Blade lames

[Qbranch]

I'm in the market for a mid-range foil lame that will be used for weekly bouts at a club and occasional competitions throughout the year. There have been some favourable comments on the LP lames in recent posts but I'm wondering what people think of the Blade lames (Premier in particular).

Blade currently has the Premier priced around the same amount as the Allstar but I'm wondering if they are both pretty much the same. As I understand it the Allstar has dropped in quality (unless my information is incorrect) and, at present, there are better deals for the money. Is this correct and can the same be said for the Blade product?

[brtech]

Generally speaking, most of us on this board don't like dealing with Blade. We've been burned, usually more than once. Their equipment quality is variable, but in my experience, never gets into the "great" range.

I'm still positive on Uhlmann/Allstar. Usually, you can find the Uhlmann at a lower price than the Allstar. The quality is not what it was, but it's pretty good.

If you can afford an LP ultralight - buy it, you won't regret it.
If you can't, but can afford an Uhlmann, I think it's a good choice.
I would stay away from the FWF and the Absolute ultralights
The budget Absolute stainless steel lame is decent, not as good as Uhlmann.

[Qbranch]

Generally speaking, most of us on this board don't like dealing with Blade. We've been burned, usually more than once. Their equipment quality is variable, but in my experience, never gets into the "great" range.

I'm still positive on Uhlmann/Allstar. Usually, you can find the Uhlmann at a lower price than the Allstar. The quality is not what it was, but it's pretty good.

If you can afford an LP ultralight - buy it, you won't regret it.
If you can't, but can afford an Uhlmann, I think it's a good choice.
I would stay away from the FWF and the Absolute ultralights
The budget Absolute stainless steel lame is decent, not as good as Uhlmann.

Thanks. Your comments tally up with a few of my suspicions.

[clonardo]

I've had good luck with PBT lames lasting forever.

Also, check out www.infinityelectronics.com - the Infinity lames are the lightest ones you can get. You don't see too many of them these days because there hasn't been a manufacturing run in some time, but you can order directly from the manufacturer (call and ask for updated prices).

Particularly for sabre, the breathability is amazing.

[brtech]

The Infinity is really nice in that regard.

However, it's cost/useful life ratio is poor. It just doesn't last all that long, even with good care. When it goes, it tends to go completely, with no way to repair.