Fencing.Net - Your Guide to Fencing & Fencing Equipment

LeftHanded · 05-07-2007, 09:26 AM

I am looking for a new jacket. I have had the same jacket since I first started. It is a heavy coton jacket that is a little big. I am now looking to buy a new jacket that will fit a little more snuggly. I would like to keep the price at about $100 or less. I can go a little higher but would like to keep the price as low as possible. FIE is not required. I have checked the routine sights (Blade, Absolute, Blue Gauntlet, etc.) All of them seem to price things about the same. Also, what are factors that I should consider? Comfort, Fit, Weight, thickness. These are the one that seem to be the most important

KD5MDK · 05-07-2007, 09:41 AM

Customer service. Any reason you ruled out your local vendor Craig?

LeftHanded · 05-07-2007, 09:57 AM

It was impleid.

Also I am close to the store so I can go in personally. I am looking at online resource help.

SJCFU#2 · 05-07-2007, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeftHanded

It was impleid.

Also I am close to the store so I can go in personally. I am looking at online resource help.

The advantage of Being able to go to the store and try things is difficult to overstate.

Even if you don't find exacly what you want at least you can gain a broader base for comparison then the one jacket you currently are familiar with.

***Craig*** · 05-07-2007, 11:43 AM

There are a few things to consider:

Protection - How much protection do you want? You stated that you don't need FIE, so then you go to either 350NW CE certified or some of the heavier, double-layered products.

The non-CE certified "super stretch nylon" uniforms are typically very thin and I wouldn't use them for protection - especially if I were fencing epee.

Heat/Comfort - You're in Atlanta. You'll get really hot, especially if you're pushing yourself in practice. The lighter-weight 350 stuff is great for heat dissipation and the wicking lining in the LP is good too - but you pay a good bit more for that. (You can just make sure to take frequent breaks and unzip your jacket halfway in between bouts too.)

Fit - How do they fit. Do you like the cut. This you can only figure out by trying some stuff on. (Depending on your sizing, we would have a few different uniforms to try on from our $52 basic jacket up to the LP stretch 350 that is in the $160 range - but I have a couple of things in between if you are in the 42-44" chest range.)

Come on in and try some stuff on. Once I can see how stuff fits you I may be able to recommend another brand if what we have doesn't suit you. (I've got one customer who's trying on another brand of gear this week to then compare to the LP Atlanta range.)

Craig
Craig

LeftHanded · 05-07-2007, 07:18 PM

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Craig are you near the Athletic Club Northeast? I am going to a tournament this weekend. I might decide to stop by and take you up on that. I'll try and call first.

Though I am in Atlanta I am used to being hot when I fence. I got a cotton jacket which might as well be a down coat. I am used to the heat thing. It keeps the muscles warm anyways.

What is CE? Is that above the standard but below FIE?

SJCFU#2 · 05-08-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeftHanded

What is CE? Is that above the standard but below FIE?

CE is a set of European standards. IIRC there are two levels for fencing clothing and masks - CE1 (350 N) and CE2 (800 N).

CE2 is similar to FIE however it goes into much greater detail, including details like seams, fit, etc.

Someone from the east side of the Atlantic could provide more details, but it is my understanding that the BFA now considers CE1 to be the minimum standard for clothing at their competitions (as opposed the the USFA, which merely requires "robust"). However masks and underarm protectors must be FIE).

KD5MDK · 05-09-2007, 12:10 AM

Britain requires 350N jacket and knickers and 800N plastron for practice as well.

Frater_Frag · 05-11-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD5MDK

Britain requires 350N jacket and knickers and 800N plastron for practice as well.

Sweden requires 350N jacket and knickers and 800N plastron for competitions, unless your are very young, in that case, FIE 350 will do.

LeftHanded · 05-12-2007, 08:05 PM

I am looking at some jackets on Ebay. My friend bought from there and he said that it was exaclty wha it seemed. The problem I have with buying anything online is that I don't know how to make sure it fits right. Is that just a danger that is taken when we don't go in personally

KD5MDK · 05-12-2007, 11:52 PM

We'll, you're a lot more likely to be able to exchange for a different size if you buy from a regular vendor. But yeah, sizing is just a hazard of not ordering in person.

RITFencing · 05-14-2007, 12:46 PM

I would suggest taking Craig up on his offer. If you don't see anything you like there, are you going to Nationals? There will be a bunch of vendors there where you can try things on.

LeftHanded · 05-14-2007, 05:49 PM

I was going to go to Nationals in the Team event but I didn't qualify in any other events. I figured with the money I would spend on Airfair, entrence fees, Hotels, etc., I could spend it on something I would get more return from. If I was going to Nationals I was going to look into masks and jackets while I was down there.