"The LP X-change is ugly", photos?

[Patrician]

Its my understanding that several members here consider the LP X-change mask to be ugly, which is sad since I've been told its the best one out there.

Are there are photos available somewhere with ppl using the X-change, Id love to see it "in action" and not just on LPs site.

Is it really that ugly?
I'm wondering since I'm planning on buying one...I mean...you cant look ugly when you fence, you just cant...

[emagdnim]

How could somebody say that!?!?

I don't know about other's here but I love mine to death and I think it looks great, but that might be because I have the new bib.


The bib was recently redesigned to be smaller, shorter, and a bit stiffer I think. Before that the bib used to flare out a bit which wasn't exactly aesthetically pleasing.

But regardless, they look bad a**

[Alex_Paul]

Any photos of the US sabre team at the OG's will show them wearing an x change mask but these will of coursse be visor x change masks.

I think that the photos on the web site give a pretty good view of what they look like don't you? http://www.leonpaul.com/flash_galleries/280CX.swf

Who gives a stuff what others think anyhow?

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

I thought it was ugly when I first saw it. It still isn't what I think of when I picture a well-dressed fencer. With the new foil mask requirements coming, however, I'm learing to like its looks. I'm making my old Uhlmann and Prieur masks last a bit longer as I fully expect my next mask purchase to be an X-Change with a removable lame bib.

As they become more common, your perception of aesthetically pleasing will adjust.

[Belegur]

Depends, really. The titanium white X-Change foil/epee mask was a thing of beauty. The 2009 foil one, on the other hand, is positively ghastly. The standard black one is just slightly less so. Not LP's fault, though.

[erooMynohtnA]

Yes, they are super ugly. Some fencers (Ward) wear them well enough to just make me think "Wow, that's an ugly mask," but most fencers wear it with the chin too far up, so that I think "I would rather quit fencing than wear that."

[Alex_Paul]

I really don't understand what all of the fuss is about all that has changed is the appearance from the side which has changed from a horisontal line to a diagonal one...

I mean:

http://www.leonpaulusa.com/fencing/a...g/280C_web.jpg

to:

http://www.leonpaulusa.com/fencing/a.../280CX_web.jpg

It looks hardly any different to me!

[Patrician]

Again, I want photos of the damn thing ON a fencer!



EDIT: Are there any top epee fencers who use the X-C?
I fence epee but I want the X-C because its better fit, visibility and airflow...I guess...

[Alex_Paul]

Again, I want photos of the damn thing ON a fencer!



EDIT: Are there any top epee fencers who use the X-C?
I fence epee but I want the X-C because its better fit, visibility and airflow...I guess...

Why? It looks the same but with a body sticking out the bottom use your imagination... or photoshop!!

[W. Richmond]

Well anybody sponsored by LP probably wears one, including epee fencers.


In taking pictures of fencers wearing them it creates a more drastic contrast between the white and black.

I have one but I think they're ugly too. However these masks are a good example where function beats form.

[damianip]

They are ugly, but they are great. I recently bought one for sabre and it is the coolest (ventilation-wise) mask I've ever worn.

Soon I will replace my beloved but worn and skanky LP comfort fit épée mask with an x-change titanium. They really are noticeably cooler. I didn't think it would be possible to improve on the LP comfort fit series.

And if they are ugly, who cares? You don't have to look at it, your opponent does.

Paolo

[HDG]

And if they are ugly, who cares? You don't have to look at it, your opponent does.

I don't think they're at all unattractive, but ultimately Paolo has it exactly right.

[parrythis]

They are different. They may take a little getting used to.

If you think they are ugly and you value fashion over function, you will not buy one.

If you think they are ugly and you value function over fashion, they are well worth consideration.

[Patrician]

So lets sum it up,

Pros
Improved comfortability
Improved ventilation
Improved visibility

Cons
Perhaps a bit less attractive

Any other cons you X-C owners have noticed?

[Gav]

Surely attractiveness is a subjective idea?

[Patrician]

Of course. I for one see nothing wrong with it at all.

[parrythis]

Of course. I for one see nothing wrong with it at all.

Nor do I. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it looks great.

Just don't get me started on visor masks...

[InFerrumVeritas]

Honestly, I prefer the way they look. As far as cons? Well I think they may be a bit shallower in the back, as I've noticed myself getting flicked around the mask to somewhere on the back of my head. No safety problem, but I don't remember that happening in my old mask.

Still, overall they are the best on the market, bar none. If my opponent thinks it looks goofy, I don't care. It may even distract them enough to give an extra touch.

Actually...anyone know where I can get a mask with an arrow pointing off to the side saying "Look!"

[Patrician]

Does the X-C only come with that ugly blue pattern inside the bib?

[irishfolker]

Does it matter?