Epee blade selection advice

[JacoKierkegaard]

I'm about to purchase a new epee blade, as I've got a sneaking suspicion my current blade (StM non-FIE) is probably going to break soon and I'd like to have a replacement on hand immediately.

The two I'm looking at seriously are the StM FIE non-maraging blade and the LP non-FIE, as they both fit nicely in my budget. I'd like some more info on how they compare. I like the feel of my current (albeit well-worn-in) StM, will their non-maraging FIE blade be similar?

Also, I do sometimes feel that I could use a slightly more flexible blade, and I hear the LP's are flexible but durable. However, I hate the noodly feel of the Vniti's I've tried. Is the LP like that or more of the "firm and direct but still flickable" feel that I'm looking for?

In addition to the above questions, any comments on the relative durability of the two would be appreciated.

[seven6ty]

I felt that the LP FIE blade was far too whippey for my taste... I imagine the non-FIE would be very similar. Evidently they have a great lifespan, and I really love the design... But it's simply far to flexible in the half closest to the tip. StM's I never was a huge fan of, simply because they don't seem very well balanced to me, and they've always felt a bit heavy for my taste.

I was really surprised at how much I liked the regular Ballestra, non-FIE blades:
http://www.balestrafencing.net/store...b5df060b31c125

I usually only use BF FIE's, and these are the first blades I've found that come close to the same balance and feel that I usually enjoy in the BF's. And at 35 bucks, they're pretty hard to beat in value.

[Digital Analog]

If you don't like the Vniti don't go for the LP. Fencing with an LP Epee is like fencing with a wet noodle, some people swear by them but I can't stand them. If you like the STM you could stay with that or try out a Chevalier gold, they are much higher quality and you won't run the risk of having your blade snap in the first 5 minutes like you would with an STM. If you want to go FIE The BF Blue or the Chevalier FIE are nice too.



Lewis
Absolute Fencing

[Rocketdog]

I am starting to think it really depends on your own style, like what kind of blade you are used to. I prefer the LP specifically for the reason others hate it - being flexible at the foible end. I enjoy it because of being able to swing the tip around to where I need it (inside their guard). When I fence with STM the stiffness seems really awkward. Even parrying seems awkward.

But, if you are used to STM and don't want to change your style, then stay away from LP.

[JacoKierkegaard]

Yeah, that's the thing. I do tend to make a lot of actions on the blade, so a stiff blade like the StM is good for that, and I like the way it parries, but lately I've been incorporating a bit more flicking into my game, and I think something a little more flexible might be better for that. I just don't like the feeling that Vniti's have where it feels like the point is trailing behind your movements.

I did try a LP tonight and I didn't really care for it all that much, but the blade was my coach's three-year-old (!) backup weapon with a pronounced downward curve that I couldn't straighten out and an intermittent tip that cost me a bunch of touches, so I don't exactly think that's a good representative sample.

[DangerMouse]

The best flickers use really stiff blades. It's about technique, hand position, and practice. A whippy blade will hurt your flicking in the long run.

[JacoKierkegaard]

Never knew that. I figured since flicking in foil relies on the blade's flexibility the principle would carry over to epee, but then again foil flicks and epee flicks are two very different things. Interesting. If that's true, then my decision's made. Thanks.

[DangerMouse]

Flicking really doesn't rely on the blade flexibility for either weapon. If you are flicking with poor hand position and relying on the blade to bend, you won't have a long enough contact time to turn on a light in foil. In epee, you won't have the angle to get the tip depressed all the way. Spend your time working on hand position, preparation, and snapping your fingers (think classical coupe). As you get better with your technique, you'll also increase your hand strength and the blade will bend as well. If you start with a whippy blade, you'll need to make a larger, slower preparation to compensate for the lag in bringing the tip around and your technique will suffer in the long run.

[Nolano]

Agreed... I thought my LP was better for flicking until I moved to a BF FIE. Then I realized how truly wrong I was. With a stiff blade I always feel like I have a lot more control over the action.