Balestra Fencing Supply

[JayhawkPawn]

Anyone know anything about these guys? After too long of a break, I'm coming back into the moneypit... er, fencing club! Talking to my old coach, they've switched over to these guys now, and I know absolutely nothing about the company.

Just curious to see who has bought what and if they like anything they've gotten.

-Jay.

[Purple Fencer]

Anyone know anything about these guys? After too long of a break, I'm coming back into the moneypit... er, fencing club! Talking to my old coach, they've switched over to these guys now, and I know absolutely nothing about the company.

Just curious to see who has bought what and if they like anything they've gotten.

-Jay.

They're one of my vendors...I'm finding the blades better than the StMs I used to get. I can finally sell shoes, now that I get a vendor discount on them! Masks are on a par with most entry-level masks...strong enough that I'll pitch them to older kids or adults if cost is an issue (I did NOT do that with the old JL masks with the triangular cheek plate....mesh was very weak a the time....gotten better, tho)

They do not carry sabre manchettes, so some things I still have ot get from other vendors.

I've been pleased so far....but there have been a few shipping errors...understandable, given how much I order, but irritating nonetheless...they're easy to deal with.

Thick Russian accents, but not nearly as bad as the Chinese one from Amanda at Absolute...but then again, NO ONE has a thicker accent than her!

[DangerMouse]

I've had a similar experience. Their epee blades and body cords are far better than anything else in the price range. They do business like just about everyone else from the former Soviet Union I've dealt with, which is not a bad thing, it just comes across as pushy and forward if you're used to dealing with American business owners.

We are switching to them as our club supplier this year.

[EldRick]

I'd also recommend them - good service, decent product. I bought a bag from them, which I like, as it has padding and excellent back-pack type straps.

I also like their bare electric foil blades, although I discovered that they don't fit LP tips without significant Dremel'ing.

However, the one wired foil blade I bought from them apparently had the tip installed by a gorilla with an impact wrench, as the last half-inch of the foible was twisted about 90 degrees at the barrel.

Caveat Emptor!

[seven6ty]

I've only bought epee blades from them so far. I was veryyyy skeptical, initially, as I've only bought BF FIE's for the past few years. On rare occassions, I'd pick up an STM FIE or Prieur Sport, but I was always very unhappy with the balance and feel of these. I recently went to the first tournament of the season with only one BF, and another older blade. I ended up buying one of their regular epee blades, which they said they were now supplying to Uhlman. I was really impressed with the feel and balance of the blade, as it was very similar to the BF's that I've been using. I was able to find one that was just what I like, and I think it cost me something like $33? Maybe $32. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed fencing with it though, and ended up going back to get a second. I have no idea how long they'll last, as I just got them 2 weeks ago, but no complaints so far! (And I'm usually pretty darned picky with my blades.) Great value for the money!

[hobocamp]

I have had bad experieneces with them, they sold me some equipment that wore out the next day, and they sold me sizes way too big. I admit that was partially my fault, but they are salesmen. I went in for a glove they tried to sell me a whole uniform. Also, the FIE blade i got at their original store, Athos, was super defective. It kept breking at the wire and everything was just not a good time for me. But i do know some people who do like Ballestra. But i would stay away.

[seven6ty]

Ah yeah, I forgot that they are vending Athos gear, which I wouldn't recommend either. It's been discontinued a while ago, from my understanding, and there are some people out there just trying to get rid of it. Never did seem to be very good quality. Also, yes, you should always check to make sure the gear fits before buying it, unless you have to order over the phone, in which case you need to send as exact measurements as you possibly can.

[Fencergrl]

I second the advice about staying away from Athos gear. There's little of it that holds up and doesn't have to be replaced.

[fencingislife]

I have had bad experieneces with them, they sold me some equipment that wore out the next day, and they sold me sizes way too big. I admit that was partially my fault, but they are salesmen. I went in for a glove they tried to sell me a whole uniform. Also, the FIE blade i got at their original store, Athos, was super defective. It kept breking at the wire and everything was just not a good time for me. But i do know some people who do like Ballestra. But i would stay away.

Please be advised that There is no such blade as Athos FIE. Unfortunately you are mistaken, as well as there are some Fake Athos products, that we have to admit are very bad quality. Trade mark to Athos products belong to Balestra Fencing and the original products names Athos could be produced only by them. So how said it is but there is a Fake Athos brand that fells apart after the first use, so please make sure if you do get Athos then get it only from Balestra.

[Fencergrl]

there are some Fake Athos products,

How sad is that??? Don't make fake good gear... no copy the low-end stuff that doesn't have a great reputation to begin with. Kinda like making counterfeit $1 bills.

[fencingislife]

How sad is that??? Don't make fake good gear... no copy the low-end stuff that doesn't have a great reputation to begin with. Kinda like making counterfeit $1 bills.

it's just a sad truth.