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fencerchica · 06-05-2006, 04:23 PM

Would anyone have suggestions as to the thinnest and lightest FIE underarm protector (plastron) on the market? I checked the product reviews but there were only a few there, and it was also difficult to get an idea of what they were like, comparatively. It does sound as though the LP might be a good choice for thin/light.

Right now I'm using Santelli non-FIE cotton plastrons but would be excited to find something a little thinner and more breathe-able. I looked at an Uhlmann FIE underarm protector this weekend and was a bit dismayed at how substantial (i.e., thick and bulky) it seemed.

DangerMouse · 06-05-2006, 04:40 PM

Cartel makes the thinnest lightest plastrons by far.
http://www.cartel-escrime.com/catalo...products_id=84

The closest second I've seen is the Negrini.
http://www.negrini.com/eng.php?conte...abella=listino

I own both and the negrini is better made but the cartel is lighter and more flexible.

oiuyt · 06-05-2006, 04:43 PM

*wondering how paper-thin chica's cotton plastron is if an Uhlmann FIE version is unbearably bulky*

-B

fencerchica · 06-05-2006, 04:49 PM

thanks, Dangermouse! :-)

Well, the Uhlmann FIE seemed less breathable and made of quite stiff and thick fabric (perhaps it breaks in?). The Santellis are probably thicker in actuality but are so much more supple that it doesn't seem as bad.

KD5MDK · 06-05-2006, 04:51 PM

I was wondering the same thing. I wonder what the difference in thickness between the Cartel and the Negrini and the Uhlmann are. (And how well the thinnest work).

fencerchica · 06-05-2006, 05:00 PM

Dangermouse -- if I could ask you a follow up question re: the Cartel plastron: I see it comes in sizes 2, 3, 4, which I guess correspond to adult S, M, and L. Would you say Cartel stuff runs pretty average, or a little large or small? Thanks!!

HDG · 06-05-2006, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencerchica

Dangermouse -- if I could ask you a follow up question re: the Cartel plastron: I see it comes in sizes 2, 3, 4, which I guess correspond to adult S, M, and L. Would you say Cartel stuff runs pretty average, or a little large or small? Thanks!!

There's a link to a size chart; how's your French?

DangerMouse · 06-05-2006, 06:24 PM

I wear a size 4 Cartel and a Large Negrini. The Cartel and the Negrini are about the same thickness, but Negrini uses a slightly stiffer fabric and has a thin lining. Both are significantly lighter and more supple than the Uhlmann, which I found to be really uncomfortable.

As for how well the Cartel plastron works, it is the same fabric as their uniforms (which I also have). I haven't had a blade go through it yet and it's 2 years old. The stitching on the FIE label on the other hand has not held up as well as the rest of the uniform.

KD5MDK · 06-05-2006, 07:00 PM

Is the jacket similarly thin, then? That's interesting. (Certainly not the case for Uhlmann/Allstar)

DangerMouse · 06-05-2006, 08:09 PM

Yes the jacket and knickers are just as thin. One layer, no lining.

prototoast · 06-05-2006, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

Is the jacket similarly thin, then? That's interesting. (Certainly not the case for Uhlmann/Allstar)

It's the thinnest, lightest FIE jacket I've ever worn.

oiuyt · 06-06-2006, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

One layer, no lining.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FIE Rulebook (m25.4.b)

b) La veste doit obligatoirement comporter un sous-bras doublant la manche jusqu'à la saignée du bras et le flanc jusqu'à la région de l'aisselle. A l'épée, le tireur a l'obligation de porter une veste réglementaire couvrant toute la surface du tronc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by USFA Rulebook (m25.4 (second paragraph))

The jacket must include a lining making a double thickness of material for the sleeve down to the elbow of the sword arm and covering the flank up to the region of the armpit. At épée the fencer is required to wear a regulation jacket, which must cover
the whole of the surface of the trunk.

Are you sure that the jacket has a single layer with no lining? If so it shouldn't be legal for international competition. (as a reminder, the FIE certifies the material but not the construction or end product in the manufacture of such articles of clothing as a jacket)

-B

bigdawg2121 · 06-06-2006, 04:43 AM

Well it might just have a lining for the weapon arm as required....I seem to recall hearing that the PBT FIE material on their top line jacket was also rather thin. Any idea how the materials compare?

remise · 06-06-2006, 10:24 AM

I was going to suggest PBT.

prototoast · 06-06-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oiuyt

Are you sure that the jacket has a single layer with no lining? If so it shouldn't be legal for international competition. (as a reminder, the FIE certifies the material but not the construction or end product in the manufacture of such articles of clothing as a jacket)

-B

It has a second layer on the inside of the armpit, though it only goes about 4 inches up the bottom of the arm, and goes down the torso seem about the length of the ribcage. Whether or not that's good enough to technically meet all of the requirements, I don't know, but it seems to be a token second layer to appease the rule.

rudd · 06-07-2006, 07:24 AM

I have teh cheaper Uhlmann/Allstar 800N Plastron and it is both uncomfortabale and a sweat trap. The more expesive one looks very lightweigh, however it uses velcro for fastening at both neck and waist. I'd prefer a buchle or button. The Cartel looks good, but I'm going to order a Tournois one as I found it going cheap and it's just a rebrand of the same design

oiuyt · 06-07-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rudd

I have teh cheaper Uhlmann/Allstar 800N Plastron and it is both uncomfortabale and a sweat trap. The more expesive one looks very lightweigh, however it uses velcro for fastening at both neck and waist. I'd prefer a buchle or button. The Cartel looks good, but I'm going to order a Tournois one as I found it going cheap and it's just a rebrand of the same design

You've lost me here. The cheaper Uhlmann 800N plastron? I've only ever seen one type (the type I own/wear). It fits your description of the more expensive one (lightweight, velcro fastening at neck and waist). I've never seen another type from them. So I went to their website to see if either it was a new thing or I'd just missed it. They only have one listed (which looks just like what I have).

Are you talking about their 350N version (although from the pictures it looks nearly identical to the 800N)?

-B

DangerMouse · 06-07-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdawg2121

Well it might just have a lining for the weapon arm as required....I seem to recall hearing that the PBT FIE material on their top line jacket was also rather thin. Any idea how the materials compare?

I have both and the PBT is thicker, but the combination of the material and the lining in it make it feel cool to the touch. Very comfortable.

And I've used the Cartel in international competition without any problems.

telkanuru · 06-07-2006, 03:40 PM

The LP light plastron isn't all that terrible, either.

sjpfencer220 · 06-11-2006, 11:43 AM

Along with what Brad says, I think that there is only one type of Uhlmann FIE plastron, and I use it and it is both very thin and very breathable. I think that you are getting it confused with the cheaper, thicker, Uhlmann FIE jacket and knickers, the World Cup ones, and the thinner, more movalbe, more expensice Uhlmann jacket and knickers, the Olympia ones. The plastron is the same for both of them however. Also, along those lines, I have both and Uhlmann and Allstar FIE plastron and the Uhlmann is definately more moveable and, but only from the picture, looks like a bit better choice than the Cartel one. Good luck finding one.