who makes good, stretchy non-FIE uniforms?

[carlos]

I will have to replace my jacket and knickers soon. Since I am extremely unlikely ever to fence outside the USA, I will probably buy a non-FIE uniform. I would like advice on your favorite maker for stretch, wicking, coolness, sturdiness (like zippers) and so on.

Everyone has a a different shape and a different preference for fit, so of course comment on that if you like but I realize I'm pretty much on my own there.

Searching Product Reviews points to the Leon Paul full-stretch 350 N gear.

If it matters, I'm a 5'7" tall man who mainly fences epee.

[HDG]

Originally Posted by carlos

Searching Product Reviews points to the Leon Paul full-stretch 350 N gear.

I am a huge fan of this line; lightweight + moisture-wicking = comfortable. Great value for the price.

When you get it stencilled,however, have LPUSA do it; ProPrint's stencil job ran after only one use due to some mismatch b/w their ink and the fancy LP material.

[fencerbill]

Originally Posted by carlos

If it matters, I'm a 5'7" tall man who mainly fences epee.

What matters to me is that you think 5'7" is tall. Yeah for our size!

[erooMynohtnA]

I use Blade stuff. It's the half cotton/half stretch. It's not tops, but there's nothing wrong with it either. I'm a slender 5'10" and the jacket fits me pretty well. The knickers are less than ideal (cut for a fatter person). I've had the uniform about four years, and it's finally starting to show the wear. No problems with the zipper or velcro, though. For the price, I'm happy with it. I'll probably get LP when my stuff wears out though. Everything of theirs I've used has been very comfortable.

[Zilverzmurfen]

I would most probably go with Leon Paul.

(Of course I would not buy 350 N kit at all, but given your preferences I would definitely trust Leon Paul over any other non-FIE stretchy kit.)

[P.B]

I can't recommend the LP 006 Competition stuff enough. It's really strechy and very comfortable and, in my opinion, better finished than my Allstar Startex jacket despite being half the price.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by P.B

I can't recommend the LP 006 Competition stuff enough. It's really strechy and very comfortable and, in my opinion, better finished than my Allstar Startex jacket despite being half the price.

Half the price of what?

Leon Paul 'Sydney' range fencing jacket = 179 GBP = 2 363 SEK
Allstar 'Startex' range fencing jacket = 220 EUR = 2 002 SEK

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

Half the price of what?

Leon Paul 'Sydney' range fencing jacket = 179 GBP = 2 363 SEK
Allstar 'Startex' range fencing jacket = 220 EUR = 2 002 SEK

Z - They were comparing the 006 (the 350N) kit to the Startex.

Craig

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by Craig

Z - They were comparing the 006 (the 350N) kit to the Startex.

Craig

Aah...fair enough.

[bousquet]

I just upgraded from Blade's Cotton duck kit to LP's 350N Competition and I'm very happy with it. For extra protection, I bought the 800N FIE plastron.

[carlos]

Thanks, guys. Yes, I'm adding the 800 N plastron.

Zilver, why is 350 N bad? I realize, of course, that more puncture-resistance is safer than less, but do you feel that the regular stuff is really risky? Other reasons (fit, quality)?

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by carlos

Thanks, guys. Yes, I'm adding the 800 N plastron.

Zilver, why is 350 N bad? I realize, of course, that more puncture-resistance is safer than less, but do you feel that the regular stuff is really risky? Other reasons (fit, quality)?

For safety reasons, and also because all competitions over here (the ones I attend) require FIE standard 800 N.

Fit and quality would rely upon the manufacturer of the kit not the safety standards, I believe.

[Joe biebel]

My son, who needs to look good (more important than fencing good) has had 3 uniforms, all non-FIE. The last two were both Leon Paul stretch 350 uniforms. They lasted really well (he outgrew them in a little over a year each time) look great, and are realy comfortable. His last one is close to my size, so I tried it on. Very nice. Very comfortable and affords good bruise protection compared to others.

[gh02t]

I dunno about the LP stuff, I like their weapons, but their gear is kinda pricey. Absolute makes nice stuff (absolutefencinggear.com) and its pretty cheap and is top quality. I've also made the mistake of buying a Blade Olympia jacket and suffered for it. The zipper developed a bad habit of seperating during every bout, plus the floor cord ring ripped out one night - I mean completely ripped off, loop and all. Zivkovic's jackets are really nice too, about the same price range as LP.
Don't forget that LP uses the European sizing system!

[Bran]

Originally Posted by carlos

I will have to replace my jacket and knickers soon. Since I am extremely unlikely ever to fence outside the USA, I will probably buy a non-FIE uniform. I would like advice on your favorite maker for stretch, wicking, coolness, sturdiness (like zippers) and so on.

Everyone has a a different shape and a different preference for fit, so of course comment on that if you like but I realize I'm pretty much on my own there.

Searching Product Reviews points to the Leon Paul full-stretch 350 N gear.

If it matters, I'm a 5'7" tall man who mainly fences epee.

carlos,

Have you considered the FWF (fencewithfun) line of 350N clothing? They are fully stretch. Not many know about their products since they began retailing only last year.

Compelling prices for German quality (they used to design and manufacture for Uhlmann and Allstar until....) from a company with 35 years in the business. For example, we carry the jacket at $114.99, the knickers at $73.99 and the plastron at $59.99. The 800N range is an even better value.

We have recently added them to our catalog at http://www.zivkovic.com.

Bran