Allstar gear worth it?

[chaosblade]

So I've been fencing for about a year now and I've been using the absolute beginner's foil set but I would like to get some new FIE gear that will last me the next few years. I heard allstar is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to "whites" is this true? If not allstar, which brand would you recommend. Also, when I go to USFA tournaments, why do people have their last name and country on their lame, is it required? Lastly, do I really even need FIE gear if i only participate in USFA competitions? Sorry for all the questions, I appreciate any help you can give me and I hope you are able to answer most if not all .

[SJCFU#2]

I heard allstar is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to "whites" is this true? If not allstar, which brand would you recommend.

Allstar may be one of the major brands however it is hardly "as good as it gets". In fact, many people feel that their quality has dropped since they started outsourcing much of their production to China a few years ago.

In addition to Allstar, you may also want to look at Leon Paul (considered by many to be the REAL standard against which all others should be compared), Uhlmann (essentially identical to Allstar however their uniforms tend to have a fuller cut) and Negrinni (nice, but expensive and can be difficult to find). You might also consider some of the lesser known brands - Absolute and Blue Gauntlet both produce their own FIE uniforms, as may Tripplette, and it sounds like Escrime USA will have an excellent uniform if the FIE ever gets around to certifying it (testing was completed months ago but it is still awaiting approval).

Also, when I go to USFA tournaments, why do people have their last name and country on their lame, is it required?

The name is required on the back or on the back leg for National level USFA tournaments (NAC's, JO's, Summer Nationals). Some people argue that they are also required for qualifiers to these events however opinions vary on that issue.

Country is not required for USFA events, however it is required for FIE events, along with the national logo on the legs

Lastly, do I really even need FIE gear if i only participate in USFA competitions?

FIE gear is NOT required for USFA events. It is required for FIE events and for local competitions in some other countries (Germany, Sweden and Australia come to mind but I'm sure there are others).

[brtech]

Some people argue that they are also required for qualifiers to these events however opinions vary on that issue.

It's not so much that opinions vary. It's that different divisions and sections have different rules. It's a local decision whether you need your name on your lame for a qualifier.

[CvilleFencer]

As someone who outfits a LOT of fencers, I don't recommend Uhlmann/Allstar anymore. For the money, to many quality problems these days. If you are going to buy Chinese made gear, get the Absolute FIE line. Better quality and cheaper. LP is the tops as far as uniforms and masks as far as I am concerned. FWF and Negrini also make very nice FIE gear, all superior to Allstar in both value and quality.

And FYI, when Rick gets his Escrime FIE line Certified, from what I have seen so far, it will be in there with the top three. I love my un-FIE escrime uniform. Just wish it had the spiffy anti-microbial properties of the LP and the cool adjustable leg bands of the FWF. Hint hint...

[Alex_Paul]

Just wish it had <snip> the cool adjustable leg bands of the FWF. Hint hint...

?? I haven't seen these... what are they and how do they work?

[rudd]

The material on the FWF breeches extends below the knee. At the back of the knee is an adjustable elastic held with velcro. I never actually adjusted mine. I found them no more or less confortable than regular breeckes.