Sabre Mask for Foil/Epee

[chinbeard]

Is it OK (safe AND legal) to use a sabre mask for the other swords?

[Purple Fencer]

Originally Posted by chinbeard

Is it OK (safe AND legal) to use a sabre mask for the other swords?

There's no difference on safety...they all have to pass the same tests at control (we won't get into the lexans here).

As for the legality...I don't remember if there's a rule on it, but consider that if you use a sabre mask in foil or epee, there's a chance that if your opponent lands a touch, a bare part of his blade may come into contact with the lame bib....which means that the circuit will ground out and no touch will register.

It's likely rare, and I saw a sabre mask being used for epee this weekend.....but better to buy the correct mask in the first place.

[SJCFU#2]

The mesh of a mask used for foil is required to be insulated (m.27), while the mesh of a mask used for saber is required to be uninsulated (m.32).

There is also the potential for the bib of the saber mask to come into contact with the foil lame, thereby extending the target area (something your opponent may not object to, but it's not necessarily in your best interest).

And as PF stated, there is the potential for the bib to create a short between the tip and barrel (especially in épée). Depending on how the machine reacts to what it will see as an internal short in the épée this may or may not end up blocking touches. If it does then it would constitute an advantage to which your opponent is likely to object.

[chinbeard]

Would it be possible to modify a sabre mask for foil/epee? I just started, and it sounds like I need to buy a $200 FIE mask, and I'd rather not buy 2 (because all the swords seem like a lot of fun).

[SJCFU#2]

Originally Posted by chinbeard

Would it be possible to modify a sabre mask for foil/epee?

Not really, but a Leon Paul X-change mask with two separate bibs (one for foil/épée and one for saber) might get you close enough to get by (the mesh would still be uninsulated).

However if all you are looking to do is dabble in all three weapons then you may simply want to buy one good mask and borrow a club mask for other times.

[fencerbill]

Originally Posted by chinbeard

Would it be possible to modify a sabre mask for foil/epee? I just started, and it sounds like I need to buy a $200 FIE mask, and I'd rather not buy 2 (because all the swords seem like a lot of fun).

One possibility is to buy a Leon Paul X-change mask and switch back and forth between the Sabre bib and the Foil/Epee bib.

The rules do call for an insulated mask for Foil/Epee and a conductive mask for Sabre.

I remain unconvinced that it makes much difference. After the first 5 minutes, any Foil/Epee mask probably has some chipped paint areas and no one says you have to stop using it.

It shouldn't make much difference for practice or local events. If anyone objects, tell them fencerbill says "brrrraaaapppppt, quit bellyaching and fence for your touches".

If anyone objects at a NAC, tell them fencerbill says "double brrrraaaapppppt".

Tell me if you get away with it.

[Inquartata]

I've seen a sabre mask worn for epee in some large open tournaments, like Duel in the Desert. I seem to recall having seen it at an NAC as well, but that might just have been my mind desperately trying to alter epeeists into sabre fencers...