I'm new to fencing, and I just heard a painful story, which makes me wonder if most people wear protection, since this guy obviously didn't. Do they limit mobility too much for fencing?
I'm new to fencing, and I just heard a painful story, which makes me wonder if most people wear protection, since this guy obviously didn't. Do they limit mobility too much for fencing?
I don't really require a lot of penile mobility while fencing, but maybe your game is different from mine.
I would recommend wearing one.
>:U
Some people will tell you a cup isn't needed, but I would highly recommend one. Even one shot to the boys is too many. Remember, in foil and epee, that is target area.
I don't notice any mobility limitations.
Can't you, just this once, f*** off?
I do. In practice, sometimes - in competition ALWAYS.
I used a football cup at one point, but didn't care for the width at the base. Today I use a Bike brand cup with more of a taper at the bottom. Fencing, I don't even notice it.
This topic has come up more than once before - do a search and you'll find many other horror stories and probably just as many people arguing that they have been fencing for decades and nothing has ever happened to them (at least not yet), and at least one story of an individual who had the tip of an épée find a hole in their cup (proof that freak accidents do happen, even with protective gear).
After my son took a shot to the cojones in practice and procceeded to throw up in his mask I have reevaluated the much maligned cup.
I always wear one. I got a bicycle style cup at the local Big 5 pretty cheap. I wear it to practice and competition. It has never caused me any discomfort nor have a felt any lack of mobility.
Sam
Edited for the "ewwwwwww" factor.....Originally Posted by Dr Epee
Did you buy him a new colander...er....mask, or did you just throw it in the dishwasher to clean it?
Need fencing equipment? See me at H.O.M. Fencing Supply
Going to your first tournament? Read "Choose yer weapon, Laddie (or: Dude, where's my foil?)"
Helly Hansen makes an undershort that has a pocket for the cup (got them at Sports Authority). I find this much more comfortable than the traditional setup for those that are concerned about comfort. It is also a lot less bulky than the fencing undershorts sold by Allstar and Uhlmann.
Rick
"Some people are born great fencers, some people achieve fencing greatness, and some people have it thrust upon them."
My pet Monkey on an IBM selectric
Even assuming the dishwasher could clean the smell out, I think the mental knowledge that at one point I painted the inside of that mask that way would keep me from ever putting that particular mask on again.
Epee + short women = Need for a cup. Trust me on this, I never aim for that area, but it happens because of the difference in height. Save yourself serving shish-kaballs sometime.
Beer, it's whats for dinner! ~ a young snowboarding Canadian
The meek don't want it! ~ sticker on a rock band's guitar
Oysters on a stick.
Sam
I only wear one.......... when I'm fencing women. You might also want to wear two when fencing against me. I ALWAYS aim for that area, since it's low hand, and not many people can beat or parry my blade (beginners at least), since it's pointing straight at their valuables.
I am a foilist. I'm so good, I can make an onion cry.
Do most people wear them? Probably about 50% based on polls conducted on this forum.
Do they limit mobility? Not at all. You may have to shop around and try two or three styles until you find the one that you like. I like the ones sold by Walmart that fit in jockey style shorts. There is one called a "Nutty Buddy" (do a google search) which is expensive and uncomfortable, IMO.
Are they required by the rules? Yes.
Does anyone ever check to see if you are wearing one? No.
Are they a good idea? Absolutely!
One test is worth a thousand opinions.
I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was. - Toby Keith
Living life without taking the occasional risk is like lemon-pepper chicken without the lemon-peper. It's just chicken.
*Fencergrl raises hand to volunteer for the job.*
Beer, it's whats for dinner! ~ a young snowboarding Canadian
The meek don't want it! ~ sticker on a rock band's guitar
I personally disagree about the whole discomfort/maneuverability aspect. I have never found a cup that fit well and/or didn't get in the way of moving about. As such I've never worn one...not for football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, or fencing. Develop a killer parry 2.
I now dangle to the left....my tassle. Get your minds out of the gutter.
"Martin was not an optimist; he was a prisoner of hope." Optimism is about assuming there's evidence that justifies your outlook while hope is about creating the evidence and procuring your own happiness or vision of the world. - Professor West
Tell me which rule says so.
- Epee is the Louis Vuitton bag of fencing: only the best can get it, and the rest of the masses must content themselves with cheap knockoffs (sabre, foil)
- To not recognize the power of the French grip is to be in denial
(extra chars)
Andre Moreau: I fall in love constantly, indiscriminately! The effect is the same as if I never fell in love at all.
Hmm... I don't wear one, but the way I stand makes a crotch shot a very un ideal attack... not to mention just difficult. I've never really thought about it before, but I think I'll take a look around for one at some point.
"When Fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag and bearing a cross."
They say one in the hand is worth two in the bush.*Fencergrl raises hand to volunteer for the job.*
Sam
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