Beginner's Kit

[Svirfneblic Pimfernickel]

I was doing a bit of research into equipment and am wondering if there was actually any tangible difference bewteen the Standard and Advanced Sets on

'http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/index.php/cPath/62_63?osCsid=9f15fa90fddd2800f3634fd979e4310c'

or if it is all just a marketing ruse to wheedle money out of gullible newbies like me.

I seek advice.

[erooMynohtnA]

There is a difference. The advanced sets have "advanced" components like the mask and jacket. Those are supposedly of higher quality, although I'm not sure that difference is big enough to be demonstrable. I think you're better off saving the money and ordering the standard set.

[Phaeton]

One has a bag?

[KD5MDK]

The "Advanced" set I looked at has a front zip jacket, while the "Standard" set has a back zip. The difference in convenience is very large.

[larkmaj]

I was doing a bit of research into equipment and am wondering if there was actually any tangible difference bewteen the Standard and Advanced Sets on

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/s...634fd979e4310c

or if it is all just a marketing ruse to wheedle money out of gullible newbies like me.

I seek advice.

First of all, as a tip, don't put any quote marks or anything on either side of the address, then it will automatically be formatted as a link (I removed them in the quote to demonstrate).

I would suggest getting the advanced set if you have the money. Better mask and glove, also a far more convenient jacket. If you get one with a bag the bag is better as well. Also keep in mind however that you will want a plastron as well which is not included in these sets. Which is something I don't quite understand as they recommend getting one in the description for the set.

[KD5MDK]

It keeps the sticker price down compared to competitors, who presumably also don't include a plastron.

[little_old_me]

I was doing a bit of research into equipment and am wondering if there was actually any tangible difference bewteen the Standard and Advanced Sets on

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/s...634fd979e4310c

or if it is all just a marketing ruse to wheedle money out of gullible newbies like me.

I seek advice.

in my opinion, the front zip jacket is worth the extra $20 by itself.

When i bought my first kit (last August) I got all Absolute Advanced equipment. It's held up very well over the season. The only thing that I have replaced was the glove (which was replaced with another Absolute Advanced glove). I feel like for the price, Absolute's stuff is some of the best on the market. Mine still feels like new and will surely last for another year or two.

As far as the bag, I didn't check the price of the 5-piece kit vs the cost of the 4-piece + a bag. I would, however, recommend getting a bag. It greatly helps with transporting your equipment to and from practice.

You may also want to throw in an extra $3 for the PVC Blade protector they offer. This is more expensive than just going to a hardware store and buying some PVC pipe, but I prefer that my blades be shipped with some protection. I just consider the extra $3 to be extra shipping.

[El Chucko]

Absolute masks run pretty big, by the way. Order one size down (i.e., if you would normally wear a Large, buy a Medium, etc.)

[jdoiv]

the club. They may be able to get you a club discount and will be able to help you with sizing.