New Equipment

[MB Fencer]

Okay....I'm probably going to get flamed 'cause there is probably a thread on tis somewhere; however I am looking at getting my own equipment instead of the clubs and would like to know people's opinions of the different suppliers out there.

I am looking at going with a package from absolute because that is the main brand that the club uses, and their prices seem reasonable.

Any thoughts / opinions woudl be appreciated.
Thanks

[HDG]

No flame, but if you go to the product reviews (top of this webpage just below the righthand photo) you will find a great deal of detailed information about just about every bit of fencing equipment out there. One word of advice about purchasing the sets (leaving aside questions about the general merits of pre-packaged sets): they generally don't come with underarm protectors -- add one to your order.

[mrbiggs]

Okay....I'm probably going to get flamed 'cause there is probably a thread on tis somewhere; however I am looking at getting my own equipment instead of the clubs and would like to know people's opinions of the different suppliers out there.

I am looking at going with a package from absolute because that is the main brand that the club uses, and their prices seem reasonable.

Any thoughts / opinions woudl be appreciated.
Thanks

What are you looking for in terms of pricing?

You imply that you're trying not to spend too much, absolute is good for that. If you want nicer stuff, leon paul, Allstar, or Uhlmann are a good bet. Also, if you want the very best price and quality, you'll have to mix and match a little. For example, The Fencing Post sells a lamé that usually lasts longer than the absolute, for slightly less money.

The package from absolute is probably your best bet, though. Don't forget to buy an underarm protector if it's not included.

[MB Fencer]

Underarm protector ? Never used one. Are they commonly used? ( Our club doesn't use them - and I haven't seen them used often at tournaments)

[mrbiggs]

Underarm protector ? Never used one. Are they commonly used? ( Our club doesn't use them - and I haven't seen them used often at tournaments)

They're required at tournaments.

They're a safety device. If you don't use one, you run the risk of having a blade penetrate your jacket at the seam. It's not all that likely, but risking having a broken blade going into your ribcage isn't worth $25.

They also provide general protection in the area in which you are hit most.

In other words, they should be used at your club, and should definately be used at tournaments.

[keropie]

At a tournament with officials using correct USFA rules, you are required to use an underarm plastron. If you are not wearing one when you report to strip, you should receive a yellow card for non-conforming equipment, and you will be required to get one. As for at club, that's a much more individual issue with the club in question. At our club, it's fairly uncommon, but some people do wear one. At many clubs, full uniform (including knickers and underarm protection) is required for any contact drills and/or bouting. But yes, if you intend to compete, you should definitely get one.

HTH

[KD5MDK]

His location is Winnipeg. Unless there's more than one of those, he needs to go by CFF rules, not USFA ones. However, not having an underarm protector is a bad decision in any event and even if the CFF rules do not require them, he should buy one. (And I'd be really surprised if they don't.)
Also, the CFF may have some Newton requirement for safe gear, although if his club uses Absolute I suspect they don't, since Absolute doesn't sell any strength rated gear of its own brand.

[keropie]

At a quick reading, it seems that in order for events to be 'official' CFF events, they follow FIE rules, so a plastron is (of course) required, and equipment must be FIE equipment. But that was a quick reading...

[KD5MDK]

I'd like to see jBirch or one of the other Canadians who are pretty experienced give the real say on what's what. It would not surprise me if the Canadians implemented the FIE rules, or if they used the FIE rulebook as is, but applied their own equipment standards, as the British do. All the Canadians I've seen have worn full FIE kit in my memory, but given they've also paid the requisite money to travel to an American NAC, they're probably the more dedicated types who would buy it anyway.