FIE vs. normal blades in terms of weight/flex

[Psi Shadowdark]

hi guys,
i wanna buy a new foil but im not sure if i should get a FIE or a plain ol' electric. i have a FIE now, but would like a new one to have a spare/back-up. my question is though that my FIE blade is as stiff as a epee and it is a foil =). it just don;t feel responsive if u know what i mean. all the fencers at my salle use normal ones so i have nothing to compare. i was hoping you guys could enlighten me =)

thx

josh

[neevel]

The difference in flexibility is not so much a matter of FIE vs. non-FIE as it is a difference between brands & models of blades. Most manufacturers try to make their FIE and non-FIE blades have a similar balance and feel. So the question is, who made your FIE blade? I'll hazard a guess that it's a Blaise Freres blade, as they are on the stiff side. If you want something on the other extreme, look for a Leon Paul FIE blade. Blades that are more in the middle include Vniti (somewhat heavy) and STM (lighter). If you've got the money up front, it's a no-brainer to go with an FIE blade over a carbon-steel blade, since the durability will more than make up for the higher purchase price.

-Dave

[Psi Shadowdark]

thank you sooo much, and your right about the make of my blade

[Psi Shadowdark]

gonna try the leon paul golbsky-pro, it seems to have a balence in point control and flex, ill let know how it is when it gets here