Fencing masks

[roverix]

I need to get some masks for my kids (10 & 13) they want to try fencing - I did it in college back in 1972-1974 and still have my old equipment. I saw that Santelli has a 3-weapon mask just like my old Castello one leather trim). I was happy with mine - should I get the same for them or is there something better? I'm not sure what they will end up using - I am assuming foil & sabre. What do you think? I got to get a new jacket for myself, but my old cotton one fits the 13 year old. Is it still safe, how about my old mask?

[edew]

Get a new one. I wouldn't wear a 30-year old mask, and I wouldn't let anyone wear one that old. Cotton jackets are kinda hard to move in. If you're not well off, you can get the cheaper house brand jackets. Santelli masks are all right, but consider Uhlmann, AllStar, Negrini, or Leon Paul as well.

[neevel]

Santelli masks are rather dated in comparison to more recent designs. If you're referring to the #48 Santelli mask ,it also has a snap out bib, which is no longer legal for competion should they ever wish to try that. The Blue Gauntlet "Olympic" and mid-range Triplette masks have much better interior padding and more protective bibs, and cost less than that Santelli 3-W to boot. Don't worry about the lack of leather, they'll hold up to sabres fine.

Your early 70's vintage mask won't pass current punch test standards (12kg X 1 g force equivalent)-- if it's still in decent shape it may be fine for learning, but it's definitely a no-go for any competition.

So long as the the old jacket has no holes and the fabric hasn't weakened (this does happen with cotton after it's been washed & dryed many times) it ought to be okay. Since your kids are bound to outgrow whatever jacket you get them, I might recommend the $35 Triplette denim back-zip-- it's as cheap as you'll find and better than anything else in that price range (it will shrink in the dryer, so you'll need to hang dry or buy one size up). For something more comfortable, the Blue Gauntlet cotton front/stretch nylon back front-zip jacket is a good deal.

-Dave Neevel