why visors?

[Michael_Z]

Sorry all, but I'm a relative noob to fencing.

I have gone to a few tournaments, and at a few high school fencing meets I see fencers (all sabre) that have clear visor masks.

What is the reason for the visor?

What are the benefits?

Thanks all

[oiuyt]

Having fencers wear the visor masks is how we've achieved total media domination.

-B

[chefencer]

Hahahahaha! Does Howard Stern wear a visor?

[chefencer]

Clear visors

[bunbury]

It decreases valid target area.

[Capt. Slo-mo]

All right, you've had your fun.

Michael, they're required by the international fencing body (FIE) from the round of 32 up, if I recall. On a practical basis, anyone who goes overseas and fences saber pretty much wears one, and it's trickled down to the USA events.

It does give you a dead spot right in the middle of the mask, altho true "mask parries" are exceedingly rare.

The top guys at the FIE have the idea that seeing a fraction of the fencer's face for fractions of a second on TV makes the sport more likely to get further TV coverage.

There has been healthy skepticism about that concept here on the board. The masks are weird at first, but I think people get used to the clearer view pretty quickly.

[KD5MDK]

We have too many doctors and lawyers in fencing and needed to draw in some accountants.

[IvorDarcy]

I bought a lexan mask recently and actually quite like it. The "clear" view was a bit weird at first but now I prefer it to my ordinary mask.

[p1nkp4nther]

I bought a lexan mask recently and actually quite like it. The "clear" view was a bit weird at first but now I prefer it to my ordinary mask.

I have to agree - I found it very strange at first as well - but after getting used to it (and modifying it to insure better air-intake) - I prefer it to an ordinary mask.

However, I'm still a little doubtful as to how safe it is ...

[Pescados666]

The top guys at the FIE have the idea that seeing a fraction of the fencer's face for fractions of a second on TV makes the sport more likely to get further TV coverage.

TV Coverage?! Quickly, off to the website of the bad local TV station that only airs highschool sports and old TV shows!

Are the clear visors legal in foil?

[AndrewH]

Are the clear visors legal in foil?

Soon to be required.

"Mask parries" are extremely rare, although when they do happen it can be pretty frustrating (had it happen to me to lose a pool bout). I don't think anyone drops the cash for a lexan mask with that advantage in mind.

I find that I fence better with my lexan mask than my practice mesh one. Maybe because my eyes are bad and it's easier to see, maybe because I know people are watching me and so I have to concentrate. Either way, there's a clear difference.

[Purple Fencer]

TV Coverage?! Quickly, off to the website of the bad local TV station that only airs highschool sports and old TV shows!

Are the clear visors legal in foil?

Yep.....

The rationale behind them was iffy at best. Both the medical and SEMI commissions recommended against them....medical because the CO2 retention rates were too high thanks to that nice solid plate (although that was corrected on the masks that have been homolugated). Roch pushed it through, however,

I do not believe in them, personally....as an armorer, I cannot put the punch probe in front of the eyes, ad others have pointed out that the frame where the lexan meets the steel is a potential weak spot. The plate is held in my screws compressing the frame against the mask...and there are enough fencers out there who do no maintenance on their gear as it is to make me really worry if these things become mandatory in US tourneys....if they don't check their epee or foil screws, they aren't going to do it on the mask.

Lastly....I don't care if it's the same stuff used in fighter jet canopies....steel bends...plastic shatters.

As a vendor, I will not sell them. They're FAR too expensive...adn the promised TV coverage hasn't cropped up.

[SJCFU#2]

I have to agree - I found it very strange at first as well - but after getting used to it (and modifying it to insure better air-intake) - I prefer it to an ordinary mask.

Out of curiosity, what were the modifications? I've heard of people adding a small fan inside the mask to increase air circulation but any modifications to the mesh or frame of the mask itself would probably invalidate the mask's FIE certification.

I also share Purple Fencer's concern regarding maintenance of the screws that hold the visor in place - I've seen too many fencers who seem like likely candidates for Gary Larson's "School for the Mechanically Disinclined" (a Far Side cartoon in which a teacher points out to his bewildered-looking students how the bit of a screwdriver should fit into the slotted head of the screw).

[dekko]

It decreases valid target area.

I can't remember which mask it was but I saw an add actually advertising 15% less target area.

At first I was shocked then I realized how few touches are scored in that part of the mask. Does it happen? Sure but not really that often.

I guess the jury is still out as to the TV benefit but I did buy a really neat picture of Mariel(SP?) called Intimidation. Very good picture.

I guess after the touches it could make it easier for TV but during, not so much.

On the flip side I have started to see some sabre fencers put a tint on the visor to hide the eyes. Kinds defeats the purpose but if it's not illegal.....

[Cgriml3y]

On the flip side I have started to see some sabre fencers put a tint on the visor to hide the eyes. Kinds defeats the purpose but if it's not illegal.....

I'm a sabre fencer and I would probably be someone to do that haha. idk preference I guess. Maybe it gets rid of the mesh view, I suppose it can be bothersome.

I've never had a chance to use one of those, but I did fence against someone with a clear view mask,

It really bothered me, cause I wasn't used to it and I kept watching his face which wasn't cool. I guess I gotta find more people to fence with that so I can get over it.

[Invictious]

Adding tint to the visors look like a good idea, at least people won't be pointing at you afterwards laughing at how ridiculous you look. Astronauts anyone?

[Pescados666]

I've heard of people adding a small fan inside the mask to increase air circulation

That would be a bad idea for me since I haev long hair and I don't want to be fixed into my mask... If it's in the front of the mask that would be really scary. I probably could rig up something with a cloth screen infront of it and use one of my 120mm pc fans and a 9v battery. The pc fans are actually 12v but I'm not attaching a car battery to my head. It would really kill ballance.

[KD5MDK]

Just connect 8 AAA (1.5V) batteries in series.

[AndrewH]

While there is a noticeable difference (it's hotter using my lexan mask than my mesh), it's nothing that I can't deal with. If I really need a breather, I just prop the mask up on my head while getting ready for the next touch. If you need longer than that... "discover" your "untied" shoelace!

[Aestro]

Worst of all the flaws with the clear masks, people as missing the biggest one - the wire mesh masks make fencers look COOL, especially with the whites! You're just not as mysterious if people can see your face.