Chevalier NON-FIE epee

[Fizzix]

Hello, I am looking for another epee becuase my stm non-fie epee just broke. I live like 20 min. away from Absolute Fencing Gear. So i went in and they had a Chevalier non-fie epee weapon and i was wondering if anybody has tried it? Its $89, i tried out my friends for like 1 sec. and it was medium stiff, but i was wondering if anyone had any other opinons about this epee.

On Another note, i know that i will be fencing for a long time and i know that sooner or later i will probably buy a fie epee probably a BF or Vnitiy. And i was wondering if you can use FIE epee's in non FIE events like local,or individual tournaments?

[CvilleFencer]

FIE gear is usable for any event. It is simply a higher standard of quality, not a different type of gear. As to the blade, while the PS/Chevalier FIE blades are a decent option, all of the non-FIE blades I have come across have been rather brittle and break as quickly as StM, perhaps more if you are heavy handed or blow the distance. I would recommend just saving up some more funds and going with a Vniti if you are wanting a very long life blade. Bonus that you live close enough to pick out one you like by hand without having to wait for a NAC or big event.