Leon Paul Flickmaster

[Iron Monkey]

I was searching the forums for any information on the Flickmaster, been looking to invest in one. Some people have said that they're "useless" due to the new timings, but those posts were from 2004 so I thought that maybe peoples opinions have changed about the blade.

I like rather flexible blades (flexible enough for a flick-hit to the back), but flicks obviously aren't my only attack, so I'd like to have some semblance of point control. Target displacement is a big part of my game, so I'd rather the point be where I want it to be while writhing out of the way of an incoming attack...

The blades I currently use the most are the BF white and, brace yourself... A budget non-FIE blade from Absolute (it's a dream for flick-hits). I'd rather not have to buy a new cheapy blade every couple of weeks or so, so I want to invest in an FIE quality blade that can still have a mean flick game.

So, is the Flickmaster worth it? Or is there another blade that fits my needs?

[erooMynohtnA]

The nice thing about Flickmasters is that you can get the same flex every time because they arre marked with their deflection. Once you settle on a blade you can get one with just the right amount of flex for you.

Given what you've said, I wouldn't recommend the Flickmaster, and I would instead recommend the LP G-Pro or the Absolute FIE.

The G-Pro has a pretty stiff forte, but suddenly tapers to a fairly thin and flexible forte about 2/3s up the blade, giving you a lot more flick and a lighter feeling blade.

The Absolute FIE has a heavy forte, and a thin foible, but there's no sudden transition so you get a whippier blade overall and a different feel. They're still light. They're also not terribly durable, but they're less than half the cost of many FIE blades.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

I was searching the forums for any information on the Flickmaster, been looking to invest in one. Some people have said that they're "useless" due to the new timings, but those posts were from 2004 so I thought that maybe peoples opinions have changed about the blade.

I like rather flexible blades (flexible enough for a flick-hit to the back), but flicks obviously aren't my only attack, so I'd like to have some semblance of point control. Target displacement is a big part of my game, so I'd rather the point be where I want it to be while writhing out of the way of an incoming attack...

The blades I currently use the most are the BF white and, brace yourself... A budget non-FIE blade from Absolute (it's a dream for flick-hits). I'd rather not have to buy a new cheapy blade every couple of weeks or so, so I want to invest in an FIE quality blade that can still have a mean flick game.

So, is the Flickmaster worth it? Or is there another blade that fits my needs?

Don't be TOO ashamed of the Absolute Cheapie Blade. I own three of them (in addition to a couple of FIE BFs, FIE FLs, FIE Absolutes, an FIE Vnity from 1992 (thanks, R. Shellhouse!) and a dozen or so non-FIE FLs and Prieurs. The non-FIE Absolutes are a guilty pleasure for me. I know they won't last long, but they cost about the same as a drive-thru at Wendy's. And they FEEL so nice!

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

The Absolute FIE has a heavy forte, and a thin foible, but there's no sudden transition so you get a whippier blade overall and a different feel. They're still light. They're also not terribly durable, but they're less than half the cost of many FIE blades.

What Anthony sez ^^. Make sure you have them cant the tang for you, tho. If you try it yourself (like I did) you will feel very strong, manly and silly when it breaks off in your vice before you get ANY bend.

[Rocdoc]

Don't be TOO ashamed of the Absolute Cheapie Blade. I own three of them... The non-FIE Absolutes are a guilty pleasure for me. I know they won't last long, but they cost about the same as a drive-thru at Wendy's. And they FEEL so nice!

Ok guys. Gotta know. Which Non-FIE Absolute blades have the great feel?

AF Standard?
AF Advanced Gold?
AF Elite Color?

Thanks in advance.

[Iron Monkey]

Rocdoc, I use a standard one.

Beloit, has that happened to you? Does Absolute use a special method for canting? I use the vice and wrench method to cant my blades, I've had some scary moments but nothing damaged... Yet.

erooMynohtnA (geez it's a pain to type that!), thanks for the input. I'll take your advice and choose between the Absolute FIE and the G-Pro. From my understanding, I'd have no problem with a simple shoulder flick with either. How far does each of them work in?

[erooMynohtnA]

Ok guys. Gotta know. Which Non-FIE Absolute blades have the great feel?

AF Standard?
AF Advanced Gold?
AF Elite Color?

Thanks in advance.

They're all the same with a colored coating being the only difference. They're very light, so a proper cant can make a big difference in how they feel.

Rocdoc, I use a standard one.

Beloit, has that happened to you? Does Absolute use a special method for canting? I use the vice and wrench method to cant my blades, I've had some scary moments but nothing damaged... Yet.

erooMynohtnA (geez it's a pain to type that!), thanks for the input. I'll take your advice and choose between the Absolute FIE and the G-Pro. From my understanding, I'd have no problem with a simple shoulder flick with either. How far does each of them work in?

It's my name backwards.

The Absolute, I've found, doesn't have a whole lot of time between breaking in and breaking. They start off more flexible, though.

The G-Pro takes a very large amount of working in. For the first six months of casually using mine, it kept pretty much the same shape and flex, but after that it gets more and more flexible and takes more and more kinks, but they don't break. That's just how LP blades are.

[Pescados666]

They're all the same with a colored coating being the only difference. They're very light, so a proper cant can make a big difference in how they feel.

It's my name backwards.

The Absolute, I've found, doesn't have a whole lot of time between breaking in and breaking. They start off more flexible, though.

The G-Pro takes a very large amount of working in. For the first six months of casually using mine, it kept pretty much the same shape and flex, but after that it gets more and more flexible and takes more and more kinks, but they don't break. That's just how LP blades are.

Yah, my foil that I bought around Christmas finally kinked. My first kink in one ever. It was a scary moment since I really like that blade.

[CvilleFencer]

They're all the same with a colored coating being the only difference. They're very light, so a proper cant can make a big difference in how they feel.

Not exactly. The regular and advanced are the same, the elite has a different blade geometry, less weight and rounded edges. Sort of like a super lightweight Vniti but without the density, lifespan or balance that make Vniti's good.

The Flickmaster is my favorite foil blade on the market. I love the weight, feel and balance of it. And yes, I do still flick but like everyone it is no longer a primary attack. I sort of think LP would do themselves a big favor by changing the name to something emphasizing the light weight and balance of these blades more that the flick. But back to the blade... The fact that you can order the exact deflection that you like is a real plus for me as I love consistency in my blades. They also last a good long time as well, although they do tend to kink up as has been mentioned. The only other downside is the cost, which is pretty steep. So for me, a very sweet blade and another good fencing example of you get what you pay for.

If you like that overall feel but can't afford the flickmaster and are willing to deal with some added weight, also check out the Vniti foil blades.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Beloit, has that happened to you? Does Absolute use a special method for canting? I use the vice and wrench method to cant my blades, I've had some scary moments but nothing damaged... Yet.

IM: Yeah...It just snapped at the shoulder. They were great and replaced it for me, though. And they told me "we have special machine for make cant." I don't know what the special machine is, but I was told, on no uncertain terms, by Absolute, that if I use their FIE blades, I should not cant them myself. I WOULD like for them to have told me that up front, though.

[telkanuru]

IM: Yeah...It just snapped at the shoulder. They were great and replaced it for me, though. And they told me "we have special machine for make cant." I don't know what the special machine is, but I was told, on no uncertain terms, by Absolute, that if I use their FIE blades, I should not cant them myself. I WOULD like for them to have told me that up front, though.

I'm pretty sure the "special machine" is a guy with a vice. He's really good at it tho.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

I'm pretty sure the "special machine" is a guy with a vice. He's really good at it tho.

Good at it or not, I fail to understand how they would keep them from snapping, unless they have a certain % they expect to snap even when they do it...

[telkanuru]

Good at it or not, I fail to understand how they would keep them from snapping, unless they have a certain % they expect to snap even when they do it...

It may be a technique for heating, or a specialized method of applying pressure, or a custom-made tool.

[Iron Monkey]

The fact that you can order the exact deflection that you like is a real plus for me as I love consistency in my blades.

But how does one know what deflection to get? Is it just experimentation? If so, that might make things complicated, since if I were to buy one of these, I would be doing it via the internet using the LP website... I don't think Blue Gauntlet carries them, which is where I would normally go to purchase a blade.

[erooMynohtnA]

But how does one know what deflection to get? Is it just experimentation? If so, that might make things complicated, since if I were to buy one of these, I would be doing it via the internet using the LP website... I don't think Blue Gauntlet carries them, which is where I would normally go to purchase a blade.

You've obviously searching for a reason to get a Flickmaster. If you want one, just get one (probably on the stiffer side given the type of blade you said you want). If you hate it, you just threw $150 down the drain, but it's not the end of the world.

The name Flickmaster doesn't mean it's any better at flicking than some $15 piece of crap. You also won't turn into Golubitsky if you use the G-Pro. It's not like golf clubs where you can use the same brand as Tiger Woods and instantly hit just as well.

There are three flexibility options LP will let you select for the Flickmaster. You can tell any vendor out there you'd like your blade flexible, medium, or stiff. Selecting your flex isn't worth the extra money to me, since I can get it for free.

I still recommend the G-Pro given the qualities you've listed. They're also very consistent from batch to batch, so if you like one, you know what to get next time.

What you need to do is get to an event with a vendor and pick out your own FIE blade, whatever brand you decide you like.

[GypsyScot]

IM: Yeah...It just snapped at the shoulder. They were great and replaced it for me, though. And they told me "we have special machine for make cant." I don't know what the special machine is, but I was told, on no uncertain terms, by Absolute, that if I use their FIE blades, I should not cant them myself. I WOULD like for them to have told me that up front, though.

That machine's name is Chris....
Also, there was a small batch with weak tangs, I think only a hand full made it out of the store, also the silver ones are a bit stiffer and harder to cant, the colored ones are much easier and easier to flick.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

That machine's name is Chris....
Also, there was a small batch with weak tangs, I think only a hand full made it out of the store, also the silver ones are a bit stiffer and harder to cant, the colored ones are much easier and easier to flick.

Awwwwrite. Now WHY are the colored ones easier to cant? Isn't the color simply a protectant?

[telkanuru]

Awwwwrite. Now WHY are the colored ones easier to cant? Isn't the color simply a protectant?

As I understood it, coloration is simply a convenient method of separating out different tempers.

[Nolano]

Actually, I believe the coloring is a chemical process of some sort. There isn't nearly enough difference between a bronze colored blade and a purple or blue blade to make the 200+ degree difference. That's enough of a temperature difference to make it vastly different.

[Meteoric Iron]

The name Flickmaster doesn't mean it's any better at flicking than some $15 piece of crap. You also won't turn into Golubitsky if you use the G-Pro.

What? I just assembled both of these blades into my grips last week. Can I get a refund?