My son has an Absolute front zip foil lame. The flap of material that covers the zipper does not like to stay down. It flips up exposing the zipper in the target area. This causes him to constantly smooth it down between every point.
Is it safe to lightly iron down, maybe using a towel in between the lame and iron to protect the lame? If not, anybody got a hint as to how to keep it down? I've noticed after a cleaning that it does the same thing, so it seems to be the natural lie of the fabric.
Are you handy with a sewing machine?
In about 4 places, rip the seams on the zipper on the overlapping side. Get a plastic file folder and cut 4 half inch by one inch pieces. Slide them under the zipper, resew the zipper and sew both ends of the plastic strip. These will act as stiffeners to resist folding back. You may need fewer, but you may also need more. The stiffeners really shouldn't change how his Lame feels.
If you want them to be less noticeable. Split the lining and Lame fabric, then slide them in and resew.
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I have fixed this problem for several fencers by removing the zipper on the flap sde and re-sewing it a bit further over to make a litle larger flap. I like the plastic tab idea!
Bbugiii's mom
We don't own a sewing machine. Also, sewing a button is about the extent of our abilities. I've become fairly competent at repairing foils, but the sewing work is out of my league! I could take it to the dry cleaner, however that might quickly approach the cost of a new lame.
For limited sewers.
Get some sticky back Velcro. Cut a piece about one inch by three/eighths inch. Rub it down thoroughly and take a few stitches in each end to support it. Do this in about 3 places.
It will come off eventually, but it should last at least months.
Adjust sizes to make sure the flap completely covers the Velcro when properly closed.
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YeOle Amourer does repairs at events and you can mail things to him. You could send him a PM and check the rate. It will probably be reasonable and will be done by someone who knows what they are doing.
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