Stretch FIE Plastron?

[chinbeard]

I'm starting to outgrow my padded AF padded plastron (the arm is unusually narrow), and I'm getting tired of the bulk, which I'm convinced is giving my opponents more target area.

I think I'll use this opportunity to upgrade to an FIE plastron, since that's what they use in other countries (I don't trust the judgment of the USFA).

I'm looking for maximum range of motion and minimum bulk. I saw a Negrini that looked pretty light. Opinions?

[EdGardner]

I have the budget FIE LP Plastron, its almost as light as my stretchy FdN plastron. Its not stretchy, but its pretty light IMHO.

[HDG]

I have the budget FIE LP Plastron, its almost as light as my stretchy FdN plastron. Its not stretchy, but its pretty light IMHO.

While I love mine, light is not a word I would use to describe it. They do offer a lightweight model (402M).

[D'Artagnan1673]

The Uhlmann FIE plastron is very light, although I've never compared it to other FIE models. The Uhlmann does not stretch. I am unsure if there is one made.

[seven6ty]

Yeah, can't say that I've heard of a stretchy plasteron, but the Allstar model, which I'd imagine is pretty much the same as the Uhlman mentioned above, is also very light. It's even smooth and cool to the touch, mmmm.

[brtech]

This is probably a Barry/Alex question, but why is it that plastrons don't have wicking material? Seems like the sweat moves from your body to the shirt to the plastron to the jacket (and then to the lame for foil & saber fencers). If your jacket has a wicking lining, shouldn't the plastron?. For that matter, shouldn't the lame?

[D'Artagnan1673]

Mine's a circa 2002 model. I have heard rumors that Uhlmann/Allstar equipment is not as good as it used to, so I'd recommend you wait for a comment from oneone with a newer model.

[EdGardner]

Its lighter than the cotton ones

And the price is excellent

[piste off]

Love Negrini. You will not be sorry.

R-

[Frater_Frag]

Allstar or Leon Paul, what else? ;-)

At present I´m using Allstars 800N FIE plastron, nice but a bit warm, but comfy! (and cheap).

[bob46]

Get Leon Paul!

[Barry Paul]

This is probably a Barry/Alex question, but why is it that plastrons don't have wicking material? Seems like the sweat moves from your body to the shirt to the plastron to the jacket (and then to the lame for foil & saber fencers). If your jacket has a wicking lining, shouldn't the plastron?. For that matter, shouldn't the lame?

We have been looking foe a wicking material to go with the lightweight plastron 402. Our present Transpor lining is not strong enough to give a completed garment with 800 newton protection. We are working on a new non stretch Transpor lining but this is about a year away from the market.

Larme are meant to be lined with a water proof material so a wicking layer would not work.

[KD5MDK]

Not to mention might lower lifespan if it's wicking the sweat to the metal layer.

[Praetorius]

I seem to remember the Negrini plastron being stretchy and certainly very comfortable overall (in my case, the elastic strap was a bit high at the neck—but that would be a matter of individual fit). That's the only one I know of that has stretch.

As for a wicking lining, the only one I'm aware of is the Escrime International, but I think they're still trying to get their FIE line out. I imagine it will have the same lining as the 350N when it does become available. I've never seen their stuff in person, but it's been well reviewed by others here.

[DangerMouse]

If you want light and comfortable, Negrini is the best available followed closely by Cartel. If you want the added protection of having the plastron come all the way up your neck, then go for Uhlmann/Allstar or PBT.

[Joe biebel]

This may be the only time I ever promote an item from Triplette, but I really love the design and materials of their stretch FIE underarm protector. Here http://www.tcafencing.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id=139 is a link to the page on their website for this. I bought 1, liked the stretch the coverage and the design so much that I bought 2 more.

I never wear them for training as I bruise easily and need additional padding. I don't care in major tournaments if I need a few days to recover and let my ribs heal. The flexibility it affords is worth it.

[gatsby]

i say, if you can, get a negrini.

its got a single layer of FIE material that doesn't absorb like LP's. my LP one, though the FIE material is great, i just can't settle for because of that cotton layer. but the negrini one i like so much is too expensive (i only tried someone elses on)

so guess what i found. the FIE absolute plastron! cheap and the material is very similar to the negrini material (i think it's a tad bit thicker though)

[damianip]

Negrini.

It's extremely light and comfortable, wicks very well and slides well against the inside of the jacket. I replaced mine last week after eight plus years of service. No compelling reason, I just figured that eight years in my armpit is too much abuse for any fabric.

Things you may not like:

• No neck coverage
• The neck strap attachment is odd - slits in the strap as button-holes
• Not cheap - but none of the good FIE plastrons are.

Paolo

[Chuck F.]

Getting a comfortable plastron is a good idea.

I used to have a really bulky one, so I never wore it. My wife would always yell at me when I came home with bruises. ("Why weren't you wearing your plasticine!")

I ended up getting an LP FIE model because of it's thin, lightweight design. It was very, very nice.

I now wear a Negrini FIE plastron, and it's even better. It's SO comfortable!

[KD5MDK]

Plastrons are usually either:
1) Strong
2) Padded

If you use 800N as your definition of strong, they're almost all very thin. If you're expecting protection from bruises, you won't find it there.