How Long Do You expect a non-FIE Mask to Last?

[VELISARIOS]

At start I had a non FIE mask. I use it for 2 and a half years.

[KD5MDK]

Did you replace it because it wore out or didn't pass inspection, or because you bought another mask for some other reason?

[sjpfencer220]

Fo me, I started out with a non-FIE blue gauntlet mask. I had it for probably 3 years until I had to physically force my head in it. It always passed everything, maybe had a tiny dent, but nothing major. Now I have an Uhlmann FIE mask, and it's much better than the other in terms of fit, but I have not really seen the difference in safety. Than again, I haven't really been concerned with my mask safety when I fence, it's just something I get checked, pass, and fence with. I think that, depending on the quality of a non-FIE mask, it should last from 1-3 years. Triplette is known not to have great quality masks anyway though.

[OROD]

I voted for the "I refuse to use them..." option.

When I was starting out my coach would tell me about Vladimir Smirnov. My coach came from the same club as Smirnov and he would tell me about how hard he would train, and how he died at the World Championships. I got a lot of inspiration on how to train, but also on how important it is to wear a good mask. Really, it's the most important piece of gear you put on, there's no good reason to wear an inferior one just to save a few dollars.

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[DHCJr]

Yes. My understanding of the "counterfeit" blades was that they were not materially inadequate, just being sold as FIE before the homologation took place.

Since I first saw France-Lame blades in the 90's that said FIE-N, I would say it was before homologation took place. But it doesn't take over 6 years for homoligation to take place.

Also there were a few blades found that had a FIE stamp for another forge, but if you looked at the blade you could see it was made at the France-Lame forge. The blades also were rusty and they were not marked FIE-N. France-Lame while they were in business never had approved non-maraging blades.

Bigdawg2121 why do you say Chevalier D'Auvergne (i.e. France Lames)? They are CA, not FL. If they are using the same forge, then it should be FL. When Uhlmann aquired Scrironni forge, they also got the FIE designation. That is why Uhlmann is FS.

[WordRider]

Depends entirely on the user of mask,how well he or she is able to intercept it from being marred or ruined.

WordRider

[die Fechterin]

I fence Epee (dominantly) and foil with mostly guys and after doing that for about two years my cheap-O Blue Gauntlet mask started to die. Not because it failed the punch test, and yes, it had some horrible! dents in it (which got pounded out), but the rubber strip around the edge of the mask just completely broke off. I was a bit worried at times when some of the bigger epeeists who happened to be ripped like Jesus would charge after me with full force. Needless to say, I worry less now with my Uhlman FIE mask.