Knickers

[tokenfoil]

The knickers I received for my birthday were much too big, so now I've got to buy myself a pair. What (and why) are the favorite knickers around here? How do Uhlman (what I was given) knickers compare to other brands?

I'm more concerned about light weight and flexibility than protection - I could care less about bruising. These would be a long-term purchase, yet I'd like to not empty my savings. I'm looking for between $100 and $230.

I'm looking for:
Small size
Lean
Light
Durable
Flexible
Reasonable price

[HoldenCaulfield]

wearing uhlmann gear is a total american trend.. all countries have their brand of choice. if you are looking for long-term use, however, i suggest that you stick with FIE no matter what the brand. FIE equipment is required at world cups.

[tokenfoil]

Neat point! What brands do other countries prefer? (I am intriguied!)

And yeah, I'll be getting FIE.

[KD5MDK]

The FIE brands that come to mind:

Germany:
Allstar/Uhlmann - Allstar only available from Germany or AllstarUSA, a Blade company
FenceWithFun - US distributors setting up now.

France:
Prieur - order from France
Cartel - order from France
Estoc - available from www.sword-masters.com

Italy:
Caramini
Negrini - AMFence.com or Absolute Fencing are the US vendors

Hungary:
PBT - www.fencepbt.com

UK:
Duellist - www.duellistusa.com
Leon Paul - LeonPaulUSA.com or shop.fencing.net

The various cuts are different from brand to brand. I believe the Italian and Estoc are the slimmest, while Uhlmann is on the wider side.

[tokenfoil]

How would you say the Negrini and Estoc brands rank on quality?

[KD5MDK]

I've never had Negrini myself, your best bet is to find someone who has. Their masks are top notch (well, they had one defect once but that's been remedied) but I've only seen their uniform once or twice, and as a referee moving things along I didn't have time to chat about it.

Estoc is considered from all the people I know to be an excellent brand. When it comes down to it, a lot of this stuff is pretty equal, with only the most minor things telling it apart, like Duellist's piping down the sides. The vendor for Estoc gear in the US, Swordmasters, are absolutely great people, and it's always a pleasure for me to deal with Scott, the owner. If you fence epee, it's one of the slickest jackets out there, and so more likely for the tip not to catch.

[tokenfoil]

How do the Estoc jackets compare to Leon Paul?
Also, thanks for all your help!

[Zilverzmurfen]

What brands do other countries prefer?

First; very wise of you to go with FIE kit. If you're going to buy 350 N you may as well buy 2nd hand...


I live in Sweden. The brands of choice here in Scandinavia are primarily allstar/Uhlmann with PBT as 3rd choice (although that would not be my personal 3rd choice).

I have heard nothing but good about Leon Paul kit, but due to exchange rates etc. it's very expensive here, hence why it's not at all common. You'd more often see a Leon Paul mask than Leon Paul kit.

If you decide to go for allstar/Uhlmann then get their Startex/Olympia models (respectively) as these are their stretch kit ranges.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

How do the Estoc jackets compare to Leon Paul?
Also, thanks for all your help!

Estoc is hands down the best for a skinny epeeist. Its very slick and very light, also well constructed. It does not stretch though.

[tokenfoil]

Thanks everyone for your help!

I ended up going with the Leon Paul Atlanta's since the price and quality matched well with my budget. If I ever purchase again though (hope not!), the LP Sydney and Estoc's were incredibly tempting.

[Morion]

I just received my Leon Paul knickers and while they are comfortable they appear to be made for a person with much thicker legs than I do. At the thickest part of my thigh I can grab a serious handfull of material. Still it does allow for free movement. My coaches concern is that the loose material will snag a blade with the chance that it will snap.

On a side note while trying to figure out how the buckle for the suspenders worked the plastic tab snapped loose with an audible click. Scared the bejeebers out of me, I thought I had broken them.

[tokenfoil]

I just received my Leon Paul knickers and while they are comfortable they appear to be made for a person with much thicker legs than I do. At the thickest part of my thigh I can grab a serious handfull of material. Still it does allow for free movement. My coaches concern is that the loose material will snag a blade with the chance that it will snap.

Hopefully they'll fit me snug, as I'm quite small! I'm already trying on a size up since fencing.net didn't have my size in stock (26 - not surprised), but they've been wonderful with the customer support so I'm still keeping an optimistic view.