Practice jacket??

[Purple Fencer]

I have a client who's wanting to buy some back zip jackets for his school team. Normally I'd order them from Post, but they have to make them, as they don't normally carry b/z in stock.

Both Absolute and F.net look to have b/z jackets in stock (they're the same jacket), but they're billed as "practice" jackets.

Anyone know WHY and what makes them practice and not suitible for competition??

[Guymelef]

Purple,

It's probably because these are canvas with (maybe) 350N rating. Given the international quality of f.net, I think they were trying to be clear to our European friends that these are not eligible for their competitions. As things are in the USA these are still fine for locals and even NACs. College dual meets are almost entirely comprised of fencers in shared club back-zips. Until the USFA cracks down on NACs and SNs (see the "Forget Lexan..." thread) they can still be handed to a fencer who needs an emergency jacket. You'll still need the name stenciled somewhere, though.

[Purple Fencer]

Purple,

It's probably because these are canvas with (maybe) 350N rating. Given the international quality of f.net, I think they were trying to be clear to our European friends that these are not eligible for their competitions. As things are in the USA these are still fine for locals and even NACs. College dual meets are almost entirely comprised of fencers in shared club back-zips. Until the USFA cracks down on NACs and SNs (see the "Forget Lexan..." thread) they can still be handed to a fencer who needs an emergency jacket. You'll still need the name stenciled somewhere, though.

I'm not so sure about that....both F.net and Absolute are primarily a US clientele....I was thinking that perhaps the jackets don't have the double thickness in the sleeve, for example....and a 350N rating would be fine.

Not having one to look at, I can't tell myself.

[Guymelef]

I did a casual search and, if Triplette can be believed, the generally rated 'practice' jackets use an 8oz weight cotton. They're probably thinking that students will be poking each other with dry foils under more or less controlled environments.

At my school we had some pretty well-worn Triplettes. These were used no matter the weapon. Sure, the epeeists had a few more bruises, but I've yet to see a cotton of any description fail. If this is for a high school or college the f.nets or Absolutes in question should be fine.

[Pescados666]

I'm not so sure about that....both F.net and Absolute are primarily a US clientele....I was thinking that perhaps the jackets don't have the double thickness in the sleeve, for example....and a 350N rating would be fine.

Not having one to look at, I can't tell myself.

The AF jackets at our school had the double sleeve and were backzip. I remember how annoying it was when someone pulled out the sleeve and I couldn't find where to put my arm. They seem to be good jackets. I felt safe in them.

[TodG]

I have an back zip from AFS that is many years old (1984 IIRC) and has held up very well, apart from some slight fraying at the edge of the collar. I too need to order some practice jackets for our club, and BZ solves the whole right/left issue.

[Pescados666]

BZ solves the whole right/left issue.

Yes, but if your club is anything like my school, you have a bunch of students turning around infront of each other and saying "DO ME!". The more creative students will try new things like being able to do each other at the same time, three or more in a train or a circle of 3 or more. Fun.

[KD5MDK]

I offer an alternative explanation: The back zip jackets are marketed as "practice" becuase that allows the front zip jackets to be sold at a premium as "competition".

[Guymelef]

Yes, but if your club is anything like my school, you have a bunch of students turning around infront of each other and saying "DO ME!". The more creative students will try new things like being able to do each other at the same time, three or more in a train or a circle of 3 or more. Fun.

Expect to see this later in 'Out of Context Quote of the Day.'

[Craig]

KD5MDK almost has it correct.

I term the back zip jackets as practice jackets because anyone that I know spending money on competition gear also wants the comfort of a front zip jacket.

We do serve enough overseas clients that the other reasons could be valid in practice, but weren't top of mind when I determined the terminology.

Craig

[Purple Fencer]

KD5MDK almost has it correct.

I term the back zip jackets as practice jackets because anyone that I know spending money on competition gear also wants the comfort of a front zip jacket.

We do serve enough overseas clients that the other reasons could be valid in practice, but weren't top of mind when I determined the terminology.

Craig

Absolute uses the same terminology....I called them, and they told me it was because, while the jacket IS legal for USFA competition (which is why I was asking in the first place), it doesn;t have teh same level of construction and materials....the front zips are the next step up.

That differs from Fencing Post, where their back zips are the same as the fronts interms of materials and construction....but they don't have asupply on hand (they make them on request).

[fencerbill]

I can see some logic in having heavier, stiffer jackets for the very beginners. You don't want to scare them off because of their first bruise.

As the stiffness begins to be a bother, they will be able to ignore the bruises to be able to move more flexibly.

I really don't understand the Epee fencers who want the jackets as thin as T-shirts. The same ones who "forget" to wear their plastrons and don't wear T-shirts.

[Rick Shellhouse]

I can see some logic in having heavier, stiffer jackets for the very beginners. You don't want to scare them off because of their first bruise.

As the stiffness begins to be a bother, they will be able to ignore the bruises to be able to move more flexibly.

I really don't understand the Epee fencers who want the jackets as thin as T-shirts. The same ones who "forget" to wear their plastrons and don't wear T-shirts.

Next time you see me at an event...remind me to tell you the stories about the stuff Seth, Cody and Soren wanted me to make for them....

R

[Nolano]

That's a story I'd like to hear, actually...

[KD5MDK]

I really don't understand the Epee fencers who want the jackets as thin as T-shirts. The same ones who "forget" to wear their plastrons and don't wear T-shirts.

They have cyclist envy and wish they could be Lance Armstrong and wear spandex covered in logos.