Lame Dilemma

[Wingz240]

Hey all,

I'm looking to get a new lame that's slightly looser than my current one (PBT) and have came upon a couple options, was hoping you guys could give some input.

1. BG Lame

I recently had to use a club's BG foil lame for a competition, and it felt really nice and all, but I realize that if I buy one, it'll probably die within a couple months. The only reason I'm even considering this option is because of the nice fit. On a side note: is there any difference between their nickel and stainless steel options in terms of quality/durability? Do anyone know of any sellers with a similar cut/fit?


2. Allstar

Thought about it, but after reading all about the quality issues, I'm a bit reluctant and unsure of how well it'll fit.


3. Escrime Lame

I currently wear a Escrime uniform, which is why I'm considering them again. Do anyone have any reviews on this lame in terms of fit and durability?


Many Thanks,


ps: I don't have the option of actually driving down to a store unfortunately.

[Morale Officer]

Both my lame's are Escrime. Haven't had a problem with them yet (had them for almost a year). I do, however, treat both lames very well (never folded, hung up after practice/tournaments, etc). If your whites are Escrime, I'd stick with them. Good quality and fit plus great cust service (which is always my big seller on anything for me).

[yearsofwisdom]

the absolute signature lame is extremely nice though it gets green lines down it. The ulhmann is also very high quality and will definitely last you a long time. both are for medium fit ppl so it'll work great. and trust me on the durability, i destroyed a absolute standard lame in 7 uses..... and the signature has worked perfectly fine except my crappy body cord which has rusted llol

[chinbeard]

I have a Triplette, and it's plenty roomy (it kinda makes me look fat). It's held up well, although I do not fence foil on a regular basis.

I've heard good things about Escrime lames.

I've asked the same question before, and most people here consider Leon Paul to be the best. I'd probably pick that ahead of Allstar.

[brtech]

What is your budget?

If you can afford it, get an LP ultralight. You'll never be sorry about that purchase: best Lame out there, and by a quite a margin. Seems to fit most average to slim folks pretty well, and it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It's comfortable, and you can machine wash it.

The AF is a good budget lame. The BG is okay, and better than most of the others.

Get Stainless, not nickel.

There are a lot of elite fencers who still use Allstar/Uhlmann lames. They last much longer than the budget lames. They fit better in most cases.

[Cookeit]

LP Ultralight is ugly.

Get the LP INOX, it is nice and sparkly.

[brtech]

A new LP is quite nice looking I think. It does pick up some scuff marks, but it really works well: it's comfortable, easy to maintain and lasts longer than any other lame.

The INOX lame does not last as long, is harder to clean, and much more finicky about storage.

[Wingz240]

Hmm I think I might go with a LP inox. What do you mean by "finicky with storage" ?

[chase]

just get an uhlmann lame. their widely available and cheap to replace.

[SJCFU#2]

Hmm I think I might go with a LP inox. What do you mean by "finicky with storage" ?

When you fold a metallic lame you are bending the metallic threads (which are really just very fine wires). Then when you go to straighten it out you bend them back again. Do this enough and they'll eventually break. Break enough metallic threads and you start to get dead spots (a particularly common problem on the inside elbow of saber lames).

You can minimize this problem by keeping your lame flat when not in use (Morale Officer mentioned keeping hers on hangers) or rolling it into a loose cylinder when packing. If you must fold it, at least try not to fold along the exact same line every time since this will repeatedly stress the threads at the same points.

Some manufacturers use finer metallic threads or denser weaves of those metallic threads, making their lames more durable, but just about every metallic lame is subject to this probem (assuming nothing else kills it first).

The LP Ultralight does not use metallic threads, thereby avoiding this problem.

[KD5MDK]

just get an uhlmann lame. their widely available and cheap to replace.

I wouldn't consider it cheap to replace. If you're going into that price point, you might as well get LP or Estoc. Or you can go cheap and get Absolute.

[GypsyScot]

I wouldn't consider it cheap to replace. If you're going into that price point, you might as well get LP or Estoc. Or you can go cheap and get Absolute.

In support of this comment, I had an Uhlmann Lame from 1996 that lasted periods of heavy competition until 2002, it was amazing, I bought a new one in 2006 after someone stole my infinity (and left a $100 bill in my bag, go figure) and it died with light use within 6 months, I paid a little over $200 for that lame. I got a AF Signature last year, I used it for coaching and some bouting this year, let a student use it half the season, looks pretty good still. Haven't had a problem with green lines though. My thoughts, your mileage may vary.