(How Fast) Does FIE Material Deteriorate?

[chinbeard]

I came across a vendor selling an outdated (FIE 2002) Prieur jacket. The price was right, and the uniform new, however, I don't know if the safety of the jacket has been compromised by its age. I know that running shoes "grow stale" and lose their shock absorption just sitting on the shelf, and I'm wondering if the same principle applies.

[erooMynohtnA]

I know aramid fibers do deteriorate over time, wear, and washings, but I think it's pretty slow. Like, a ballistic nylon vest from 30 years ago is a bad idea, but a Kevlar vest within the decade is ok.

I would advise buy buy buy.

[chinbeard]

I know aramid fibers do deteriorate over time, wear, and washings, but I think it's pretty slow. Like, a ballistic nylon vest from 30 years ago is a bad idea, but a Kevlar vest within the decade is ok.

I would advise buy buy buy.

Thanks for the advice. Fellow Cramer fan?

Then the new question is: How do the Prieur FIE uniforms fit?

[noodle]

if your only concern is that you're buying something that is as strong now as it was in 2002, you're fine.

[fatfencer]

Blade, if thats the vendor you are referring to, doesnt post a pic of the uniform they are offering.

I would definitely request a photo of their FIE stamp on the jacket. and match it up with the Prieur FIE stamp... buyer beware.

I'm not actually saying they'd take the time and effort to knockoff Prieur 2002 gear but it somehow doesnt seem quite right ot me. Dunno why.

Caveat Emptor

FF

[bigdawg2121]

Thanks for the advice. Fellow Cramer fan?

Then the new question is: How do the Prieur FIE uniforms fit?

They fit pretty well and the material is quality. Not stretchy though.

[HDG]

Blade, if thats the vendor you are referring to, doesnt post a pic of the uniform they are offering.

I would definitely request a photo of their FIE stamp on the jacket. and match it up with the Prieur FIE stamp... buyer beware.

I'm not actually saying they'd take the time and effort to knockoff Prieur 2002 gear but it somehow doesnt seem quite right ot me. Dunno why.

Caveat Emptor

FF

Now the Russian Mafia's gonna come kill you.

[chinbeard]

They fit pretty well and the material is quality. Not stretchy though.

I just did a search of the forums and now I'm spooked. You're only the third person to say good things about Prieur uniforms. Most others say that the stitching is cheap and the cut has a huge torso with shorter arms (I'm 6' and on the skinny side).

[oiuyt]

I have a set of Prieur FIE whites that I picked up cheaply on EBay quite a while ago now. The jacket sleeves are a bit short for me.* The knickers don't have a pocket and the zipper is on the back hip.**

Other than that I was happy with them. I've used it as a back up set periodically. The knickers more often than the jacket. I have no concerns about the quality or the stitching.

-B

* Legal, but (especially when fencing epee) I need to adjust them between touches more often than I'd like. I have relatively long arms (although barely long enough to reach to my hands!).

** Pro: Seems marginally safer than right in front. Con: Makes it harder when nature calls.

[erik_blank]

Material deterioration will depend on a number of things. What the material actually is (Kevalr, Ballistic Nylon or something else) and how it was stored. Kevlar is most susceptible to UV deterioration and should never be left exposed to Fluorescent lights or exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. If the uniform is made of Kevlar, I would be concerned about it's integrity. If it was stored in a dark location, well away from sunlight and fluorescent lights, then it should be good. Even Ballistic Nylon fabric is susceptible to UV degradation, but not as badly as Kevlar.

[chinbeard]

Material deterioration will depend on a number of things. What the material actually is (Kevalr, Ballistic Nylon or something else) and how it was stored. Kevlar is most susceptible to UV deterioration and should never be left exposed to Fluorescent lights or exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time. If the uniform is made of Kevlar, I would be concerned about it's integrity. If it was stored in a dark location, well away from sunlight and fluorescent lights, then it should be good. Even Ballistic Nylon fabric is susceptible to UV degradation, but not as badly as Kevlar.

Is it possible to tell if the fabric has degenerated BEFORE a broken blade pierces your lungs?

[erik_blank]

According to Duponts info, Kevlar will change color from yellow to brown when it has seriously degraded. I have also seen this in Nylon materials. My personal rule of thumb is that if the material has started to show signs of pilling, or 'fuzziness' along the surface, then it probably has started to loose strength and should probably be replaced.
Keeping your kit clean, dry and in a relatively dark place should help to keep it nice and strong for a long time.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

It deteriorates at the speed of worry.

So don't worry about it.