Mask Advice?

[TinyFish]

Hi All,

My husband and I are trying to get back into fencing after being out of it for years. One piece of equipment I need to get is a mask for me. I wonder if someone can make a recommendation. We are not competing yet (we are working on getting through lessons without wanting to hurl), but hope to be eventually and I'd rather not maintain two sets of masks.

For my mask, I need the follow:
-Reasonable glasses accommodation, my glasses aren't huge
-Preferably a washable bib
-Not be inclined to snarl in my hair (the 'new' straps on the back of most of the masks at the salle seem to be designed with the maximum exposure to the hooks of velcro and it really nabs me. It took two people to get me out of a mask, very embarrassing!)

And here's the big kicker: I'm hearing impaired now, so I'd really like to not have too much padding over the ears to contend with.

Thanks!

-TinyFish

[erooMynohtnA]

The LP contour fit FIE, practically perfect in every way.

[mrbiggs]

That is a practically perfect mask in every way. Unfortunately, it's also expensive*. How much are you looking to spend?

*it's not actually expensive for the quality or comfort. But you can get cheaper ones.

[KD5MDK]

Then get the Contour Fit non-FIE. The mesh is just as strong.

[genstu]

The LP has 6 or so little holes in the padding over each ear which may help your situation.

A small point on price, I have one of these and would recommend it but other 1600N masks may also be good.

My main point would be that going for a FIE now is worth it, my reasoning being that I see no reason why only competitive fencers should have the benifit of the extra protection After all that is what the extra money is paying for plus you only have one head and throat.

[genstu]

Then get the Contour Fit non-FIE. The mesh is just as strong.

I should type quicker you got in ahead of me

My experiance as a newish fencer would be that yes the mesh is same but a heavy epee blow to the throat area prompted me to buy a 1600N LP and I am glad that I did as other hits to the throat since have felt "better?" prehaps it is just in the mind or the hits have come at a different angle since but the confidence it gave me was worth the money.

[Five Rings]

For my mask, I need the follow:
-Reasonable glasses accommodation, my glasses aren't huge

FYI, I fenced for years with glasses and recently made the switch to contacts (for other reasons - I have a high exposure to "contact sports" with my kids - basically, they beat me up every night!) and I have to say that my whole perspective behind the mask has really changed for the better - better vision, less issues about fogging, and no misalingment due to hits to the mask. If your situation permits, you may want to consider that too.

[Purple Fencer]

Hi All,

My husband and I are trying to get back into fencing after being out of it for years. One piece of equipment I need to get is a mask for me. I wonder if someone can make a recommendation. We are not competing yet (we are working on getting through lessons without wanting to hurl), but hope to be eventually and I'd rather not maintain two sets of masks.

For my mask, I need the follow:
-Reasonable glasses accommodation, my glasses aren't huge
-Preferably a washable bib
-Not be inclined to snarl in my hair (the 'new' straps on the back of most of the masks at the salle seem to be designed with the maximum exposure to the hooks of velcro and it really nabs me. It took two people to get me out of a mask, very embarrassing!)

And here's the big kicker: I'm hearing impaired now, so I'd really like to not have too much padding over the ears to contend with.

Thanks!

-TinyFish

If only my own line of masks was ready to come out....I believe they'd meet your requirements.
I had no problem with glasses in it (and I wear big frames)
Removable and washable liner in the bib
Safety strap that meets in the center like a Prieur...no hair snags like on an Uhlmann.

Ah well....probably won't be out for a couple of months...

[TinyFish]

Thanks for the info.

The LP contour fit FIE looks cozy, but those little holes on the ears are not gonna cut it. Would enlarging them invalidate the mask for competition? The price is high, but I'm planning on asking for it as a holiday gift, so it isn't prohibitive if it would give years of good service. I try to take good care of my things. I'd rather wait until then (or save up for it) than spend half as much, get something that doesn't work and end up spending it all over again. Is the bib washable?

I've had contacts in the past, but I'm trying to stick with glasses right now for non-sport related reasons. I suppose if years from now I got very competitive I might go back to them. Thanks for the tips!

-TinyFish

[erooMynohtnA]

There's no pull-out insert for the bib in mine, but it is my belief that you can wash it in the bathtub with some mild detergent.

I haven't had mine for longer than a year, but by all accounts you'll get years and year and years out of it.

I don't know about FIE, but taking some padding out is certainly legal for USFA.

[sertafu]

Thanks for the info.

The LP contour fit FIE looks cozy, but those little holes on the ears are not gonna cut it. Would enlarging them invalidate the mask for competition?

-TinyFish

You could always contact LP and see if they could customize a mask with larger openings around the ears. It might take a little longer to get, but I don't see why it should be a prohibitively expensive alteration.

[Inquartata]

I hand-wash mine as I do my lamé: in a basin of cold water with a bit of Ivory Snow and a capful of ammonia. Squeeze repeatedly to get the dirt out of the inner lining---try not to squeeze, abrade or otherwise annoy the lamé material on the outside if it's a sabre mask. If it's not, no problem. Then rise and wring out, air dry out of direct sunlight.

Some folks run their masks through a cycle in the dishwasher. ( Run the dishwasher through a cycle or two empty to make sure all food and soap residue is gone first. Don't use soap. Probably not good to use the hottest water, either, but as I don't have a dishwasher myself I don't know for sure. Try a search, the method is detailed by users on one or two previous threads. )

I think it was Mr. Epee who said that he takes his mask to a self-serve car wash and uses the pressure sprayer. YMMV.

[Alex_Paul]

We stamp the bibs so modifications during production are tricky I am afraid. There is no kevlar type material in the padding section inside the mask and so you should have no trouble altering it with scisors. The inside of the mask is not part of it's "protection" zone so modifications should still leave the masks FIE rating intact.

Alex Paul

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I suggest the prieur, though I guess I am biased. The mesh seems to "stick out" more, which would be good for your glasses.

[Wise-Epeeist]

I hand-wash mine as I do my lamé: in a basin of cold water with a bit of Ivory Snow and a capful of ammonia. Squeeze repeatedly to get the dirt out of the inner lining. ...

Ditto.
I also set mine in front of a small fan to expediate evaporation.
And occasionally (before use, and later after a thorough washing) the application of ScotchGard or similar product can help prevent some filth accumulation. At least on the outside of the bib -- I wouldn't want to put it directly next to my face.