Absolute FIE Mask

[a_voth]

Does anyone have one of these masks? Is it a good deal? whats the quality and the comfort of this unit? For $120+ that is a good deal. I am using an old LP FIE 1994...love it how ever the padding around my face is almost gone. I really didnt want to spend 200 haha.

Cheers Adam

[Fencergrl]

I can't comment on the mask but I can comment on getting stuff from the US into Canada.

First off, as you know the exchange rate is great. Secondly, whenever possible have it sent US postal service. The post off ice only charges a $5 handling fee to get it across and through customs.

UPS is expensive for customs brokering and is one of the worse courier companies in Canada. They lose and damage things more often than not. I realize they are a preferred courier in the US, but the system breaks down when packages leave the country. If you have to us a courier chose another option if possible.

[fatfencer]

Just trust me...

I have a review of it coming out shortly. It's a great mask.

Fatfencer

[KD5MDK]

I have one, but since it's for epee, which I fence once every 6 months I haven't used it a lot. It's ok, but not outstanding.

[a_voth]

I can't comment on the mask but I can comment on getting stuff from the US into Canada.

First off, as you know the exchange rate is great. Secondly, whenever possible have it sent US postal service. The post off ice only charges a $5 handling fee to get it across and through customs.

UPS is expensive for customs brokering and is one of the worse courier companies in Canada. They lose and damage things more often than not. I realize they are a preferred courier in the US, but the system breaks down when packages leave the country. If you have to us a courier chose another option if possible.

I would just get it sent to a warehouse in the us and go pick it up...and sneak it across lol...

[Fencergrl]

I would just get it sent to a warehouse in the us and go pick it up...and sneak it across lol...

Often customs will let you cross without paying... for sure if under $100, sometimes even $200 or $300. It's duty-free so the taxes aren't much. As opposed to getting caught...

[a_voth]

Often customs will let you cross without paying... for sure if under $100, sometimes even $200 or $300. It's duty-free so the taxes aren't much. As opposed to getting caught...

Its ok I was joking anyway

[Fencergrl]

I'm not saying that it isn't hard to sneak things across. I'm just saying that I don't think it's worth it when most of the time you don't even have to pay anything.

[a_voth]

Hey FG what club do you fence out of?


Anyone have suggestions on a Mask than? Is the LP the best? what about Uhlmann?

I have decided on the AF kit...I think lol

what about new FIE blade? always used Allstar in the past....



Cheers Adam

[CvilleFencer]

In my opinion the LP masks are the best on the market. I am on my fourth one. The first one I had disappeared after good service and I retired the second one to a coaching mask when I got the Exchange for competition. My saber mask is also an LP and I couldn't be happier with it after having used AF and Duelist saber masks and having been disappointed with them.

As to blades, there are lots of thread about the "best" FIE blades. What weapon are we talking about? If you are asking about the Absolute FIE foil blades, they are decent for the price. Very light weight and flexible and good for the money. However they do kink and will break quicker than many of the other FIE blades in my experience if you have a heavy hand. However if you want a light, fast blade and don't mind the lifespan trade off, they are a solid deal in my experience and several of my fencers love them.

[a_voth]

In my opinion the LP masks are the best on the market. I am on my fourth one. The first one I had disappeared after good service and I retired the second one to a coaching mask when I got the Exchange for competition. My saber mask is also an LP and I couldn't be happier with it after having used AF and Duelist saber masks and having been disappointed with them.

As to blades, there are lots of thread about the "best" FIE blades. What weapon are we talking about? If you are asking about the Absolute FIE foil blades, they are decent for the price. Very light weight and flexible and good for the money. However they do kink and will break quicker than many of the other FIE blades in my experience if you have a heavy hand. However if you want a light, fast blade and don't mind the lifespan trade off, they are a solid deal in my experience and several of my fencers love them.

What a fool am I hahaha....sorry i was interested in a good quality EPEE blade. As I stated above I have used mostly Allstar blades in the past, I want somthing of good quality with a good price tag.

Cheers Adam

[Nolano]

as far as mask go, I have an LP X-Change mask, and I wouldn't use anything else, even at the high price.

As far as blades go, I really like my BF FIE blades.

What do you like in a blade? Flex? Point control?

[telkanuru]

I use an LP contour-fit. It's on its 3rd year, and doing nicely.

For blades I use exclusively Vniti, but my set-up is slightly weird.

[XanderHal]

I can second FG's comments about UPS from the USA into Canada. I've had nothing but problems and exorbitant fees.

Fencing.net will send you stuff US Postal Service, which is great. Some other vendors, such as Blue Gauntlet, will only do UPS. Sometimes the speed of USPS can be slow, but I've had things come pretty quickly as well.

I've ordered from Leon Paul USA as well, and they do regular post. I ordered from the USA site but it actually shipped from the UK, and I was VERY impressed with the speed. Less than a week regular post!

And I'll give a plug for the LP FIE mask. I have the comfort fit non-exchange and I love it. I fence epee and have started using the LP non-fie blades. This is mainly because I can buy them locally (in Calgary) so I can try them out before I buy. They are also apparently very durable for the price.

Good luck with your purchase!

[Fencergrl]

What a fool am I hahaha....sorry i was interested in a good quality EPEE blade. As I stated above I have used mostly Allstar blades in the past, I want somthing of good quality with a good price tag.

Cheers Adam

The LP non-FIE blades last a long time, but have a different feel. They are very light.

I've also had my FIE BF Marging blades last a long time. I bought mine from Fleche in Toronto www.fleche.ca, but Fencing.net has them as well.

[a_voth]

as far as mask go, I have an LP X-Change mask, and I wouldn't use anything else, even at the high price.

As far as blades go, I really like my BF FIE blades.

What do you like in a blade? Flex? Point control?

In a blade I really want the best of both worlds lol, I want a blade that will keep true for good point control but as with most epeeists I live and love the wrist so i need some flex....

Is there much difference in the LP comfort and x-change??? other than the removable bib?

My old LP mask has a shinny and silky surface is this still used on the new ones?? (less friction is better lol)

Cheers Adam

[Purple Fencer]

I can second FG's comments about UPS from the USA into Canada. I've had nothing but problems and exorbitant fees.

Fencing.net will send you stuff US Postal Service, which is great. Some other vendors, such as Blue Gauntlet, will only do UPS. Sometimes the speed of USPS can be slow, but I've had things come pretty quickly as well.

I've ordered from Leon Paul USA as well, and they do regular post. I ordered from the USA site but it actually shipped from the UK, and I was VERY impressed with the speed. Less than a week regular post!

And I'll give a plug for the LP FIE mask. I have the comfort fit non-exchange and I love it. I fence epee and have started using the LP non-fie blades. This is mainly because I can buy them locally (in Calgary) so I can try them out before I buy. They are also apparently very durable for the price.

Good luck with your purchase!

I'll ship it any way you want...the last time FG placed an order with me, I shipped it to a US address and she drove across the border to get it.

[Nolano]

In a blade I really want the best of both worlds lol, I want a blade that will keep true for good point control but as with most epeeists I live and love the wrist so i need some flex....

Is there much difference in the LP comfort and x-change??? other than the removable bib?

My old LP mask has a shinny and silky surface is this still used on the new ones?? (less friction is better lol)

Cheers Adam

If I hadn't picked the stiffest BF blade they had, flicks would be very possible with it, and it has magnificent point control.

Spendy, though.

The X-change has a little less padding contact with your head, making it a bit cooler.
And yes, it still has a smooth, shiny surface.

[Fencergrl]

I'll ship it any way you want...the last time FG placed an order with me, I shipped it to a US address and she drove across the border to get it.

Plus you're closer than a lot of suppliers.

[Purple Fencer]

Plus you're closer than a lot of suppliers.

Yeah?? So place another order already!!!

heh.