German/French sockets, cords

[thud]

I've recently run into a problem with my epee, which apparently has a German socket. After a day of fencing I discovered that my plug was just murderous to remove, and a total of five people had at it before it was finally freed by the coach. Turns out the plug was French. I don't get it. You'd think that French and German parts would get along just fine.

Anyway I'm now in the market for a German body cord, but I'm finding that online vendors don't always specify what style their sockets and/or cords are made in. What is the difference between the two, and how do I tell by looking at them? Which vendors/manufacturers carry German body cords?

Thanks!

[DHCJr]

All theoretically use the same size plug. 4mm for large (Epee) and 3mm for small. The problem is the German most notably Uhlmann/Allstar and their new out of continent supplier, the sizes vary. It could be the problem with the cord, not the socket.

The German Style connector uses a metal bracket that swings up. The French Style connector has a plastic removable security device. I use the term 'Style' as where they are made are anyone's guess.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by thud

Anyway I'm now in the market for a German body cord, but I'm finding that online vendors don't always specify what style their sockets and/or cords are made in. What is the difference between the two, and how do I tell by looking at them? Which vendors/manufacturers carry German body cords?

Thanks!

These will work for you:

Leon Paul Epee Body Cord (Made in the UK)

FWF Epee Body Cord (Made in Germany)

Cheers,
Craig

[Chafunkta]

I may be severely mistaken here, but I didn't think there were German/French body cords or sockets. I know there are German/French tips, and I know those differences, but nothing about the body cords and sockets.

My advice would be to get matching parts for whatever socket you have. If you have a Leon Paul socket, get a Leon Paul cord. If you have a Blue Gauntlet body cord, use a Blue Gauntlet socket, etc. This (usually) ensures a good fit. Of course, if I were you, I'd go for the higher range cords/sockets (LP, Uhlman). Dealing with socket/cord problems is way more trouble than the savings are worth.

[thud]

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

My advice would be to get matching parts for whatever socket you have.

Heh heh, well, that is a very good idea, except that I'm specifically avoiding the vendor that I bought my epee from for various matters of customer service (VENDOR SHALL REMAIN UNNAMED!).

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by thud

Heh heh, well, that is a very good idea, except that I'm specifically avoiding the vendor that I bought my epee from for various matters of customer service (VENDOR SHALL REMAIN UNNAMED!).

*cough cough* Blade, by any chance??

Was the body cord brand new?? If so, part of the sticking problem may simply be that the little expansion cages on the pins are a bit too big...in time they'll smush down (which causes it's OWN problems...)

[telkanuru]

Prieur cords do not like to come out of german sockets. I think it has to do with the length of the posts on the socket.

[thud]

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Was the body cord brand new??

No, it wasn't. I borrowed it from another fencer. I feel bad for how ****ed up his plug ended up after we finally got it out of the epee.

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by thud

Heh heh, well, that is a very good idea, except that I'm specifically avoiding the vendor that I bought my epee from for various matters of customer service (VENDOR SHALL REMAIN UNNAMED!).

So buy a new socket from another vendor. Buy a matching cord. Repeat for other weapons and back-up cords.

-B

[epeeisky]

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

I may be severely mistaken here, but I didn't think there were German/French body cords or sockets. I know there are German/French tips, and I know those differences, but nothing about the body cords and sockets.

My advice would be to get matching parts for whatever socket you have. If you have a Leon Paul socket, get a Leon Paul cord. If you have a Blue Gauntlet body cord, use a Blue Gauntlet socket, etc. This (usually) ensures a good fit. Of course, if I were you, I'd go for the higher range cords/sockets (LP, Uhlman). Dealing with socket/cord problems is way more trouble than the savings are worth.

There are different styles of sockets for the French and German sockets/bodycords. I have both the German bodycord and socket. A new clubmate put his French(Prieur) bodycord in my German socket and it was stuck. His bc had little prongs that got caught in the socket. I would suggest just getting all German parts as they are better.

[KD5MDK]

Originally Posted by Chafunkta

I may be severely mistaken here, but I didn't think there were German/French body cords or sockets. I know there are German/French tips, and I know those differences, but nothing about the body cords and sockets.

"French" sockets and plugs are the Prieur design, which in retaining method is about the worst ever devised. They use a plastic clip that loosely (usually) holds the bodycord in. The clip is mounted on the socket.

The much better "German" (2 prong) design uses a clip on the bodycord which grabs the edge of the socket. I have seen some German clips fail to grab on the thicker French sockets.

[oiuyt]

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

"French" sockets and plugs are the Prieur design, which in retaining method is about the worst ever devised. They use a plastic clip that loosely (usually) holds the bodycord in. The clip is mounted on the socket.

The much better "German" (2 prong) design uses a clip on the bodycord which grabs the edge of the socket. I have seen some German clips fail to grab on the thicker French sockets.

The rest of the thread has specifically been talking about epee cords/sockets. You seem to be discussing foil/sabre plugs/sockets.

-B

[KD5MDK]

The Prieur retaining device is equally ineffective in all three weapons. I should have noted the German retaining clip in epee is socket mounted, but still more effective.

Also, it's useful the next time someone wants to search for answers.

Has anyone made a bayonet 3 connector set?

[thud]

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

"French" sockets and plugs are the Prieur design,

Are there any other names I should know that are "French?"

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by thud

Are there any other names I should know that are "French?"

The term is more of a generic for the Prieur type...Cartel connectors are basically identical, from the few examples I've seen.

[keropie]

And often if it doesn't say, it's french. For points (epee and foil) you run into more companies (Sport7, Prieur, Uhlmann, Fencewithfun (who makes both French and German, but both made in Germany and stamped as such), and plenty others).

[fencerbill]

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

Has anyone made a bayonet 3 connector set?

In the very early days some people used connectors very similar, if not identical, to Amphenol connectors still used today for microphones. They had 3 pins and used a screw on collar.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by keropie

And often if it doesn't say, it's french. For points (epee and foil) you run into more companies (Sport7, Prieur, Uhlmann, Fencewithfun (who makes both French and German, but both made in Germany and stamped as such), and plenty others).

*waggles hand* Not really. The defining issues between French, German, and British (LP) styles are:

French: Pins have a round base, pin sits inside holes in a plastic block, plastic boot over the assembly with the exit tail between the B and C lines, and the boot can simple slide off to expose the pins

German: Pin have a square base and sit inside a hard plastic shell that's screwed togetherheld together with bolts

LP: Pins are round based and are held into a small plastic rig that holds them off the center line of the recieving socket. Rubber boot with centered exit tail that can slide off.

It doesn;t matter where it's made.