Masks: Allstar or Uhlmann?

[scarlet_woman156k]

OK, I just want their standard mask...not FIE. Which one should I get? How do they fit. It seems like the majority of fencers get the Uhlmann. I see very few Allstar masks on the strip. Is there a reason? I want to get a Prieur mask, but they've been on back order for months (per Mike Czarnik's info). So it's Allstar or Uhlmann. Please give me your opinions on this.

scarlet.

[neevel]

Allstar and Uhlmann masks are essentially the same ('badge-engineered' twins, same deal as cars like the Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Voyager, etc.). The only difference is in the trim color (Allstar red, Uhlmann whatever funky pattern they were able to pick up cheap on remainder or else blue). You see more Uhlmann masks around because Uhlmann has more vendors in the U.S. than Allstar. Find who gives you the best price on either and go with that.

-Dave Neevel

[zhenqing]

I went with the Uhlmann mask (mine is an FIE) and am very please. Before buying it, I read the comments made by others here, particularly those made by Dave who is an authority on the subject. It was suggested that a removable bid was desirable and I made sure that the mask I purchased had one. It turned out to be a very smart move. It is extremely convenient to simply unsnap the thing (attached with velcro to the inside of the mask) and throw it in in the washer instead of having to go through all the trouble of keeping it sanitized and smelling nice and clean. Although I do not have any experience with Alstar equipment, most of my equipment is Uhlmann and I can attest that the quality of the material as well as their workmanship is flawless. They are now using a different fabric, which shows the Uhlmann logo (on white) over a cobalt blue background. I find this design much more attractive than the old one. I concur with Dave that you can't go wrong with either Allstar or Uhlmann.

Good luck!

Zhen