Absolute Signature Uniforms

[Greybeard]

Hi All:

As you know I had my stupid brain surgery last year and while I lost 35 pounds in the hospital I have gained 55. So while I can stretch my current set to the maxin epee, the lame does not lie. (He passed out...he couldn't breathe )

Needless to say I need to get some new whites before Nationals as at NAC in March I was talked to a couple of times by my directors on fixing exposed areas.

On to the question, has anyone seen the AF Signature 800N Uniform?

I am currently wearing the Duellist Evolution, well I was. I was wondering how they would be for the "portly" fencer.

Has anyone seen them? I saw the thread on Lames and might pass on that, I have always worn Uhlmans.

Although they tell me that when I start sleeping with a CPAP machine on I will have more energy and should drop some weight.

[erooMynohtnA]

Here's someone's experience with the Signature series. It sounds like he likes it.

I recently picked up the Signature series jacket after my coach got one and let me try it. I was previously using an Estoc FIE jacket.

First off, this is the nicest material I've ever seen in a jacket. It is light, it is elastic, it is really, really smooth. It very much feels like silk. The stitching is solid and the zipper is nice and heavy-duty. One thing I really like is there's an extra patch of fabric sewn into the right arm pit so there is reinforcement on the triple seam, like a small built-in plastron. Amazingly, somehow this doesn't make the arm stiff or bulky.

The lining of the jacket feels very much like a high-end underarmor shirt or something similarly wicking. There is lining in both sleeves and across the chest. The reel-ring is well sewn (a problem with my previous jacket), but plastic instead of metal.

The cut is slightly better than standard for AF- Not quite form-fitting, but not a bag. Then again, I'm 6'1" and 160lbs, so not much is form-fitting for me.

Oh, and of course, it showed up at my door 2 days after I ordered it. I've never ever had a problem with AF and item delivery or customer service, which is more than I can say for many other vendors.

This is quite honestly the nicest jacket I've come across so far. I trust I will be wearing it for years to come.

I have to ask, though. If your weight is going to be in flux in the next several months or years, why would you go top of the line?

[Greybeard]

Well, they say it will drop... And I am a spoiled brat. I was just looking at the LP Team 360 800N FIE, any thoughts on that?

Thanks so much everyone.

[erooMynohtnA]

New range of lp will be the aptly named "team" range. It is what we have developed in conjunction with the US national teams who are nor for the most part wearing this uniform.

It is not lined and the material is slightly thicker than the sydney. It has fancy black contrast stitching down the arms, back and legs.

It will come in standard and long lengths for people over 6 ft (there seem to be a lot of really tall people over there!)

It will be available soon ish ie before the nationals at the same price as Atlanta.

The leon paul 'team' fie whites and plasteron got rave reviews from the junior team members with whom I spoke. Before this my ds had an uhlman fie uniform that he wore exclusively for 5 years and although still in one piece has gotten dingy to the point where it never looks clean even when it is. But I do not believe that looks new is a criteria so I also recommend this as 6 years with a set of whites that are washed at least weekly seems good.

I will note that it is my experience that once you have fenced with FIE stuff it is hard to go back to regular - so the old stuff that was originally for practice does not really get used. It is the old fie stuff that is used for practice.

Seems pretty much like a new Atlanta.

[Nolano]

Not quite. It's fully stretch. I've got a pair of knickers coming, I'll post when I get them.

[Greybeard]

I just got a great e-mail from abosolute and they will make one for me

[JonTong]

I currently use a allstar startex knickers, and I am thinking of getting a new pair. How do you compare the AF Signature to Allstar Startex? Is it really lighter and more elastic as AF claimed.

[GypsyScot]

I don't know if it counts for anything coming from me, but yes it is much much lighter and much stretchier.

[telkanuru]

I currently use a allstar startex knickers, and I am thinking of getting a new pair. How do you compare the AF Signature to Allstar Startex? Is it really lighter and more elastic as AF claimed.

If you're in the boston area, swing by PdF one day and you can see my stuff. Or just show up at one of the summer tournaments.

[JonTong]

If you're in the boston area, swing by PdF one day and you can see my stuff. Or just show up at one of the summer tournaments.

Haha, I used to fence for Boston College. But now back to my home town Hong Kong.

[Greybeard]

I just got my stuff. I love the fit and the extra part under the weapon arm. I cannot wait to try them on the strip. (out for stencillling and club patches sewn on)

Of course if I get smoked at nationals it is obvious that they don't work.

John, I was an expatriate in Aberdeen and then we moved over to the Kowloon side in the 90's.

[JonTong]

Hi Telkanuru and GB,

The price of the AF Signature is quite attractive. So now I need the advice from you guys. If you don't mind, please tell me more. (like stretchiness, breathability , pros and cons, etc) If they really worth a try, I will place my order this weekend. (B4 their special order expires)

GB, good to see you here. Do you still miss the seafood at Aberdeen?

JT

[Greybeard]

There is much I miss about living there. It was kind of a weird time. (right before the British hand over.) Right before the new airport opened.

I don't miss the humidity. :-)

[telkanuru]

Haha, I used to fence for Boston College. But now back to my home town Hong Kong.

It may be wise to change your location on your avatar then

All I have to say about the gear is in the quoted text above.

[JonTong]

[QUOTE=telkanuru;702683]It may be wise to change your location on your avatar then

QUOTE]


thanks for reminding, but I simply don't know how :P

[Pescados666]

[QUOTE=JonTong;703047]

It may be wise to change your location on your avatar then

QUOTE]


thanks for reminding, but I simply don't know how :P

Click the 'User CP' link, then click 'Edit Your Details'.