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  1. #1
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    Equipment Supplier ONTC

    Has anyone ever used the Italian Fencing Equipment Company ONTC (http://www.schermaontc.com/en/).

    I need to buy some gear for my university club, and these guys realy undercut the market...but of course that made me paranoid and I cant help worry that there must be some reason other than them trying to break into an otherwise closed market.

    Advise/experience please.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Array SJCFU#2's Avatar
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    The label on their FIE mask indicates that it's from Wuxi.

    The FIE has approved Wu Xi masks and uniforms for international competition however last I heard those same uniforms had been banned from sale in EU countries.

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    Their gear passed all SEMI and CE tests not too long ago.

    SEMI/CE certs;
    http://www.husheng-cn.com/tupian/zs05-1.jpg
    http://www.husheng-cn.com/tupian/zs05-2.jpg
    http://www.husheng-cn.com/tupian/zs05-3.jpg

    Report on compliency;
    https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...W5-xxWIvXgfcDg

    So its safe, I was just wondering the sense in buying a sabre for €25, do you reckon itl break first time??? Do people reckon the cost really is too good to be true?

  4. #4
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    The Wuxi/Jiang uniforms do have FIE certification, as you have shown links.

    However, separate, independent testing in the EU found that they failed to meet the labelled standards, and the inherent safety equipment specifications. Thus, they were banned from sale in Europe. You will note that Jiang-UK no longer sells uniform kit.

    FIE accepts it, the European Union says they are not safe. Wuxi says its a conspiracy:

    Alert: Wuxi FIE Uniforms Banned from EU
    Update on Wuxi FIE Uniforms

    As to the blades, I have seen many break fairly quickly. I have also seen other fie blades break, but not with the regularity. ymmv

  5. #5
    Senior Member Array chinbeard's Avatar
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    Have: Leon Paul Blades Size 9.5 used, good condition, 2 RH L Uhlmann Visconti, 1 RH M Uhlmann Visconti, 1 RH M Uhlmann clone Visconti
    Want: FWF Epee Points/Barrels, other random epee crap. Trade?

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    those 3 images I posted are are the CE certificates. CE is the standard for selling here in the EU.

    But thats beside the point, I have no interest in the uniforms. Its weapons Im thinking of, the prices of them are simply too good to miss

  7. #7
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    As to the blades, I personally would not buy them for my kids as I have seen too many break too quickly. So, cost of replacing blades and all the issues related to putting the equipment back together again,

    As to certification, CE is used to get FIE approval. Subsequent testing by the UK authorities found that the material did not meet the standards certified. Rapex,the EU consumer authority banned it from sale on those grounds. Number 4 on the list:

    http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/dyna/r....cfm?rx_id=218
    Last edited by Empty Wallet; 07-02-2009 at 11:34 AM.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Array Nolano's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheLifeguard View Post
    those 3 images I posted are are the CE certificates. CE is the standard for selling here in the EU.
    Yes, we're aware of that. In a random test it was found that some of the uniforms availabale for sale did not pass CE, even though the original sample submitted for testing did.
    "When Fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag and bearing a cross."

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    well as theyre now being sold in Europe (as that is where I am, Ireland to be exact) I must presume the the EU has lifted its ban.

  10. #10
    That Guy Array Craig's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheLifeguard View Post
    well as theyre now being sold in Europe (as that is where I am, Ireland to be exact) I must presume the the EU has lifted its ban.
    The UK importer for the Wuxi line is not currently selling their stock, are they?

  11. #11
    Yak
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    Hi all,
    I'm sorry to up this "old" topic, but I thought to drop down a line as it came up recently by searching on Google.
    My name is Francesco Rossi and I'm the founder/owner of ONTC.

    All the post I read on this topic are basically correct, I'd just like to add some details!
    First of all I'm ALSO a reseller of the WUXI equipment and of course it is my main product line-up. That doesn't mean that everything I sell is WUXI. For example, all the FIE Weapon and the 85cm ones are all assembled in Italy with components everybody knows like STM or BF blades.
    Moreover the assembly is done by a valid Technician with a lot of experience and skills.

    As for the FIE/UE compliant gear from WUXI I'll tell you what I told many. I was the first person being worried when I heared the news. I first enquired WUXI and I then enquired both the SEMI commission president and Leon Paul itself since it was them to publish the test results.
    The only thing that came out is that SEMI is still accepting WUXI uniforms in any competitions of any level and as far as I got to learn the European Community certifications are still valid (the company who did the process is Italian).

    Most importantly 'tho I must just bring my own experience. I'm 26 and I am still an active fencer (sometimes with some satisfactions as well): I've been fencing for 15yrs now and I've been fencing the last 2 and half with WUXI gear (hehehe, I'm self sponsoring )And I have never experienced any kind of security issues. I've been training a lot and joined many competitions of many levels...and no problems so far.

    Surely 2 years ago the uniform was still needing some improvements but I was able to cooperate closely (as well as other people I think) with wuxi in the developement process...and I think I am satisfied with the product I am selling now.

    Ok, I wrote a lot. I really hope I didn't go offtopic and that I could be of help.

    For any questions, from now on I'm here!

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