Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

amwolve · 03-17-2007, 08:02 PM

http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/Foil_-_Epee_masks.html

I currently have a Leon Paul mask without Vision 2000. But I need as much reaction time as possible, and every single bit of an advantage I can get. I understand that many people say it's terrible because it gets scratched up. But I'm told that it was the Ulhmann version, and this one has a replaceable plastic shielding.

***Once again for me, cost is definitely not an issue.***

I just need to know if it would help me in any way. My dad just needs more opinions.

And social wise, I was wondering if fencers accepted this in JO competitions. I wouldn't like to wear it if fencers repeatedly called me a cheater. For example, I personally don't wear chest protectors, because it's just downright disrespectful and in my opinion very "cheaterish" to watch a blade bounce off or slide an opponent's target. (I know the FIE rules don't allow chest protectors like that)
But I don't see anything wrong with this mask.
I need this to help me qualify for the JOs, my birthday is coming up soon and I won't be able to qualify if I'm too old. I have only two shots at this.

HDG · 03-17-2007, 08:38 PM

Unless you're a sabre fencer looking to have a little less target area, there's no advantage. If you're going to be competing internationally, however, you will need one of these. Otherwise, stick with LP's excellent regular masks with the contour fit system (Ref. 280C).

Socially, someone might fault you for gratuitously buying a needlessly expensive mask, but scr@@w them; if you like it get it.

amwolve · 03-17-2007, 09:02 PM

Ah, I've seen international fencers use them... Why do they?

BySword · 03-17-2007, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amwolve

Ah, I've seen international fencers use them... Why do they?

for improved vision, it looks cool, and FIE starts to make fencers to use it in epee and foil.
honestly, I don't think the vision mask will make a difference between qualifying and not qualifying.

fencerbill · 03-17-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BySword

for improved vision, it looks cool, and FIE starts to make fencers to use it in epee and foil.
honestly, I don't think the vision mask will make a difference between qualifying and not qualifying.

Unless it makes you feel more confident.

Purple Fencer · 03-18-2007, 12:32 AM

With respects to LP....don;t bother. Rene Roch pushed the masks through in spite of the objections of both the FIE's technical and medical commissions.

Medical had issues with C02 retention rates (the solid shield doesn;t allow for really sufficient airflow to remove C02)

As an armorer, i canNOT test the lexan shield as i can the steel mesh...with a probe. Yes, it's aircraft plastic...but it only has a 2 year lifespan, there are no specs on the torque on the biolts holding the shield in place, steel bends, plastic shatters....and it's in frnt fo your eyes....do you REALLY wanna be the next Vladmir Smirnov???

These are some of the reasons I will not sell or recommend one.

If you want to get an FIE mask, go for the Leon Paul X-change...lots of good reviews on that one.

You only have t have a lexna mask if you fence in an FIE tournament. hopefully those abominations will go the way of teh dodo once roch leaves office....sometime in the unf\ortunately, distant future.

HDG · 03-18-2007, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amwolve

Ah, I've seen international fencers use them... Why do they?

Because FIE requires them to.

Smyles · 03-18-2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDG

Because FIE requires them to.

Only for sabre, no?

HDG · 03-18-2007, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smyles

Only for sabre, no?

Not any more; this is discussed in a couple of threads, most recently the one about the St. Petersburg foil gran prix.

AndrewH · 03-18-2007, 11:30 AM

so let me get this straight...

you want every advantage you can get
cost is not an issue
you don't care what it is, as long as others don't call you out on it

perhaps I could recommend steroids? paying off the officials? the only way to get an advantage legally is to train, train, train. if you're not willing to work hard to get better and would rather spend money, you might want to look into another sport.

KD5MDK · 03-19-2007, 02:13 AM

Things to note:
He fences Foil
He's trying to qualify for JOs, not World Cups.

Why is JOs so special? You're much better off fencing the D2/3 at NAC A next year, and you can also qualify for the Summer Nationals Cadet and D2/D3 at Divisionals (unless they've already happened) and try for Juniors at Sectionals.

Purple Fencer · 03-19-2007, 02:31 AM

Here's sometihng else...if you;re going to spend 300400 dollars on a mask, consider instead getting a regular FIE mask and an FIE underarm protector...it'll ser veyou better in the long run.

Inquartata · 03-19-2007, 01:11 PM

Some say that it improves vision. Others say that the edging strip which surrounds the Lexan panel creates issues with peripheral vision, and that there are fogging problems.

But I don't think anyone will look on you as a cheater if you wear one...especially in foil, where it's not target anyway.

Personally I abhor the things. YMMV.

Rick Shellhouse · 03-19-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

Here's sometihng else...if you;re going to spend 300400 dollars on a mask, .

snicker....

Better be one heck of a mask with the ability to fortell hte future and automatic targeting and and cook me breakfast for 300400 dollars...

Rick

erooMynohtnA · 03-19-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amwolve

And social wise, I was wondering if fencers accepted this in JO competitions. I wouldn't like to wear it if fencers repeatedly called me a cheater. For example, I personally don't wear chest protectors, because it's just downright disrespectful and in my opinion very "cheaterish" to watch a blade bounce off or slide an opponent's target. (I know the FIE rules don't allow chest protectors like that)
But I don't see anything wrong with this mask.
I need this to help me qualify for the JOs, my birthday is coming up soon and I won't be able to qualify if I'm too old. I have only two shots at this.

The mask won't grant you any advantages, and people will make fun of you. They might not do it to your face, but the first time anyone sees you, they'll say to their friend "Who does the douche with the visor mask think he is?" However, they won't accuse you of cheating, just of having more money than sense.

Just get a normal mask, or wait a little while to get the new X-change for foil and epee if you want to purchase something that costs more with little to no benefit.

mackillian · 03-19-2007, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Better be one heck of a mask with the ability to fortell hte future and automatic targeting and and cook me breakfast for 300400 dollars...

And a heads-up display.

Purple Fencer · 03-19-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mackillian

And a heads-up display.

*snicker* That's what i get for typing when I'm tired!!

Rick Shellhouse · 03-19-2007, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purple Fencer

*snicker* That's what i get for typing when I'm tired!!

Gotta love them size 6 sabre blades...

lol..

R

Purple Fencer · 03-19-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Shellhouse

Gotta love them size 6 sabre blades...

That WAS a good one, Rick!

Rick Shellhouse · 03-19-2007, 03:14 PM

To fill the rest of you in....

I call up Purple on day and proceed to tell him I need new sabre blades but my russian coach told me I needed #6 blades only whimpy Americans fenced with #5's.....

After a in depth highly professional explanation down to actual length of blades in cm etc...I couldnt keep it up and any longer and told him who I was...

Rick