Bell guard pads, why?

[chinbeard]

Why would anyone pay extra for a felt/leather bell guard pad? I'm sure there is a valid reason, since EVERY site offers this upgrade, but I don't understand the advantage they offer over the plastic one.

[Moroseth]

Really it just comes down to a comfort thing, the plastic ones are stiffer and crinklier, they soak up as much punch, but they just feel... different when your thumb is up against it on the pad

[Purple Fencer]

I have found that the vinyl ones sometimes move around even after the grip it tightened....the felts and leathers stay more still.

[Rockstar44]

The clear LP and the blue BG pads are just cooler....

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

For some reason I just PREFER felt pads. I just bought four new felt pads...I had been using the same ones for 15, 20 years, and never given a thought to buying new ones. But when they got to the point that I could just slip them over my grip, I knew that they were toooooo old.

[Downtown]

I prefer the clear LP pads. It always bothers me when a ref is trying to peel my pad back to look at the wires. I just know they are going to snag a wire. These pads help ease stress before the bout.

[Nolano]

I like the clear pads, too. speeds things up, when all they have to do to check my wires is take a quick glance at them.

[Zilverzmurfen]

Felt pads FTW!

Next step for R&D: See-through felt pads.

[CvilleFencer]

As a referee I love the clear pads. As a fencer I won't touch the things and use the puffiest thick leather or felt pads I can get. I big hands and on hard actions it is not uncommon for my fingers to meet up with the guard, especially in foil and saber. For what its worth, I highly value the leather or felt pads that are "broken in" to the point that they just slide up the grip. Makes it a lot easier for the referee and does not affect their function when my hand is holding them in place.