring, especially if it's likely to be struck by blades, exposed to detergents and washing-machine agitators, tuble dryers and sunlight. And however cheap, they're still probably more expensive for manufacturers than 2 little metal rings. ( Remember, some manufacturers put illegally small mask-cord attachment tabs on their lames to say half a cent in cost; why shouldn't they economize on buckles, too? )

[achilleus]

In addition to what Inq said above about durability, I gotta say that I don't use the quick release feature that much. In fact, after having the quick release I must say that it would in no way influence my decision to buy a uniform, except for the underarm protector (which the PBT one has).

When I got the uniform, and saw the quick release, I thought, 'Cool, that'll be so useful.' And well, I don't really use them, except as noted above. In fact, durability is far more important to me than a quick release on my pants or jacket.

[lindajdunn]

I'll put in another rec for the Under Armour socks. I bought a pair in July and they survived the washing machine test. [The Adias socks shrank badly.]

I'll add my own complaint: Socks suitable for fencing are difficult to find. The same socks for women are impossible to find. Style over substance. I'm wearing men's Underarmour socks and yes, they're a little big even after washing. At least they stay UP.

[broncofencer]

Originally Posted by lindajdunn

I'll put in another rec for the Under Armour socks. I bought a pair in July and they survived the washing machine test. [The Adias socks shrank badly.]

I'll add my own complaint: Socks suitable for fencing are difficult to find. The same socks for women are impossible to find. Style over substance. I'm wearing men's Underarmour socks and yes, they're a little big even after washing. At least they stay UP.

My exgirlfriend used youth soccer socks they were the designed for smaller male feet so they fit better than the adult ones do. Also I use the addidas soccer socks and nike ones as well both of which I get at Wal-mart for 8-12 for a two pack.

As for an innovation I would like to see that to my knowledge no one yet does is the back closure for masks being made like goalie or catchers masks with the protective piece in the back. these are easier to get on onehanded and the addded protection is a good thing as well.

[Alex_Paul]

Originally Posted by achilleus

In addition to what Inq said above about durability, I gotta say that I don't use the quick release feature that much. In fact, after having the quick release I must say that it would in no way influence my decision to buy a uniform, except for the underarm protector (which the PBT one has).

When I got the uniform, and saw the quick release, I thought, 'Cool, that'll be so useful.' And well, I don't really use them, except as noted above. In fact, durability is far more important to me than a quick release on my pants or jacket.

I have to say I agree with this, for crotch straps I really don't see the point... For girls it is apparently helpful when you have to use the bathroom but would you really bother undoing them every time you took your jacket (and lame) off? I know that I would much rather have a fixed thing that I stepped through.

Re: plastrons (underarm protectors) I can see some point but if the clip is at the front so it is easily accessible then it gets jabbed and those clips will never be as strong and durable as a stainless steel d ring.

Re breeches (knickers) again personally I don't think there is any point in puting clips on the braces because I would rather step through them and just twang them up over my shoulders.

I think I will start a poll clips yay or nay...

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by Alex_Paul

I have to say I agree with this, for crotch straps I really don't see the point... For girls it is apparently helpful when you have to use the bathroom but would you really bother undoing them every time you took your jacket (and lame) off? I know that I would much rather have a fixed thing that I stepped through.

Re: plastrons (underarm protectors) I can see some point but if the clip is at the front so it is easily accessible then it gets jabbed and those clips will never be as strong and durable as a stainless steel d ring.

Re breeches (knickers) again personally I don't think there is any point in puting clips on the braces because I would rather step through them and just twang them up over my shoulders.

I think I will start a poll clips yay or nay...

You pretty much hit the nail on the head as to why I'm not that impressed with the quick release clips. It's nice on the plastron/underarm protector just because it's so easy to put on. Then again, velcro's quick and easy with no large buckle that may get hit.

Oh well.

[agooding2]

One internet source of a wide variety of genuine soccer socks is http://www.soccer.com (formerly Eurosport).

I like their Eurosport/Soc.com brand, they fit well and the mesh ones are cool with a polypro foot that stays dry, but they have the other brands (Nike, Adidas, Underarmour etc. too). I saw plain white ones as well.

Sometimes you can also get soccer socks on clearance from http://www.eastbay.com or http://www.finalscore.com (which is Eastbay's clearance site). That's where I got my last pair of socks.

-- Andrew

[voi3ad]

UnderArmour clothing says it shouldn't go through the dryer, but it seems to hold up if you forget. It's really hard to go back to a cotton t-shirt or socks after UA gear.

I just came across this vendor, X-Socks, http://www.x-socks.com/ they seem on track with sports oriented design, but as there is not price listed, they're probably x-pensive. Nothing fencing specific in their inventory, but their Silver line looks promising-the Army and Worker stand out.

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by broncofencer

As for an innovation I would like to see that to my knowledge no one yet does is the back closure for masks being made like goalie or catchers masks with the protective piece in the back. these are easier to get on onehanded and the addded protection is a good thing as well.

I'm not familiar with goalie or catcher's masks. Is what you're describing anything like what LP now does on some masks with a circular plastic disk that the straps go through? http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_pro...contor_fit.htm

-B :)

[jfarmer]

Originally Posted by oiuyt

I'm not familiar with goalie or catcher's masks. Is what you're describing anything like what LP now does on some masks with a circular plastic disk that the straps go through? http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_pro...contor_fit.htm

-B

One of our members just got one of the LP masks with that setup. I tried it on and I really liked it. As soon as I can justify the cost to myself, I want one!

John

Novice coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

[mfp]

Originally Posted by Alex_Paul

I have to say I agree with this, for crotch straps I really don't see the point... For girls it is apparently helpful when you have to use the bathroom but would you really bother undoing them every time you took your jacket (and lame) off? ...

You're assuming everyone takes their jacket off, which is not the case. To enable quicker trips (between pool bouts at a NAC for example) some skip on using suspenders

Originally Posted by Alex_Paul

Re: plastrons (underarm protectors) I can see some point but if the clip is at the front so it is easily accessible then it gets jabbed and those clips will never be as strong and durable as a stainless steel d ring.

What stainless steel D rings? Both models of LP FIE plastrons currently being shipped are arriving with pretty cheap plastic D-rings. And where are these plastic parts? Why, they're right smack in the front of the LP plastrons. So if you have concerns about the durability of plastic parts on the front of plastrons now what are you doing shipping them??

Among the advantages of the quick fasten/release clips is that they can be easily and quickly open and closed, without looking, by feel, even with your "off-hand". That means they don't need to be right up front.

Velcro for plastron straps (like what Estoc uses on some models) seems like a good idea, but in reality it doesn't hold up well after repeated washings -- and plastrons for many people are their most frequently washed fencing garment. After about 9 months, the Velcro on my "superlight" Estoc FIE plastron still sort of works, but not as well and with annoying hassles. The Velcro ends up sticking to itself in a crinkled mess along with collecting lint from anything else it gets washed with.

[lindajdunn]

Originally Posted by broncofencer

My exgirlfriend used youth soccer socks they were the designed for smaller male feet so they fit better than the adult ones do. Also I use the addidas soccer socks and nike ones as well both of which I get at Wal-mart for 8-12 for a two pack.

As for an innovation I would like to see that to my knowledge no one yet does is the back closure for masks being made like goalie or catchers masks with the protective piece in the back. these are easier to get on onehanded and the addded protection is a good thing as well.

The problem I have with these is that they're too darn short. I am not tall, but these socks hit the middle of my knee and after washing, they are below my knee. I get to tired of pulling them up, that I prefer to buy men's socks (large, no less) and live with a little extra padding in the toes.

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by mfp

Velcro for plastron straps (like what Estoc uses on some models) seems like a good idea, but in reality it doesn't hold up well after repeated washings

The velcro on my Uhlmann plastron doesn't suffer from any of the problems you mention and I've had it for just under 7 years now. Plenty of washings. And significantly easier than the d-rings that I have on the cheapy plastron that I had before going FIE.

-B :)

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by mfp

The Velcro ends up sticking to itself in a crinkled mess along with collecting lint from anything else it gets washed with.

Close up all Velcro before washing. That minimizes the fuzz magnetism.

Speaking of washing tips---and here I speak from experience---tie up all long straps from plastrons, cuissards and suspenders into as small a knot as you can, or safety pin them up inside the garment. It doesn't happen often, but I had to cut off most of a jacket cuissard strap when the washing machine agitator decided to eat it...

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Close up all Velcro before washing. That minimizes the fuzz magnetism.

Ah, maybe that's why I have better success than mfp, I invariably fasten the velcro.

Only had one strap eaten by an agitator, but partially disassembling the machine got my uniform back without harm. And the washing machine still worked after reassembly. :)

-B :)

[Inquartata]

I tried that, but the machine was put together using screws which require a special tool to drive them. Job security for the Maytag Repairman, I'm sure.

[achilleus]

Originally Posted by mfp

You're assuming everyone takes their jacket off, which is not the case. To enable quicker trips (between pool bouts at a NAC for example) some skip on using suspenders

This little comment has prompted so many questions in my mind.

You don't use the suspenders? How do your pants stay up? I would be worried about a little slippage enabling a blade to slide down. And, does it really save you that much time?

Now, I haven't studied bathroom habits of fencers, but except for guys using a urinal, almost everyone I've seen in, or running to the restroom, takes the jacket off.

Originally Posted by mfp

Velcro for plastron straps (like what Estoc uses on some models) seems like a good idea, but in reality it doesn't hold up well after repeated washings -- and plastrons for many people are their most frequently washed fencing garment. After about 9 months, the Velcro on my "superlight" Estoc FIE plastron still sort of works, but not as well and with annoying hassles. The Velcro ends up sticking to itself in a crinkled mess along with collecting lint from anything else it gets washed with.

My Uhlmann plastron never had a problem with the velcro going bad. I had to replace the elastic before the velcro. It's been over 6 years...

But, if you really want the quick release clips, buy PBT. It's a pretty good uniform, and if you can get in Hungary, pretty cheap.

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by achilleus

You don't use the suspenders? How do your pants stay up?

Meh, they probably don't. These days it's "fashionable" to wear baggy pants hanging around your thighs showing your underwear, you know.

[noodle]

jumping back to the original topic, i have a pair of the adidas elite soccer socks and i love them. i'd also like to note that i get hit in the shin extremely infrequently and don't consider extra padding there to be an issue.