Full Set of Sabre Gear for a New(ish) Fencer

[RTTH]

Hey there guys, I'm a relatively new fencer (about two years :P), and up until now, I've been using my school's gear. However, our fencing program has been expanding rapidly, and they've asked those of us who have been in the program for a while to purchase our own gear. I've been planning on doing that myself for a while, but the request just pushed up my timetable. As such, i'm buying gear on a rather limited budget, and i'd just like to ensure that my choices are good. Would you guys mind taking a quick look at my list here and telling me if i picked out good equipment (and recommending other gear if it's ill advised)? I am willing to go a little bit more expensive if there's a large improvement in the recommended gear.

Glove:
Leon Paul Electric Sabre glove with lamé cuff

Mask:
LP F.I.E. Electric sabre Mask

Lame (I'm trying to decide between these two. I like the feel of ultralight lames, but i'm concerned about durability. i'd like this gear to last as long as possible since i'll probably not be in a position to replace it any time soon.):
AF Signature Series Men's Sabre Lame
-or-
AF Ultra Light Men's Sabre Lame

Sabre:
Advanced Competition S2000 Electric Sabre

I've already got a jacket, pair of knickers, and underarm protector. I'll also be using cables from the school supply (we've got plenty).

[Pescados666]

I have no experience with the mask or with Saber at all, but I'd suggest getting an x-change mask. That way you can replace the bib once it dies instead of having to resew it or buying a new mask all together. You save money in the long run that way.

[RTTH]

I have no experience with the mask or with Saber at all, but I'd suggest getting an x-change mask. That way you can replace the bib once it dies instead of having to resew it or buying a new mask all together. You save money in the long run that way.

Ok, i'll keep it in mind.

[SJCFU#2]

As a general rule, just about anything from LP is good (all be it rather pricey).

That being said, the X-change mask is probably worth the extra cost since the bib is usually the first thing to go on saber.

I'd probably lean toward the Absolute Signature series over the Ultra Light - the UL may be more comfortable but it has also tended to die rather quickly (supposedly they are looking into this, possibly changing their supplier for the material but it will take time to tell if the earlier problems have been fixed).

The most durable lightweight lame appears to be the LP.

[RTTH]

I'd probably lean toward the Absolute Signature series over the Ultra Light - the UL may be more comfortable but it has also tended to die rather quickly (supposedly they are looking into this, possibly changing their supplier for the material but it will take time to tell if the earlier problems have been fixed).

The most durable lightweight lame appears to be the LP.

Alright, i thought i heard that about the AF ultralight a while ago, but i was hoping that had been fixed at this point. The LP ultralight is just too pricey.

[SJCFU#2]

Alright, i thought i heard that about the AF ultralight a while ago, but i was hoping that had been fixed at this point.

It may very well have been fixed - the problem is that it will take time to tell for certain if the fix has worked (just as it took time for the original problems to come to light).

[BoneHeadIII]

I have no experience with the mask or with Saber at all, but I'd suggest getting an x-change mask. That way you can replace the bib once it dies instead of having to resew it or buying a new mask all together. You save money in the long run that way.

I think I read something in the rules about snap bibs not being legal for competition in sabre. But I'm not sure about that.

[D'Artagnan1673]

I think I read something in the rules about snap bibs not being legal for competition in sabre. But I'm not sure about that.

The X-Change is currently the most popular sabre mask on the market. It is legal

Don't take this for the gospel, but I believe the X-Change actually slots the bib in; thus is not a snap-in bib.

[BoneHeadIII]

Good to know. What I read I believe specifically said snap-ins. I didn't know they had another kind of removable. I'll have to look into it.

[D'Artagnan1673]

Here is some info on the mask.

http://shop.fencing.net/product_p/lp-s11cx.htm

[SJCFU#2]

I think I read something in the rules about snap bibs not being legal for competition in sabre. But I'm not sure about that.

Snap bibs aren't legal for competition in any weapon and haven't been for since for at least twenty years (even Santelli always sewed the bib on their electric saber masks). However the Leon Paul X-Change does not use a snap bib - it uses a continuous bead and groove fit which is perfectly legal.

[BoneHeadIII]

I see. I never did electric and never competed. My practice mask was an old Santelli 3 weapon mask with leather trim and a snap-in bib.