Now I Need A Jacket

[chinbeard]

Thanks for the advice--you guys have been really helpful. I think I'm going to get the LP Contour FIE mask. Next, I'll need a jacket. From what I've read on the forum, it seems like I can get away with buying a low-end jacket. I'm looking for a synthetic fabric stretch jacket for two reasons: 1) I think I might fence epee in the future and, more importantly, 2) Showing off for the ladies.

These are what I've found in my price range:

Absolute Fencing Stretch Jacket with Blue Trim
BG 350NW Stretch Jacket with European fitting
BG 350NW Stretch Jacket with functioning lining
BG Heavy Stretch Jacket
PostSport Front-Zip Stretch Jacket

Which is better? Have I left anything out?

[Stormbringer]

May I assume that you are ordering the LP mask from Absolute?

As far as jackets go, I have personally used the BG C/N jacket, the BG heavy stretch jacket (100% Nylon) and the BG 350NW Stretch Jacket with European fitting (made from "Terylene"), and I've seen the AF blue-trimmed jacket (didn't get close enough to read the tag, but it looks like it's also made from Terylene, or something similar).

As for what's on the list provided:

The BG Nylon jacket is noticeably stretchier, lighter in terms of weight, and the fabric is noticeably thinner (as a result, the Nylon jacket retains less heat) than the BG Terylene jacket. The Terylene jacket, on the other hand, is slightly better padded (due to the fabric being thicker; I find that the impact of a touch is slightly dampened, up to a point), and has a somewhat slicker (compared to the Nylon) texture. The cut/fitting on each is also noticeably different (both of mine are size 44, but they fit me completely differently); the Terylene jacket is slightly shorter and narrower in the arms (leading to less bunching in the sleeves, which in turn makes arm hits more difficult for one's opponents), and the collar is a bit narrower (not uncomfortably so, but it's noticeable). Finally, if BG advertising is to be believed , the Terylene jacket is (implied to be) a bit more resilient than the Nylon jacket (510 Newtons vs 350(?) Newtons)

Of those two, I would probably recommend the Terylene (Euro-fitting) jacket over the Nylon (heavy-stretch) jacket. My guess is that the "functional lining" is otherwise identical to the Terylene, so it's up to you whether the additional lining is worth the extra cost.

As for BG Euro-fit vs. AF blue-trim, I'm limited to conjecture. If they're made of the same (or similar) material, they should have the same (or similar) properties, in terms of stretch, weight, and durability. the cut/fitting between the two is likely different, but I do not know how. As far as "showing off for the ladies" goes, I suspect that the blue trim (assuming it doesn't fade or discolor the rest of the jacket when washed) would probably give it an edge over the plain BG jacket (especially when paired with the matching blue-trimmed knickers...).

I have no experience with PostSport/The Fencing Post, so I can't comment on that jacket.

I suspect that you may be more satisfied with the blue-trim jacket (if it is indeed made from Terylene, or something similar), especially if you are also ordering the mask from Absolute (since everything should ship together in a single package from a single, which should reduce shipping costs and allow everything to arrive together).

[DangerMouse]

Of the options there, the AF gear is much better made than the BG or PostSport. If you do get one of the thin nylon jackets, make sure you get a plastron, preferably an FIE one because the nylon wears out quickly.

[chinbeard]

Crap, FIE plastrons are at least $55. Will the wear be visible (so I can put off buying a FIE plastron until I see the jacket starting to deteriorate)?

[chinbeard]

Of the options there, the AF gear is much better made than the BG or PostSport. If you do get one of the thin nylon jackets, make sure you get a plastron, preferably an FIE one because the nylon wears out quickly.

Crap, FIE plastrons are at least $55. Will I be able to see the jacket deteriorating (so I can put off buying and expensive plastron until I need to)?

Also, I think I'm going to either get the AF stretch or the TCA, but right now I'm leaning towards the TCA because I've read that TCA jackets are good for epee due to their "slippery" material, but it seems like a lot of people hate TCA. Are they really that bad? If anybody has a TCA jacket horror story, or if the TCA jackets are a lot less durable than the AF jackets, please let me know, otherwise I think I'm going with the TCA stretch (and I'll paint the blue stripes on myself!).

[DangerMouse]

TCA stuff tends to be cut weird. Their quality has gone up and down over the past few years, so YMMV. The AF Stretch jackets are well made and fairly durable. When I said get an FIE plastron, that was only if you get one of the really thin nylon jackets. The AF is thick enough that you don't have to worry about the material itself wearing thin suddenly.

BTW, any jacket that fits well is good for epee. If the material of the jacket makes a significant difference in how often your opponent hits you, then your opponent sucks.

[KD5MDK]

This is safety gear. I've seen some Triplette "FIE" uniforms, but nothing I've seen under that has looked in the slightest bit seriously protective. I realize you may not care right now, but they just inspire no confidence in my as a company.

On the other hand, if you buy their knickers tight enough I've seen some legs they look amazing on.

[chinbeard]

AFG Jacket it is.

Thanks guys.

[wbowman]

Of the options there, the AF gear is much better made than the BG or PostSport. If you do get one of the thin nylon jackets, make sure you get a plastron, preferably an FIE one because the nylon wears out quickly.

You're going to need a plastron (if the word is being used in the case to mean "underarm protector") whichever jacket you get. They're required for competition and should be used in practice as well -- not only for the safety factor, but to get used to fencing in one.