Men's Chest Protectors

[zorro19]

I wanted to get a discussion going on the use of plastic chest protectors by men in foil. I have been fencing for a long time and find that chest protectors on guys are frequently used to gain a competitive advantage in that the point often bouces off without registering a touch. I feel that there should be a regulation that some thin foam rubber or equivalent should cover the protector in order to not create a hard surface that deflects the point. If someone uses a chest protector for a true health concern, then I have no problem with it. However, the protector should have the foam rubber cover regardless. What do other fencers feel about this?

[Purple Fencer]

I wanted to get a discussion going on the use of plastic chest protectors by men in foil. I have been fencing for a long time and find that chest protectors on guys are frequently used to gain a competitive advantage in that the point often bouces off without registering a touch. I feel that there should be a regulation that some thin foam rubber or equivalent should cover the protector in order to not create a hard surface that deflects the point. If someone uses a chest protector for a true health concern, then I have no problem with it. However, the protector should have the foam rubber cover regardless. What do other fencers feel about this?

Notalent actually mentioned that shortly after it became an issue.

The real problem is when guys were wearing the plate between the lame and the jacket...the emergency rule that placed it under the jacket (one of the few Roch rules I agree with) seems to have minimized the problem.....now it's really no different fromyour tip bouncing of a woman...who is REQUIRED to wear the protector....it's more equitable.

I have an ethical issue with someone wearing a protector to make the tip bounce off quickly...but so long as it's work in accordance with the written rules of the sport, you have to deal with it.

As for a foam padding...that would add bulk to the clothing worn....most fencers want lightness for mobility, so I don't see them becoming popular.

[HDG]

A quick search restricted to titles containing "chest protector" turned up 5 previous threads, at least 3 of which dealt explicitly with this topic.

[mrbiggs]

By and large, they feel the same way you do, that it's fine for medical purposes but it can be used to gain a competitive advantage. Many agree that there should be a soft cover required on it, but I don't think any regulating body, neither the USFA nor the FIE, has mentioned it as a possibility in the near future. For the most part, the problem has worked itself out at the upper levels of fencing.

You might want to search for previous threads on this topic, there have been a few in the past.

[zorro19]

I sort of apologize for reopening a topic which has obviously been addressed before. I read the FIE rule which states that the chest protector must be worn under the plastron. Does anyone know what the curent rule is for the USFA?

[erooMynohtnA]

It's the same rule for the USFA, but I disagree that it's not an issue when worn next to the skin.

It's still a huge advantage, and a huge problem.

[HDG]

m.25.4

The use of breast/chest protectors (made of metal or some rigid
material) is compulsory for women and optional for men. In foil,
this breast/chest protector must be worn inside the jacket.

This is a question on the referee exam.

[pinkelephant]

It's a worse problem for women, where the angle of the slope adds to the effect (and some slopes are more pronounced than others). Perhaps they should be compulsory (chest protectors, not slopes) - THAT would level the playing field.

[erooMynohtnA]

Yeah, foil's not enough of a jab fest as it is.

[MdA]

Yeah, foil's not enough of a jab fest as it is.

Just one of the many wonderful by-products of the foil timing changes...but change is constant...so just wait for the new masks with the electric bibs...and chords to attach the sweaty masks to the vest...it will be a fun fest...

I am sure there will be some design that is more favorable than the others...can't wait to work that whole thing out....at the higher levels...

[swordsen]

Let the Whine Fest begin!

[HDG]

Let the Whine Fest begin!

Oh, I imagine it goes back at least to the electrifying of epee.

[MdA]

Oh yeah...I forgot that new mask needs to be a visor mask.

[Soberin]

Oh yeah...I forgot that new mask needs to be a visor mask.

Ok, so if you are going to make the round of 32 in an FIE event, you need a visor mask as of this season. Then on Jan 1st 2009, you need to adapt the mask to an electrified bib system that has not even been standardized yet. Does this sound correct?

[MdA]

Ok, so if you are going to make the round of 32 in an FIE event, you need a visor mask as of this season. Then on Jan 1st 2009, you need to adapt the mask to an electrified bib system that has not even been standardized yet. Does this sound correct?

Yes..but you forgot your breast plate. Change is constant...change is good...change is constant....change is good.........foil will be a better world.