Off-line vendors in MI

[MStaubitz]

Hi... first time post here...

As a newbie fencer, I was wondering if anyone knows of any stores in the Detroit area that carry fencing equipment. Normally I don't have a problem buying stuff online, but I'd rather try a fencing jacket on than getting one online and having to send it back.

Thanks,

Marc

[RedsectorA]

Greetings Marc,

I live in the Detroit area too, but unfortunately I dont know of any vendors in this area. I had to order my equipment from Triplette. All of it was a pretty good fit and they were very helpful on the phone, which I think is better than doing it online. Online is fine to decide what you want, but with the sizing it is better to talk to a person.

Welcome to the board, and happy fencing!



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Joel

"The more we think we know about, the greater the unknown!"

[Iwant2bafencer]

hey Marc,
Sorry I don't know of any stores for you. Although you should call your local fencing school and ask then if they know of any. By the way welcome aboard and happy fencing!!
Wannab

[MStaubitz]

Thanks for the welcome...

I'll roam around on Triplette's site a little bit... I just wish there was a major chain that would carry some equipment.

I noticed that of all the masks we have in the club (and there are quite a few), there's only one that really is comfortable. So I am a bit leary of ordering one online.

[HilandDoug]

Hiya Marc,

You're pretty much SOL on finding stores that carry stuff, but most companies are really good at accepting returns if your jacket doesn't fit. Did you see the jacket I was wearing Friday at class? I ordered it big from Triplette, washed it in hot water and threw it in the dryer so it would shrink. Now that it has, I'll alter it for a better fit. You could order a stretch fabric if you don't mind polyester, and that'll give you a bit more leeway. Your best bet is to try on jackets of people who are of similar size, and see how you like them. It's a drag, but with no stores stocking fencing jackets, that's about the best you can do.

See you Friday for the Fianl Class Tournament!

[MStaubitz]

Doug, that seemed like a nice jacket. I was somewhat surprised to see you in a fencing jacket to begin with.

I will definitely be there for the class tournament (and of course the tourny on Saturday).

Which brings me to another question... I know I'll be itching to fence between this weekend and September when Schoolcraft gets going again. Any place I can fence during that time? Preferably some place other Schoolcrafter's hang out.

[cyclone]

Hi Marc, Welcome! I'm new to fencing also and tried finding equipment in town. No luck. I ordered my equipment from Triplett. I originally ordered the basic starter set, but didn't like the fit of the jacket or the mask, so I returned it, and upgraded. It cost more, but it is well worth it. Fits great. I have a catalog from Triplett that Doug gave us a few weeks ago if you're interested and if you haven't already ordered something by then. I'm not sure who you are, but I'll try and find you on Friday.

[RedsectorA]

Marc, Cyclone-

Ok now that I know you two go to Schoolcraft also, I am curious as to who you are? I probably know you but not the names, sorry!

I did pretty much like Doug suggests about the jacket and the knickers I bought. They were slightly large so I washed them in hot water and dried them and they pretty much fit great now. Marc, you are welcome to try on my jacket if we are close in size, that way you can see if you need a larger of smaller size.

Good luck you two in the tournament this Friday. I look forward to having alot of fun!


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Joel

"The more we think we know about, the greater the unknown!"

[MStaubitz]

Joel,

I am pretty easy to recognize from my haircut... I have sholder length hair, cut short on the sides and in back.

If you go to the Schoolcraft Fencing website, there's a picture of me from making 3rd place in the beginning class. I am the one with the really dorky look on his face... but that's usually the way i end up on photos...

[space_cadet]

M. Staubitz,
Here's a URL for mask sizing. http://www.thefencingpost.com/masks.htm

Other places to purchase fencing equipment are http://www.thefencingpost.com http://www.allstar-usa.com http://www.pbtfencing.com http://amfence.com http://www.physicalchess.com http://www.santelli.com http://www.blue-gauntlet.com

[latenight]

Space,
www.Fencepbt.com, it's in the US. Alot easier to get PBT stuff through them than from Hungary.

[MikeHarm]

The One on One Fencing Club meets during the summer, mostly new fencers there. Its over in Ann Arbor. Eastern's club runs all summer too.

Mike

[cyclone]

RedsectorA, I'm the wimpy fencer you fenced with a couple of weeks ago in the line fencing; the one who didn't follow through on my attacks, but improved a bit when we fenced in the practice tournament last Friday! Good luck this week.

[RedsectorA]

Marc,

Ok I remember seeing you there talking to Moon. I thought for a moment you were in my class, but you are in the Advanced class.

For other places close to practice, I know there is the UFO at the Bailey Center in Westland, but I dont know if they do anything during the break. If you dont know this already, you might check with Moon or one of the others at the club. I too will hate waiting till Sept to fence again!

Good luck Friday!

Cyclone,

Ah yes. You beat me in that one 3-touch match last friday (3-2). I am glad to see that you have improved. I was trying to encourage you to attack and it seems to have worked.

I look forward to this Friday's tournament. Win or lose I will have fun! Good luck!

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Joel

"The more we think we know about, the greater the unknown!"

[This message has been edited by RedsectorA (edited 07-12-2001).]