washable or non-washable - which is better?

[seltzerwater]

What are the advantages of a washable lame aside from the obvious(that you can wash them)? If they are so great why doesn't everyone have them? I priced a few and they are comparable to regular non-washable lames. Do they not last as long? Are there any disadvantages in bouting?

[seven6ty]

Lame? Why would you want one of those?

Sounds pretty lame to me, hah HAHHHH!

[contre-Sixte]

Originally Posted by seltzerwater

What are the advantages of a washable lame aside from the obvious(that you can wash them)? If they are so great why doesn't everyone have them? I priced a few and they are comparable to regular non-washable lames. Do they not last as long? Are there any disadvantages in bouting?

Everyone does have them. At least among the competitive fencers I know.

[UKExPat]

Originally Posted by seltzerwater

What are the advantages of a washable lame aside from the obvious(that you can wash them)? If they are so great why doesn't everyone have them? I priced a few and they are comparable to regular non-washable lames. Do they not last as long? Are there any disadvantages in bouting?

I own both the Leon Paul and the Absolute washable lame, I once owned an SG lame, it lived to see two bouts. The LP feels like a good sturdy piece of equipment, I'll be honest a good deal of that comes from the Leon Paul name. The Absolute lame feels more like cloth, like a track jacket, it's lighter and it loves to be washed.

Now why don't I use either of them?
Simply because, and I am a bit off, they're too light. I just can't get used to the lack of weight on my shoulders and wrist. I'll often switch between the two light lames on a hot day, but for normal use? I like my Allstar from 2002, thank goodness I bought two.

[seltzerwater]

I never considered the lame may feel too light! Been fencing with a standard heavier lame for about 2 years and never considered that it may throw my balance off.

The reason I ask is that some competitions are not air-conditioned and that would be a good reason why I would switch to a lighter washable lame.

[HDG]

How long could it possibly take to get accustomed to the reduced weight?

[GypsyScot]

I've still got my Ulhmann lame from college I switch between that and my Absolute washable. I've never had an issue with it throwing off my balance.
I got used to the lightweight lame pretty quickly, I like the fact that my arm doesn't have that restricted feeling, but my Ulhmann Lame is my lucky lame so....