What Mask for SN?

[Applesauce and Foils]

I was recently informed that my current mask would not pass for SN because the bib was too small. Or- not too small, but it rolls in, kind of folds up on itself. It is an old mask, but I don't think it would have passed to start with, 'cause it's always done this. Basically, it doesn't stay flared out/flat on my chest like other masks. What should I be looking for?
If you are someone connected to SN, please chime in here and tell me what I need, so I won't spend money I barely have on the wrong mask.

Thanks,
AF

[keropie]

Any arbitrary USFA legal mask will be fine. An FIE mask would not be the worst investment ever, and I'd make sure you have a plan for the bib, depending on what happens re: target area.

For myself, whenever I buy another mask, I expect to buy an LP FIE exchange foil mask, no visor.

[chinbeard]

Unless you want to end up like Smirnov, you should get a LP Contour-fit mask.

[keropie]

Though that is a dumb reply. Is there something more worthwhile to protect than your face? Not really, not in fencing. Does that mean you need an FIE mask? Not really. I mean, really, how many Smirnov's have we had so far? How many non FIE masks have been used? What's the fail rate compared to the incidence of heart attacks? Or lightning strikes? Or random attacks by rabid mongooses?

Like I said, spending money on an FIE mask is a good idea, and long term will almost certainly pay off. It doesn't mean that if you don't buy one you'll die.

[chinbeard]

Mongoose attacks are not amusing. My grandma died after being attacked by one. I demand an apology.

[vivoescrimare]

Unless you want to end up like Smirnov, you should get a LP Contour-fit mask.

The LP Contour-Fit (and FIE Contour-Fit) pass the same 350/1600N certifcation ratings as all other masks, iirc. LP masks are quite comfortable, I agree, but not really more protective than any other (Reputable) vendor's.

[Purple Fencer]

Presuming bib-as-target will be adopted at sometime in the future in the US, an LP X-Change would seem to be the logical choice. But if you go with a non-X-Change design, you still might want to consider an LP competition range. The bib is not 1600N, but ALL Paul mask shells ARE 25kg....FIE level...and the cost is pretty good for that level of protection.

[keropie]

Mongoose attacks are not amusing. My grandma died after being attacked by one. I demand an apology.

Um... said apology is in the mail?

[Applesauce and Foils]

lol, you wouldn't just apologize here and now .

Thanks for the info. Has anyone heard of this thing with the bib, though?

[chinbeard]

USPS doesn't deliver to purgatory.

Yeah, don't worry about the bib thing. If the USFA decides to switch over, all you need is a glue stick and some aluminum foil.

[foibles]

You can buy a mask when you get there, I reckon.

There should be lots of vendors booths... Try 'em on and stuff. Kick the tires. Find the one that best meets your current needs.

[Applesauce and Foils]

I just keep having a recurring nightmare that by the time I get there (at the end of the last week for WF), everything will be sold out.
I've never been before.
AF

[Empty Wallet]

AF

I think your question is one of safety for your neck. If the excess rolling of the bib makes it more likely that a blade could get underneath and play vampire, then it is not safe.

I have no idea what the armorers would say, but as a parent I would not want my kids wearing something like that. Indeed, the coach at our club warned another kid (and parent) last week on that safety issue.

Buy an nice, comfortable FIE mask. Basically it will be new, stronger, and should last longer. We have pbt and fwf masks. Very good, but the individual fit is important.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Thank you for your post, EmptyWallet. What is fwf? I know pbt. . .

AF (definitely going to look into an FIE mask)

[Empty Wallet]

fwf is a German brand, they make high quality FIE and non-FIE stuff. We have fwf blades, kit and lame for one of the kids.

http://www.fencewithfun.com/html/fwf-englisch.html

Fnet shop sells some of their stuff, include masks.

[TBean]

AF - it is likely that the USFA will adopt the bib as target for foil. If you are really thinking of spending the money on an FIE mask, which I think is money well spent in terms of longevity, safety and comfort, think about getting the LP x-change mask. This way, you can simply replace the bib on the mask with one that conforms to the standard. This will be easier than trying to retro-fit a bib. This is the route many of the foil fencers at my club are taking.

You can absolutely buy this when you get to SN as the vendors will be there. Also, if you go with LP, use cash or a check because as we learned in a thread yesterday many banks will charge an "international transaction fee" of 3% to 4% of the purchase. Even though you are purchasing from LP USA the transaction runs through London.

[SJCFU#2]

If you do decide on the LP X-Change (which probably would be a wise choice for reasons which other have already mentioned) then you might want to contact Leon Paul in advance and ask them to have a mask ready for you to pick up when you arrive at Nationals. That way you won't have to worry about everything being sold out by the time you arrive.

Or you could simply order it now, pay the aforementioned fee for an international transaction and have a little more time to become accustomed to your new mask before Nationals. The extra time may be particularly helpful if you aren't familiar with LP's Comfort-Fit system (which pretty much seems to be standard for LP masks these days).

Either way, I wouldn't wait too long. LP's web site states that due to high demand for X-Change masks there is a two week delay in shipping. That note is now several months old so hopefully they're getting caught up on the backlog however a decision to require conductive bibs next season by the USFA (or other NGB's) could lead to a second surge in demand.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Thanks, guys! Y'all are so helpful. Will definitely look into the X-change. Thank you for letting me know about the extra fee, too. I need to know all these things with the limited funds that I have.

AF

[fencerbill]

I have been rebuilding and rebibbing masks for about ten years now, probably 500 or more. And I am really impressed with how the general quality of "club" level masks has improved over that time. The average is about ten times as safe as the average was 20 years or so ago. I have seen very few masks that I wouldn't want my granddaughter to use.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Yeah, I see some ancient looking masks that are just scary now!

AF