AllStar Equipment - is it worth it?

[andy966]

I noticed that AllStar equipment is approximately double what all other companies charge. Is it really worth it?

[IvorDarcy]

I have an old Allstar Kevlar FIE Jacket that I bought new about 25 years ago. I still use it and it is still in excellent condition with no pilling and no tears in any of the seams. I also have a 20 year old Allstar epee with the original blade.
However, I am not familiar with their modern equipment and I mostly use LP equipment now (Sydney line of uniforms and epees with the Kolobkov pro blades ) and I find the expense is worth it. I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for".

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by andy966

I noticed that AllStar equipment is approximately double what all other companies charge. Is it really worth it?

I'm wondering what equipment you're after and where you looked the prices up. I don't live in the US so couldn't tell you which vendor is cheapest, but I had a brief look and compared two jackets:

Leon Paul 'Sydney' 800N: ~380 USD
AllStar 'Startex' 800N: ~315 USD

I'm not saying that's cheap, but at least for this item you can hardly say that Allstar is twice as expensive.

Another example; complete FIE épée with BF Blue maraging blade (pistol grip):
From F.Net shop 168 USD
From Allstar USA 226 USD

Here your argument is beginning to make sense, actually. I suppose it depends on what you're after really.
Personally, I'm very fond of Allstar and Uhlmann. I'd say it's the most common brand used in Swedish fencing. It's good products, and to us (due to exchange rates etc.) the pricing is significantly lower than for example Leon Paul equipment.

[Medinilla]

I'm an LP guy, but lately a have been getting some Allstar equipment, and i see myself in a near future wearing everything Allstar, rather impressive stuff from them.

[SJCFU#2]

If the OP is located in the US then much of the increased cost can be attributed to Allstar having an exclusive agreement with a single vendor for all sales in the US.

In markets where there is no such agreement (such as buying directly from Allstar or from another vendor such as Fechtsport Langenkamp) then Allstar's prices tends to be much more competitive with other major brands (Uhlmann, Leon Paul, Negrrinni, etc).

[IvorDarcy]

Good point. I just assumed the OP was comparing Allstar to "store" brands and not to the "major" brands because all of the major brands have similar pricing for similar equipment. Don't they?

[Zilverzmurfen]

Originally Posted by IvorDarcy

Good point. I just assumed the OP was comparing Allstar to "store" brands and not to the "major" brands because all of the major brands have similar pricing for similar equipment. Don't they?

Not entirely -- see my post above.

I just looked up the LP 'sydney' jacket on the official Leon Paul USA website -- 399 USD.

[fatfencer]

No, Allstar is NOT worth it. One poster said that his old kevlar jacket after 20 years doesn't have any piling.

Well mine does after TWO years of only moderate use. I 'grew' out of it but during that usage the weapon arm has significant piling from the uhlmann lame. I have full 'sydney' line gear from Allstar. Worst $1000.00 I ever spent. Uniform looks like sh@@. PBT is much better for much less money. Especially if you buy from clearance at Zivkovic!!! Besides that kind of blowout sale though, at regular prices, Allstar/Uhlmann is so bad I cannot justify buying it. In fact I feel like I got ripped off. A strong part of purchasing uniforms is the longevity of its looks. Allstar has NO longevity. No real durability.

I will be doing a side by side comparison of 2 very common masks as a review of sorts. People, IMHO, will begin to see just what is wrong with Allstar.

In addition, their masks now being made in China... I don't care what anyone says. China has a lot of cash and can buy their way into any sitch. They can make masks that pass Homologation but slack later.

If I HAD to buy a german mask it would be FWF. However, I wouldn't seeing what I have seen in the last 3 days. I have seen what 'best' looks like.

FF

[rudd]

If your using a standard inox lame you get piling on the weapon arm. It's as much a fit as a fabric issue.

I use Allstar for all my clothing. I think the quality to price ratio is good as long as you buy direct from Germany. My lame and mask are from Paul. Again is the quality to price thing.

[fencerbill]

One of the dificulties in comparing manufacturers or comparing one manufacturer from one decade to another is that they ain't necessarily the same! They change the fabric, they change the place they are manufactured from continent to continent, the only thing they don't do is lower the price.

I have Allstar Startex from 12 years ago, love it. But it doesn't look like what I have been seeing as new lately.

[andy966]

It seems like the majority concensus is you get what you pay for. Now the next question is:
Do I buy a beginner's set equipment when I know I will outgrow it within a year?

[keith]

Originally Posted by andy966

Do I buy a beginner's set equipment when I know I will outgrow it within a year?

You're 37 aren't you? Maybe you should just cut back on the beer and pork pies .

You don't outgrow fencing uniforms as you get better, you may out shrink them though, providing you get something that fits properly in the first place. Stretch either panels, or full, helps with that. Best bet is to find out if one of your local clubs has a kit shop - many do. Try stuff on and decide what you feel comfortable in.

[andy966]

Originally Posted by keith

You're 37 aren't you? Maybe you should just cut back on the beer and pork pies .

You don't outgrow fencing uniforms as you get better, you may out shrink them though, providing you get something that fits properly in the first place. Stretch either panels, or full, helps with that. Best bet is to find out if one of your local clubs has a kit shop - many do. Try stuff on and decide what you feel comfortable in.

HAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe I should.... But seriously, what is a pork pie?
Actually I shouldn't have used the word "outgrow", but "upgrade". I think I already know what I want to do, but thanks for the info.

[Nolano]

Specific brands aside, whether it be LP, FWF, Uhlmann/Allstar, or whatever, the better brands are usually worth going for over the cheaper stuff. I used to be the kind of person who bought cheap stuff, but I've seen how much more worthwhile it is to go better.

[telkanuru]

To quote my coach,

"Red makes you fence faster."

[Matt87]

I'm very happy with my allstar FIE mask. I have large head, and had a lot of trouble finding a mask that fit properly (I realize that you can get masks in different sizes as well).

Additionally I have an Allstar FIE jacket and glove, been happy with both but wasn't so impressed that I wouldn't consider other companies for my next purchases.

[Medinilla]

Originally Posted by fatfencer

No, Allstar is NOT worth it. One poster said that his old kevlar jacket after 20 years doesn't have any piling.

Well mine does after TWO years of only moderate use. I 'grew' out of it but during that usage the weapon arm has significant piling from the uhlmann lame. I have full 'sydney' line gear from Allstar. Worst $1000.00 I ever spent. Uniform looks like sh@@. PBT is much better for much less money. Especially if you buy from clearance at Zivkovic!!! Besides that kind of blowout sale though, at regular prices, Allstar/Uhlmann is so bad I cannot justify buying it. In fact I feel like I got ripped off. A strong part of purchasing uniforms is the longevity of its looks. Allstar has NO longevity. No real durability.

I will be doing a side by side comparison of 2 very common masks as a review of sorts. People, IMHO, will begin to see just what is wrong with Allstar.

In addition, their masks now being made in China... I don't care what anyone says. China has a lot of cash and can buy their way into any sitch. They can make masks that pass Homologation but slack later.

If I HAD to buy a german mask it would be FWF. However, I wouldn't seeing what I have seen in the last 3 days. I have seen what 'best' looks like.

FF

Amazing.

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by andy966

I noticed that AllStar equipment is approximately double what all other companies charge. Is it really worth it?

It used to be. Now, I'm not so sure.

I have seen a lot of...issues with some of their stuff lately. Like lamé liners shredding after 3 weeks of practice, body cords that die after a dozen uses, zippers that break. Thses used to be rare, now they're common.

However, they are still the best lamés I can find that aren't all shiny. Can't abide those things.

My next mask will be a LP, though.

Originally Posted by andy966

HAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe I should.... But seriously, what is a pork pie?

It's a hat. Why, I remember when they were all the rage with the young people...

[HDG]

Originally Posted by andy966

HAHAHAHA!!!! Maybe I should.... But seriously, what is a pork pie?

Originally Posted by Inquartata

It's a hat. Why, I remember when they were all the rage with the young people...

Inq, You were one of the Little Rascals, weren't you?

[telkanuru]

Nah he's just gone senile and wears his food on his head...