Best vendors for bulk club purchases?

[Ordway]

I have successfully started up a sabre club at the college where I teach. Now I have a bunch of enthusiastic newbies and NO equipment. Fortunately, the Activities Dept. will provide some funding, and we'll probably be able to get about $1000 to start off. Additional infusions of funds will hopefully come later, in the form of student dues, fundraisers, etc, but that's not settled yet.

So, clearly the issue is how to get the most bang for the buck. We need at a minimum about 10 sets of dry gear (mask/jacket/glove/sabre). Some coaching gear is a close second, so I don't get beaten into a pulp while giving lessons. Electric stuff will come later.

We'd be happy to commit to buying future stuff from a vendor assuming the prices are good enough. Current contenders are Blue Gauntlet, Absolute, Escrime Line, and The Fencing Post, the first three for being cheap but reasonable quality, and the last for being right next door so potentially willing to work with us.

Suggestions on vendors who will cut a good deal on a bulk purchase? Thoughts or tips for getting the absolute most gear on a limited budget?

This is a fun problem to have

[achilleus]

Talk to Saul or Vickie.

Not only will they deal to get long term sales (both for the club and individuals seeking their own gear), but it will be easier if something goes wrong, or you need equipment quickly.

[Purple Fencer]

And just think of the lack of shipping costs....Escondido's not that far from Carlsbad...you can be at their house in less than an hour.

Just call and make an appointment first. If you need directions, let me know...I've been there a number of times.

Just to push myself...my prices are poretty close to Post...

[oso97]

I've been very happy with Absolute. I would not characterize their equipment as either "cheap" but rather "competitively priced." And they have absolutely great service, and are more than happy to discount for schools and groups.

[Purple Fencer]

Whatever you do, do NOT go cheap on the masks...Negrini non-FIE at the least....it;'s the face we're talking about her...even if sabre DOES cut more than thrust

[penguin_2000]

i've had lots of success with both of the NJ companies you've mentioned. But if you can get it locally, you'll save so much on shipping, especially if there is something wrong with your order down the road.

My only suggestion is to avoid Blade-Fencing like the plague... terrible customer service on both personal and group orders...

[dekko]

dont know if they still have them but, FenceSmart used to have $20 back zip jacket that I have had good success with. Also, glove bought 10-15 at a time usually gets a $9-$10 each. Also, usually masks can be gotten for $40 each or so if you buy ten.

PM me if you like and I can help. If you have bought stuff, that's cool and good luck.

[shango]

Originally Posted by penguin_2000

i've had lots of success with both of the NJ companies you've mentioned. But if you can get it locally, you'll save so much on shipping, especially if there is something wrong with your order down the road.

My only suggestion is to avoid Blade-Fencing like the plague... terrible customer service on both personal and group orders...

I admit their shipping is bad, but I usually go into the store, since all I need is to take a half hour train ride, 5 min walk, and I'm there. Their prices are usually higher, but you can't get good Vniti and StM FIE foil blades anywhere else.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by shango

I admit their shipping is bad, but I usually go into the store, since all I need is to take a half hour train ride, 5 min walk, and I'm there. Their prices are usually higher, but you can't get good Vniti and StM FIE foil blades anywhere else.

STM Fie foil blades
Blade: $80 bare
H.O.M.: $70 bare

[Mr Epee]

Go to Fencing Post.

They will help you...

[penguin_2000]

Originally Posted by shango

I admit their shipping is bad, but I usually go into the store, since all I need is to take a half hour train ride, 5 min walk, and I'm there. Their prices are usually higher, but you can't get good Vniti and StM FIE foil blades anywhere else.

Aww... wish I could walk into a fencing store around here. If I ask for fencing supplies, I'm likely to be asked "wood or chain linked"?
What do you mean by "good" Vniti's and StM's... B-G and A-F have them, and at really good prices. I thought Vniti and StM only had 1 model each.

[JEC]

I agree with Mr. Epee. Fencing Post is your best choice in your particular case. They are close, have outstanding service, and excellent quality gear. In the long run, the few pennies that you might save elsewhere are going to be compensated by your ability to return goods that did not fit, etc.

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi Holly!

Originally Posted by Ordway

Thoughts or tips for getting the absolute most gear on a limited budget?

This is a fun problem to have

I have not bought from them myself, but ESUN in Hong Kong has really cheap stuff. Epee blade with electrics on for 7.50$, IIRC. They do have some teacher stuff, but I am not sure about sabre.

PBT in Europe is also cheap. So far, my club has no problems with their stuff. That only works if you have access to someone in Europe who can by stuff for you, in order to get around the PBT-USA exclusive dealer markup.


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[Ordway]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've passed them along to the club officers, who, thankfully, are motivated people who are happy to do all the administrative stuff and calling around, so I can concentrate on just coaching

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Ordway

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've passed them along to the club officers, who, thankfully, are motivated people who are happy to do all the administrative stuff and calling around, so I can concentrate on just coaching

Hah! Rotsa ruck, there!!

[Barry Paul]

What is interesting in this thread no body has mention quality and safety. I have done a limited amount of testing on U.S blades and the cost is a good indication of life. Using the F.I.E. testing rig I made a comparison of the very cheap bladeswhich lasted 3900 cycles mid range 8900 and the standard leon paul etoile blade about 16000 cycles. As for jackets you are not going to get much protection from a 21$ back zip garment and it probably will shrink and fall apart after a short time.

[oso97]

On the contrary Barry, quality and safety were mentioned.

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Whatever you do, do NOT go cheap on the masks...Negrini non-FIE at the least....it;'s the face we're talking about her...even if sabre DOES cut more than thrust

Originally Posted by oso97

I've been very happy with Absolute. I would not characterize their equipment as either "cheap" but rather "competitively priced."

While I do like Leon Paul gear, consider it a good value for the money and think you have great customer service, you are not the only vendor who has these qualities.

For beginner and club gear - Absolute Fencing house brand. It is very well constructed, does not fall apart, survivies repeated washing and continuous abuse by beginner fencers and is priced similarly to that of the poorly made brands. Additionally, their customer service and bulk order discounts are first class. The gear, while being very well constructed, is not of superiour quality, but is good enough that it is an extremely good value for the money and sufficent for students that practice a couple of times a week and are beginning competitive careers.

For more advanced fencers - either Swordmasters (Estoc FIE gear and Nigrini masks) or Leon Paul FIE gear. Both are extremely well constructed, and have superior customer service. Given the physical proximity of Swordmasters to the region I fence, and that they show up at most of our regional events, I'd lean in that direction, but I myself fenced with Leon Paul gear for many years. I've still got a couple of sabre gaurds and a mask that are getting regular use by the beginners in my club. Plus both brands are priced appropriately and not overpriced like Ulhmann/Allstar gear.

The one exception to this would be the Ulhmann glove. It is the best on the market, for anyone other than a rank beginner. That is the first piece of "good" equipment my fencers get. Still though, I feel its lacking in several regards, and would LOVE to see some glove manufacturer incorporate the technologies discussed in a previous thread into a fencing gloves.

Oh, and I'm waiting with baited breath for the new Leon Paul shoes. Can't wait for them! When ARE they going to be out?

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by Barry Paul

What is interesting in this thread no body has mention quality and safety. I have done a limited amount of testing on U.S blades and the cost is a good indication of life.

Uhh...Barry? All the blades are made on your side of the pond....there's not a single forge in the Americas.

[fencinman89]

I believe LP's shoes have just come out, and are available for order.
-Tre'

[oso97]

Really? I'm still waiting for the email newsletter promised with the 15% discount...