Buying My First Mask.

[Jareth]

This is driving me mad. I have been fencing for a while now and I have decided to purchase a kit. My only problem is the mask. The mask at the local dealers won't work for me no matter how much I adjust it. Their only other mask is a FIE mask which is not needed at the level I plan to fence or affordable. When I looked at the clubs masks I saw that the one I preferred to use had a different system of padding in it. Instead of having your chin rest upon a pad that rests on the bottom it was pinned to the two sides of the mask to make a little cup for your chin above the bottom of the mask and holds the maks slightly farther from your face. These masks fit me snugly instead of floping around like the others. I was wondering if some one could name some electric foil/epee masks that have this type of cushioning.

So, as a list.

1. Doesn't need to be FIE
2. Needs to be below 100 USD
3. Has the type of padding I mentioned before. (If there is a name I wouldn't mind being told.)
4. Electric foil/epee

Thanks.

Edit: So, I found this:http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/item.htm?itemid=35# Worth it to purchase?

[El Chucko]

I am having a hard time visualizing the chin support you describe. As far as the fit goes, just make sure your mask is not too big. This is a common mistake, and fencers then end up with a mask that "rattles." (Although it is fun when you pop them with your epee, and the mesh is pushed into their nose! )

I will offer this advice: as far as non-FIE masks go, my club has been getting them from Blade lately, and I am not impressed with them at all. They are not awful, but they are not great either.

On the other hand, the masks my club used to get from Triplette are very nice for a very reasonable price. They are made by Gajardoni, although they bear the Triplette label, and are exceptionally sturdy for the price. The fit and comfort are decent. Normally, I don't recommend Triplette for many things, but their masks are still a good value.

As for myself, I love my Leon Paul mask, and would recommend it very highly. It is FIE, however, and I do not know if their cheaper masks are as comfortable, adjustable, and durable. Ask around. Also, I have a non-FIE mask by Uhlmann for coaching. It is OK, but not as solid as the Triplette ones.

I used to have a Negrini non-FIE, and it was pretty flimsy. It only lasted a year. Avoid them.

Good luck.

[remise]

Jareth -

One of my kids has a mask like you described. I picked it up from Triplette. It was an FIE mask and is very sturdy and quite padded on the inside. My other child would like one as well, because of the cradling effect you describe, and as soon as I can get my money together, I'll be purchasing another one.

[DHCJr]

Originally Posted by remise

Jareth -

One of my kids has a mask like you described. I picked it up from Triplette. It was an FIE mask and is very sturdy and quite padded on the inside. My other child would like one as well, because of the cradling effect you describe, and as soon as I can get my money together, I'll be purchasing another one.

What is the manufacturer of the FIE mask? Look in the FIE shield and it should list the manufacturer. If it states Triplette, then it would not be an FIE, even if it states that it is FIE. Walter did indicate that the mask was tested to FIE specification, but they did not turn in 3 masks to SEMI for further testing. This is required before they can put on the FIE shield legally.

I have never seen Triplette listed on any SEMI list of certified mask.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by DHCJr

What is the manufacturer of the FIE mask? Look in the FIE shield and it should list the manufacturer. If it states Triplette, then it would not be an FIE, even if it states that it is FIE. Walter did indicate that the mask was tested to FIE specification, but they did not turn in 3 masks to SEMI for further testing. This is required before they can put on the FIE shield legally.

I have never seen Triplette listed on any SEMI list of certified mask.

I have no problem with a mask being tested to FIE standards and sold...I DO have a problem when that same mask carries an FIE badge when it HASN'T gone through the official testing procedure.

[remise]

I just saw your posts. I'll check that ASAP. Thanks.