FIE 800N suits

[Sheep With Sword]

Hi! May I get some advice about fencing suits please? My husband fences epee, and a bit of saber. He is currently using the Uhlmann 350n suit and is getting pretty bruised sometimes! For his birthday (or mayber Christmas!), I'd like to get him a new suit - 800N, FIE approved, stretch - and am looking at a few manufacturers: Uhlmann, Allstar, Negrini and Leon Paul. Any other company i should be looking at?

Most of the Singaporean fencers seem to wear Uhlmann, so I haven't really had a chance to see other brands. Some points to consider:

1. I've read that the Negrini and the Allstar (and I think, the LP?) are slim cut. My husband is not slim cut, so will this be a problem, or will the stretch element take care of that? He really wants to be comfortable, so good inner seams and quality material are all important. He's more solid than long in the torso. I've heard that Uhlmann is a more generous cut, but i've also heard that it's heavier than, say, the Negrini.

2 The other thing is that its hot and humid here in Singapore, so a suit that is light and "ventilates" well would be ideal.

As it's going to be a present, the price is not too much of an issue (this time, anyway!)

THANK YOU!
Please let me know what you think! Many thanks!

[rudd]

Hi

Uhlmann and Paul are cut a little fuller, Allstar and Negrini are a slimmer cut. All are tailored slightly different. It's always best if you can try it on first, however if you can provide measurements all these vendors provide a tailoring service for an additional cost.

Be aware that 800N cloth provides no additional protection from bruising. It may even provide less.

None of the fabric is particularly breathable. Paul gear has a wicking lining which seems to help some people and makes the gear hotter for others.

Hope that helps.

[Sheep With Sword]

Thank you for your quick reply!

[Nolano]

The Leon Paul FIE lines are very nice, I have the Team 360 Knickers and I have a friend with a Sydney/London kit.

How tall is he?

[DangerMouse]

Also note that most stretch FIE uniforms do not prevent bruising as well as the heavier 350nw uniforms.

[Alex_Paul]

With epee you will get bruised whatever you buy clothing wise unless it is thick and heavy. FIE/800N is related to puncture resistance not its ability to protect from bruising impacts. A top of the line 800N uniform will actually give less protection from bruisung than a cheaper one as it will be thinner and more breathable.

You have to make the choice between high performance and protection from bruises I am afraid.

[Patrician]

I'd prefer some bruises over a punctured lung. But hey, thats just me.

[Tomas N]

If you go with an FIE jacket, you may want to go with a thicker non-FIE plastron. Most of the hits in epee come on the upper arm and weapon side of the body, and a thick plastron, such as Triplette's canvas one, can offer some significant cushioning.

Tomas

[DangerMouse]

Or staple a towel to the plastron like some dipsh!t I saw at a training camp