Replace Lexan in Sabre Mask, Still FIE?

[twisterfencing]

Here is the question:

A man/woman goes out and purchases a new FIE sabre mask with the clear Lexan visor on it. Several weeks go by and the mask gets a scratch right down the center of it. The owner finds a vendor here in the US that sells the replacement Lexan. Her trusty local armourer (one of us) replaces it. Now that it is replaced, is it still an approved FIE mask??

Here in the US, makes no diffrence, yet for our folks traveling to Euro, maybe?

Gary Spruill

[KD5MDK]

Given that replacing the Lexan is a requirement of FIE use (because of the 2 year expiration on the lexan), and there are no specifications on who can perform the replacement, the two options are: "Yes, it is still FIE" or, "Only the manufacturer may replace the Lexan".

Given I can't think of any way for an armorer to determine if the lexan was replaced by an armorer or by the manufacturer, I'd say the answer in effect is the first. Especially given the stories I heard about how if the rules were strictly enforced there would be 2 or 3 masks passed at a World Cup.

[Inquartata]

I doubt that it's necessary for the manufacturer to replace the Lexan; at least one maker includes an extra panel with their new masks. That implies that you can change out the one that comes installed with the supplied extra yourself...

[DHCJr]

Yes, you can replace it and yes it will still be FIE. I got this from Dan.

One warning check the date on the visor and make sure it is visible when the visor is put in.

I have seen 2005 masks with 1999 visors or visors with no date. If you get a visor with the date 03-07, you will have to replace it in 2 months