Sabre Sockets; Bayonet vs. 2-Prong

[swrdwmn]

Hi All, I'm a long time foil fencer who's decided to try sabre and I LOVE IT! I've never had a problem with the bayonet sockets on my foils, but I was advised that 2-prong would be a more secure connection for the rigors of sabre fencing. I found 2-prong to be a little awkward after using bayonets. Before I go ahead and order a few weapons, I'd like to hear what the community has to say on the subject. Any opinions?? Thank you.

[erooMynohtnA]

Just go with whatever you have for foil.

The geniune article Leon Paul bayonets and connectors are secure, but the knockoffs will pop out.

[SJCFU#2]

If you've been happy with LP bayonet sockets in the past then why change. Just be certain to use "saber" sockets (hopefully they would be included if if you order a complete weapon). Otherwise you'll have to create the B-C short yourself.

In the case of the LP bayonet socket the only difference between the foil and saber sockets is at the base. The foil socket has a plastic piece between the brass plate that connects the center spring to the screw and the steel frame. The saber socket replaces the plastic with brass and doesn't bother with the screw.

[fencerbill]

If you've been happy with LP bayonet sockets in the past then why change. Just be certain to use "saber" sockets (hopefully they would be included if if you order a complete weapon). Otherwise you'll have to create the B-C short yourself.

In the case of the LP bayonet socket the only difference between the foil and saber sockets is at the base. The foil socket has a plastic piece between the brass plate that connects the center spring to the screw and the steel frame. The saber socket replaces the plastic with brass and doesn't bother with the screw.

If you convert your Foil LP sockets to Sabre by taking out the plastic piece, it is a good idea to put a small tiewrap around the socket and bracket. I have also added one or more flat washers to replace the plastic. Otherwise the spring is not as compressed as much, which can contribute to the plug popping out.

[DHCJr]

Another way to convert was first done by Matthew Porter. Take out the screw and break off the plastic piece that held the screw with out breaking the metal tab. Fold that tab over so it is between the plastic and the braket.

[swrdwmn]

Thank you all very much for your input, I appreciate your time and expertise. I'm planning on keeping my foils as is, and ordering complete Sabre weapons from Leon Paul, so I won't be converting my foil bayonet sockets, but I was unaware that the construction of a bayonet was different from foil to sabre, and it's good to know as much as possible about your weapons. erooMynohtnA, thanks for the tip about the knockoffs, whichever I go with I'll order my cords from LP too.

[KD5MDK]

If you have foil bayonet cords they will work fine, it's just the socket that is different, and as that stays on the weapon you'll have no problem.

[swrdwmn]

Thanks! I appreciate it!