High end uniforms

[RITFencing]

I know a lot of threads have been started about various high end FIE uniforms, including a few comparisons, but there didn't seem to be one devoted to comparing all the major brands' pros and cons. I'll start off with my own Uhlmann Olympia kit:

Pro: Very tough, fairly flexible and comfortable if it fits well. Extremely durable; I'd expect it to last me a long time.

Cons: A bit heavy and hot. It also tends to hold in sweat, and if it gets too tight (my chest expanded a bit after getting it) it can be a bit uncomfortable.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

You forgot to mention that it costs a newborn.

I've got the estoc FIE jacket.

Pros: Slick, light weight, breathable, moderately decent price, good padding, good looking.

Cons: Too damn small. The cut is so tight that it almost restricts movement. This is probably why most epeeists on the world cup level dont wear it.

[RITFencing]

I got a discount on mine, and I had the advantage of a halfway decent paycheck for a dude living on his own. Do the people at Estoc do custom tailoring? I'm about 6'4, 50 chest and 40 waist, so I know how annoying it is finding a jacket that fits.

I should also mention that I'm looking to pick up a competition only uni in the next year or so. The uhlmann is great, but the tighness aournd the chest and the heat of it can get to me in some tournaments, but it takes hits like a tank so I'll use it for every day stuff.

[El Chucko]

Leon Paul "Atlanta" FIE uniform

PROS: breathability of cotton/freedom of stretch panels, extremely well-made and durable (every seam is a work of precision), great look and design, great protection/absorbs heavy hits

CONS: it's a little heavy (weight) and pretty warm, not very form-fitting (which would probably only be a factor for epee fencers. That being said, I am an epee fencer, and I just accept the occasional "sleeve-touch." Learn to protect your arm!)

Conclusion: I love it. If I ever need a new one, I will probably upgrade to the Leon Paul Sydney uniform, but I don't think this one will EVER wear out. BTW, Leon Paul masks are the best on the market, case closed.

[sabreur]

Allstar Startex knickers--very stretchy, light and worth every penny I paid for them.

Allstar Athens sabre jacket--heavy, stiiff and not very stretchy--I will upgrade to a Startex jacket the next time I need stuff. I have to admit that I don't notice the jacket when I'm fencing--I used Athens knickers for years, and hated them when I was warming up (I had to stretch, then put them on, because they were so restrictive), yet never noticed them while I was fencing.

[telkanuru]

Estoc FIE Jacket and knickers-

Pros: light, wicking fabric, quick to dry, good fit. I don't suffer any movement constraints. I especially like the tailoring in the arms; the fabric dosn't bunch.

Cons: ummm... they cost me money?

[DangerMouse]

PBT Superlight jacket and knickers

PROS: lightweight and breathe well. They actually feel cold when you first put them on. Standard tall sizes available. Well made.

CONS: Not very stretchy and are expensive in the US (I got mine in Hungary).

Cartel FIE jacket and Knickers

PROS: The lightest weight most breathable uniform you'll ever find. Very comfortable. Cheap and they will custom cut it for free.

CONS: Stitching leaves something to be desired. Cut like a bag even with custom measurements.

[darius]

LEON PAUL SYDNEY -

Pros:
- Light and breathable.
- The fit is exceptional.
- Good stitching, very nicely finished.

Cons:
- Costs over 3 bills.

I love this jacket. I train in an old beat-up Allstar Startex FIE jacket, but use this for competition. The Startex was previously my benchmark for quality gear (because what other piece of clothing is in that price range?) but this exceeds it by a laughable margin.

darius

[mrbiggs]

I also have the Estoc jacket. It's slick, pretty cool, but very skinny, especially in the sleeves. As in, I can't fit my arm and the end of an epee body cord in next to each other. (And I'm not muscular at all...)
It does restrict my movement the tiniest bit, not enough to notice when I'm fencing usually, but enough to notice if I stretch in it. The good side of the tightness is that there is NO slack in the sleeve for arm/wrist shots.

Another thing is that (I've found), the neck is pretty thick. I can barely close my lamé over it.

So I'd strongly recommend it for skinny epeeists, and recommend it less to others. (Though it's still good!)

Oh, decent price too, though it's as much as the (cheap FIE) Uhlmann for any reasonable size.

[BoutAfrica]

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

PBT Superlight jacket and knickers

PROS: lightweight and breathe well. They actually feel cold when you first put them on. Standard tall sizes available. Well made.

CONS: Not very stretchy and are expensive in the US (I got mine in Hungary).

Cartel FIE jacket and Knickers

PROS: The lightest weight most breathable uniform you'll ever find. Very comfortable. Cheap and they will custom cut it for free.

CONS: Stitching leaves something to be desired. Cut like a bag even with custom measurements.

also:
CONS: The elastic on the cuffs of the sleaves and on the breeches fray very quickly. They go off colour very quickly ( ie, not white for long)