What epee mask to buy?

[kostis43]

Hi,

I want to buy a FIE epee mask as a present, but I know very few things about fencing. I would appreciate any suggestions on what to take into consideration, good brands and average prices.

(I see that the most popular mask in fencing.net is the Leon Paul F.I.E. 1600. Is it also the best for its price?)

Thanks,

kostis43

[RebelFencer]

I've got one and I have to say, it's a tank. Very durable. It feels a little stiff when you first get it, but once you wear it for awhile it becomes very comfortable. I don't have any experience with other FIE brands, but I would really recommend the LP...especially sine you don't have to pay shipping with leonpaulusa.com.

[keropie]

I will say that by far the favorite mask I've ever worn is the Negrini FIE. I have an Uhlmann FIE as well (fits the color scheme better) and have tried on a LP mask, Triplette (though read the thread whereever it is about buyer beware, they're not really FIE even though they meet the durability/strength spec), PBT, and a few others. Uhlmann/Allstar is nice too, and the LP was fine, but I love my Negrini.

[Inigo_Montoya]

Offhand I would go with the LP FIE Contour fit mask. It is the most comfortable mask I have tried. Without trying masks on at an event, you should go with this mask because it has the most adjustments of any mask so it fits your head just right. The Uhlmann/Allstar masks are also very nice but if you haven't tried one on to ensure proper size, then the mask might not fit right.

[Craig]

Here is a brief rundown of FIE Masks and current prices (pulled today):

From http://shop.fencing.net/ :

Leon Paul FIE Mask: $149.89
Leon Paul Contour-Fit FIE Mask: $163.71

Other brands:

Uhlmann: $160.20 from Absolute Fencing Gear

Negrini: "New Competition" FIE Foil/Epee Mask: $179.00 from Absolute Fencing Gear

Prieur FIE mask: $179.95 from Triplette

PBT FIE mask: $186.95 from fencePBT.com

Overall, you can get the Contour-Fit FIE mask for the same price as other brands and I find the contour-fit to be the best feeling mask I've used in years. (For reference, prior to the LP, I've used Uhlmann masks - never liked the feel of the Prieurs.)

Craig

[KD5MDK]

Do you know the appropriate size for the mask? It's not too hard (they come in Small, Medium and Large generally) but if you're uncertain it might make sense to make a little card "gift certificate" and allow your fencer to choose.

The Uhlmann FIE mask is on sale at www.thefencingpost.com for $149, and if you mention the website you get 20% off.

[CvilleFencer]

I have owned Uhlmann, Allstar and BG FIE masks. I currently own a Leon Paul Contour fit and I don't plan on every buying another brand. It is super durable and very resistant to hard hits and has ample neck padding with a bib that is designed not to roll up. In short it is awesome for epee, which is my primary weapon. I have zero complaints about it and the contour fit system is just spiffy. Very adjustable to find the fit you like and so much more comfortable than the spring steel clips in other masks. I can't say enough good things about it and I highly recommend it.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I own the Prieur FIE. The only thing I can say is that theres alot of room between your eyes and the mesh, so you dont have to worry about getting a concussion, or smashing your nose on the inside of your mask from a bell punch. It looks a little goofy though, kinda oblong.

[kostis43]

Many thanks everyone for your suggestions! Very much appreciated. It seems from the responses that the Leon Paul contour fit mask is very well received and it ticks all the boxes (durable, comfortable, adjustable, good quality, affordable), so I will probably go for it; but not before I check also the other suggestions. I am intrigued by what keropie said ('I love my Negrini') and since the present is for an italian, I may have to consider that option as well.

Thanks also for the 'gift certificate' tip. I know the size (medium), but I suppose it's best to keep the options open.

[mousers11]

I have a prieur mask, well made exept for non repacable elastic & velcro straps which wore out in 12 months. had to sew new straps onto old ones to continue to use.Would not buy another.
Negrini is a better mask with replaceable straps.
Then again theres always the clear masks to consider?

[Zilverzmurfen]

I have this mask and I love it. I fully recommend it!

As to the question which mask is best for its price that fully depends on where you live. Where I live allstar gear is considerably cheaper than Leon Paul, but I've heard things are the opposite in the US for example.

[Joan of Ark]

I would appreciate any suggestions on what to take into consideration, good brands and average prices.

I would suggest NOT getting a PBT mask. I have had one of their non-FIEs and currently have an FIE one. The paint on both of them flakes really easily and it has gotten into my eyes at several tournaments and practices and really irrated them. I've had my FIE mask for a little over 6 months now and it looks worse than my brother's of 2 years (uhlmann, I think). Not to mention PBT is a little more expensive (I think).

[glowstix]

i second the prieur. you do look goofy in it but no other FIE mask would fit my head. prieurs are also the cheapest FIE masks too. you can't beat that.

[Zilverzmurfen]

I would suggest NOT getting a PBT mask.

And this coming from someone who has PBT's URL in their signature..?


(Not that I would ever buy a PBT mask...)

[The Poopsmith]

I don't think the contour-fit LP masks look very good. I shovel poop all day long, so I feel a need to look good while I fence. I always used Uhlmann or Allstar - though I could never get one that fit exactly right. Mesh marks on your face do not look sexy. I tried a PBT mask - really good fit, but the tongue isn't long enough, or something is off. It feels like it is going to fall off in a deep lunge. It's all fun and games until someone looses an eye. Mesh marks and a missing eye - definitely not sexy! Since it's all about looking good, I want to try out a Duellist mask to go along with my new pinstriped evolution uniform. Check out:
http://www.duellistusa.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=150

[Joan of Ark]

And this coming from someone who has PBT's URL in their signature..?


(Not that I would ever buy a PBT mask...)

I like their blades and uniforms, just not their masks.

[CvilleFencer]

Just FYI PBT does not have their "own" blades. All the blades they sell are rebadged BF, LM or StM blades sold at a higher price for the honor of having the PBT stamp on them... The PBT uniforms are pretty good, and a decent value if you buy them outside the US. Inside the US, not so much.

[CvilleFencer]

Since it's all about looking good, I want to try out a Duellist mask to go along with my new pinstriped evolution uniform. Check out:
http://www.duellistusa.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=150

Well, since it is all about looking good this probably won't matter to you, but IIRC Duelist masks are the same mesh and design as Triplette masks. Which to me anyway, means they likely suck... Although I have never used one. If they don't buy their mesh from the rubbish bin, as seems to be TCA's practice maybe they are not so bad but I would not spend my own money to find out. Their uniforms are very spiffy however. For masks LP, Uhlmann/Allstar, Negrinni or Prieur in that order is the way to go IMHO.

[Joan of Ark]

[QUOTE=CvilleFencer]Just FYI PBT does not have their "own" blades. All the blades they sell are rebadged BF, LM or StM blades sold at a higher price for the honor of having the PBT stamp on them...QUOTE]

I am very honored about having those letters on my blades..