Zip-Tips

[purpzeyFCLI]

How many people are using these things? I am on the edge of converting my 4 epees. Basically, I want to know, if you have used them or know someone who has, are there are any serious problems?

I am aware of the broken tip issue. But it seems they don't break too often. Please let me know if this is a misconception.

Thanks,
--Purp

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I broke mine in 2-3 minutes.

Don't get em.

[Dax]

I had a few, they all didn't last more than a night or two at practice.

[epeeisky]

The first batch they made had a manufacturing error and did not last long, especially if your tip was orientated with the horizontal. The new batches seem to be much better and actually last more than a few bouts. My zip tip has lasted around 3 months now. My advice is to buy one and test it out before you convert all your weapons to the tips.

[rac]

My daughter has been using them for about 8 months, one broken. Downside, expense. Upside, quick change, easy setup, really easy use!

I often have to send her to events with non-mech mom and she can do full maintenance of the tip in seconds at the strip.

She may not be as hard on tips as a full grown male but for her they are ideal!!!

RAC

[remise]

One of the "A" rated epeeists at our club tried them. They lasted all of one evening for him, and he is not hard on his equipment.

[Allen Evans]

If I was still actively fencing, I would consider buying one or two, simply to use as a "spare tire" when I don't have the time in the pool to fix a weapon.

[campb1pr]

If I was still actively fencing, I would consider buying one or two, simply to use as a "spare tire" when I don't have the time in the pool to fix a weapon.

I voted to recommend them - but only for service as Allen describes above. I have used them for this purpose - and they are excellent for this. I think of them as my "donut" spare tire. I used one for about half a tournament, in my favorite weapon, and it did quite well. Apart from the frequent comments and problems with premature breakage, they seem to work quite well. I was very happy with the feel and the action of the tip itself. After the tournament, I was able to take the time to fix the weapon properly, and had reduced stress during the event because I knew that I had an easy fix available.

[JEC]

My opinion has not changed:
Screwless tip - designed in USA

The link to that thread is above, and started about a year ago. Post #63 (page 3/5) includes pictures of Zip Tip failures. As Allen suggested, I still have a couple as spare tires for tournaments. They are threaded and calibrated to replace the tip of a favorite-like weapon.

Link to post with pictures of failures:
http://www.fencing.net/forums/post326112-63.html

[arc]

One of my assistants has started using them & likes them, but I still prefer good, old-fashioned metal (screws & all). With a *judicious* use of Loctite (242), I never have a problem with either my contact springs or screws.

[purpzeyFCLI]

As additional point of note, my clubs armourer has warned me against them and suggested the "Spare Tire" method as well.

[Bill the Blade]

The other issue is that the screw that holds the contact spring is a little too small, and the spring comes loose. Then the contact spring is too long or bent to the side and the tip does not go off.

I had several 15/16 year olds switch, and if you beat the blade a lot then you break the tips. I run away a lot so this did not happen to me, (actually I crawl away). I use several in my #2 blades in the club for the quick maintenance.

[swordsen]

I have been using them on one of my weapons since the Miami Nac last year. My biggest complaint is contact spring wandering. It tends to rotate itself out with really annoying frequency. Haven't made up my mind if I will buy more when the six I got are gone.

[IHateMrPotatohead]

I also bought them at the Miami NAC last year. The first one I broke was in June of this year. I figure as often as I lost screws (and then tips) before, it's worth it for me. I love them, and they don't tend to get "sticky" like normal tips.

[DE_Strip_Tease]

I love zip tips. My first one lasted almost 8 months.

[RebelFencer]

Zip tips are ok. It really depends on how you fence with them and how often you fence. If you fence fairly rough (lots of hitting bellguards, etc.) they tend to break fairly easily. They will also break if you're practicing more than once or twice a week. That said, they're good as backups like Allen said, and I haven't had problems with them breaking....but I still prefer normal tips just because I perceive them as more reliable and am not afraid of them breaking in the middle of the bout.

[rac]

Zip tips are ok. It really depends on how you fence with them and how often you fence. If you fence fairly rough (lots of hitting bellguards, etc.) they tend to break fairly easily.

I agree with this fully. The harder hitters have a higher rate of breakage at our club.

They will also break if you're practicing more than once or twice a week. ...

I disagree with this, I do not think it is tied to repetition but rather force on the points. The folks who are using them without breakage are the women and the fencers who avoid the clanging bellguards. They are using the same tips for VERY long times without incident.

RAC