Sabre and Foil Lame's + Sabre mask/weapon

[IvorDarcy]

Good Morning folks. I fence primarily epee (gave up fencing foil 20 years ago) but want to dabble in Sabre and fence some Foil now and again. I am looking for recommendations for good quality but reasonably priced Sabre mask/lame/weapon and a foil lame. I don't want to spend a lot of money simply because of the litle time I will spend fencing foil/sabre.

Thanks folks

[SJCFU#2]

With lames you often get what you pay for, however if all you are looking at is dabbling from time to time then you can probably get by with a basic, cheap lame. Just be advised that should you find yourself using it on a more regularly basis then it probably won't last too long (nor will it if you mistreat it or if you happen to have the wrong body chemistry).

Saber masks can be particularly frustrating. I don't like most cheap ones, and even on the expensive ones the lame bib and trim often start to go bad before too long. You might consider the LP X-Change mask with the removable bib - at least the bib will be easy to replace when it fails.

[brtech]

I agree that the budget stainless steel lames from most reputable vendors are a good choice for a dabbler.

On masks, I think a quality mask is required.

What is the state of your epee mask? If it is not an FIE mask in good condition, I think the X-Change is a good idea.

Failing that, I'd recommend the low end BG FIE. I don't think non-FIE masks should be used. The BG is not a great mask, but it's a good mask.

I cannot recommend the AF budget FIE saber mask. The lame material does not last. I failed a less than 6 month old mask yesterday. It had no visible wear, and yet was mostly >5 ohms, with large parts > 10 ohms, and some spots > 15 ohms. I would have let it go if 10 was the worst, but it wasn't.

[KD5MDK]

I've been very happy with my BG FIE sabre mask.

[AlphaFire X5]

I've been very happy with my BG FIE sabre mask.

I've been using one for tournaments and a few practices lately, and it's been satisfactory. I am not a fan of the interior material, but I have no other complaints thus far.

[IvorDarcy]

Thanks for the info folks. I think I will end up just buying a quality sabre mask and el cheapo lames.