FIE Jackets

[emg]

So finally i'm going to buy a FIE (800 newton) jacket and have four options of which brand to go with, the only problem is...i can't decide!
I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but i was wondering which brand has the best FIE jacket (full stretch material) out of FWF, PBT, Allstar and Ulhmann?
Suggestions anyone? Would be greatly appreciated!

[Alex_Paul]

Leon Paul!

[bobb121]

I would say FWF/AllStar. I wouldn't go with LP, because they shrunk very quickly for me and were not that strethy compared to the uhlman/allstar. On the uhlman/allstar I am talking about the olympia/startex models, and on LP the sydney.

[Gav]

Originally Posted by bobb121

I would say FWF/AllStar. I wouldn't go with LP, because they shrunk very quickly for me and were not that strethy compared to the uhlman/allstar. On the uhlman/allstar I am talking about the olympia/startex models, and on LP the sydney.

I find this comment interesting. I've used both and I don't think that that in terms of shrinkage or stretchiness there's anything between the Allstar and LP.

If you are going for top of the range kit it's all much of a muchness and comes down to personal preference (imo).

However if you go a level lower I would prefer LP over Allstar (both still provide slightly cheaper 800N kit). I find the LP stuff to be better finished.

[DangerMouse]

For what it's worth, PBT doesn't make a full stretch uniform.

[seltzerwater]

what fie jacket for someone who is short (and short arms) but on the thin side?

Im in the market for a new jacket as well. Glad this topic came up....

[Cookeit]

Ha, the poll is split totally even at 25% each.

I vote for Allstar, I like a tight sexii fit.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by seltzerwater

what fie jacket for someone who is short (and short arms) but on the thin side?

An Allstar ('Regular' cut) might be good for you. The Negrini kit also has a slim fit but I'm not sure if they have stocky/regular/long cuts the way Allstar does.

(It probably says on their website but I'm too lazy to look it up.)

[emg]

Okay so i've narrowed it down to Allstar or Ulhmann (startex or olympia) . Apparently Allstar has a more tailored fit, and i heard that Ulhmann tends to fit girls better..Is this true or am i just making things up???

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by emg

Okay so i've narrowed it down to Allstar or Ulhmann (startex or olympia) . Apparently Allstar has a more tailored fit, and i heard that Ulhmann tends to fit girls better..Is this true or am i just making things up???

I think that would depend on your build... I used Allstar kit exclusively until I got a new kit ~1½ years ago -- I then switched to Uhlmann due to the 'roomier' feel. (I'd say my build is 'medium' if that's a description. Not fat and not scrawny.)

I have the Olympia kit and while I like a 'close' fit I absolutely HATE feeling trapped in or hindered in my lunges. (And no, I can't do amazingly cool long lunges, but still.) Definitely go for a stretch kit, especially if you're female. They're a little more expensive but trust me, it's worth it.

[emg]

Originally Posted by Zilverzmurfen

I think that would depend on your build... I used Allstar kit exclusively until I got a new kit ~1½ years ago -- I then switched to Uhlmann due to the 'roomier' feel. (I'd say my build is 'medium' if that's a description. Not fat and not scrawny.)

I have the Olympia kit and while I like a 'close' fit I absolutely HATE feeling trapped in or hindered in my lunges. (And no, I can't do amazingly cool long lunges, but still.) Definitely go for a stretch kit, especially if you're female. They're a little more expensive but trust me, it's worth it.

Yeah, well i'm leaning towards the Ulhmann "Olympia". And i am female and i guess you could say of a 'small/med build' haha. And i agree, its awful feeling constricted!

[Gilbert Bailey - fencePBT.com, Inc.]

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

For what it's worth, PBT doesn't make a full stretch uniform.

We changed our material in 2007. The new Superlight models are all white, have some stretch similar to our previous Budapest FIE stretch model. They are still light weight.

The previous version was off - white / yellowish and did not stretch. We can still special order the older material but most of what we have in stock now is the new all white, stretch model. Of course it is not super stretchy like a non FIE budget uniform but for an FIE model it does have stretch. PBT in developing the new material had two goals to make it all white vs. off white and to add stretch.

[DangerMouse]

So are you offering exchanges since the previous model obviously needs to be recalled

[gatsby]

Originally Posted by seltzerwater

what fie jacket for someone who is short (and short arms) but on the thin side?

Im in the market for a new jacket as well. Glad this topic came up....

I don't have experience with the FIE uniforms, but I'm short and pretty skinny and the LP 350N fits perfectly (that might be because I got a smallish size though)

[FoilyDeath]

I've used LP Atlanta kit for the last 5 or so years, and its always been pretty much perfect. No shrinkage, light as hell, and brilliant all around.

[Dr Epee]

My son and I have both used the PBT superlight for several years. It's comfortable and amazingly light. I've looked round and none of the FIE uniforms are particularly stretchy. You can't really combine the impact resistance with much elasticity (or so I've been told by several vendors).

By the way, These uniforms get washed twice a week ( in cold water) with no shrinkage or deterioration that I can see.

[bruisedfleche]

I bought the Uhlmann olympia, and I don't have any complaints. Then again, I have tried any other brands so I don't have anything to compare it to. I went with Uhlmann because I was able to visit a store and try on the actual kit before shelling out $500. I had to special order the jacket in long and from what I have heard, most people need a long. It fits me perfectly. There is very little stretch though. It isn't as scratchy as the Allstar fabric. The pants are great!

[gatsby]

while we're on the topic...
does anyone know who makes an 800N plastron that doesn't have any kind of absorbent inner layer or around the neck closure?

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Originally Posted by gatsby

while we're on the topic...
does anyone know who makes an 800N plastron that doesn't have any kind of absorbent inner layer or around the neck closure?

I know Rick Shellhouse (www.escrimeusa.com) has a 960N with no absorbant inner layer. And it's pretty thin, too, so it doesn't restrict movement.

[DangerMouse]

Cartel has the thinnest, lightest FIE plastron. Negrini is a little nicer, but a tiny bit thicker. Neither has a lining.