Punch test: ambiguous result query

[asg392]

Hi, this is my first post here. I couldn't find this question with the forum's search function, so I hope there are armorers wiser than I who can help.

I help out with armoury at our club, and was testing masks during inventory. When punch-testing our club's saber masks, the cone sinks in partway with applied pressure (before the 12 kg point is reached), then holds until the 12 kg point is reached. It doesn't sink all the way to the shaft, just partway up the cone; I do not observe any deformation of the mesh. By contrast, our foil/epee masks allow no travel of the cone at all, just a solid resistance to meet the 12 kg test.

I fence only foil and epee, so this is beyond my knowledge. This happened with the first two saber masks I ever tested. The club secretary says that the rest are like that, too. Please advise whether these saber masks are competition-legal or not. I look forward to your responses.

[DHCJr]

From your description, I would say you are using a Prieur style with the hole in the top for your thumb. Either way they are still legal. With either style, it must go to the collar to fail.

Most of the Sabre, are probably newer as the bib is the first to go. Because of that many mask, not FIE, are made as cheaply as possible. You didn't say what brand either was, but I have noticed JL and a few other do have a lot of give. I may not like them, but according to the rules, they are legal.

[asg392]

That's great news. Thank you for your (quick!) help.