Uniforms for the portly fencer

[Greybeard]

I am afraid I am going to have to get some new whites. At least in epee there is some give, but the lame does not lie in foil.

In Chicago I had a few directors have me adjust my uni so the jacket and trousers overlapped.

I lost 35 pounds in the hospital with my stupid brain surgery but have regained 50. The surgery changed my metabolism and of course a few of the 10 medications a day I take have this affect. (I do work out 2-3 times a week and eat less than I did before)

Any recommendations of how sizing works now from people with the same problem?

Thanks

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Talk to Rick Shellhouse at www.escrimeusa.com. I am the one who started the Fnet Biggest Loser group...so I know of what I speak. Rick makes "American" sizes.

[remistress]

Most vendors have sizing info on their websites. I know Sam does on his:
www.homfencing.com as well as American Fencers www.amfence.com. The others probably do as well, but I do know often calling the vendor and speaking to someone in customer service has helped many people figure out what they need to order (I've heard good things about both Absolute and Fencing Post in that regard). If you're looking for more custom fit stuff...it's a bit more pricey usually, but I think HOM, American Fencers, and Swordmasters do custom fitting.

Hope this helps!

[crquack]

Being, ehm, portly myself and as such off most sizing charts, I have had a great success with PBT fencing who took my measurements by e-mail and had my uniform made in Hungary. It was spot on and not excessively expensive.

[damianip]

I second the recommendation of Escrime International.

I just replaced my very old and very decrepit FIE kit with the Escrime "White Line" 350N Performance Pro jacket and knickers from Escrime. It's very nicely made and the jacket fits pretty well. I'll adjust the sleeves to get them tighter (epee). The knickers are the best fitting I've ever had.

They wick sweat away very well, are very comfortable and dry very quickly.

I picked them up last week and have used them at my club and at a tournament already.

I am "large" to say the least, but Rick had a uniform to fit me, and the uniform itself was not a compromise in fit price or quality at all. This is contrary to my experience in finding gear for the "sumo" fencer.

If I drop sufficient weight to warrant FIE gear again, I will reward myself with new 900N+ uniform from Escrime.

Paolo

[theLuz]

had my uniform made in Hungary. .

anyone else find this funny??????

[TBean]

PBT and Leon Paul will both customize a uniform if you are far off the sizing chart. I know several fencers who have had a PBT uniform made and been pleased. I also wear that uniform, FIE, and found the sizing to be accurate. Negrini seems like a slim cut uniform - everyone I ever see wearing one is tiny.

[sabregrrrl]

I got a new set of whites from them as well, but have not been happy with the quality. The material is pretty (ooh! shiny!) but the elastic in the cuffs and suspenders has not held up well. It also took a while for the elastic around the knee to stretch out enough to allow blood flow to my calves. The inner lining in my knickers around the calf area was split along a seam when I bought them, but did not realize it. When I contacted the company about replacing them I never received a response.

Their customer service could be better.

The wicking material IS nice, though, as well as the fact that the women's jacket is actually tailored for women....

[sabregrrrl]

By "them" I meant Escrime USA *oops*

[Rick Shellhouse]

Sabregrrrl,

Please feel free to call me at 877 ESCRIM1 anytime....well between 8am and midnight EST...I do sleep occcasionally rumors to the contrary. The mere fact of a wicking seam seperating would have gotten you a new pair from the get go....

Now as to the elastic in the cuffs...they are meant to be tight to allow a longer life on the elastic....it should have loosened up within a couple of weeks to a comdfortable level though. My pair (original prototypes) are over 2 years old and the elastic is still going strong which is what we were aiming for with a stronger elastic....

Like I said....call and we will make you as happy as possible.

Rick Shellhouse
Escrime International /Escrime USA