Jacket/Mask Suggestions for a Newbie?

[Purple Fencer]

Originally posted by achilleus
I don't mean to recommend any particular vendor. My feeling is that a physical store can really help an undecided person choose what to buy. Seeing, feeling, and trying on a jacket can really make a difference. Then again, I'm really picky about my equipment. So, I don't buy stuff that I'm not sure I like.

Jus' funnin' with ya! However, I DO have a physical store onteh grounds of SwordPlay in Burbank...it's not as stocked as well as Michael probably is.

I may be showing up at Orange Coast events this season...drop me a line and I'll let you know when, if you want to see my wares.

[damianip]

Originally posted by Purple Fencer
Hey now...you're supposed to be pimping ME, not D'Asaro! I don't recall that he's ever posted here...

Seriously, right now Michael probably DOES have more stuff on hand compared to me...I'm in the middle of buying a new house and fund I would've used to buy supplies are tired up in escrow right now.

Still...gimme a call!

Sam,

Am I accumulating "pimping points"?

I hope so!

Seriously, service is important, especially to beginners who aren't quite sure what to but. With several vendors (who shall remain nameless) you are on your own. Therefore, if you can find someone who is service oriented and nearby, you are much better off.

Paolo

[Purple Fencer]

Paulo...we'll talk!

[Falling Cow]

I noticed a few people talking about how long various equipment lasts. How do you tell if your equipment is worn out? I am currently phasing out my old equipment, but I can't say that it was worn out. It just didn't fit any more. I'm assuming that if your stuff starts falling apart then it is time to pitch it, but can equipment look ok and still be dangerous? I've heard about a punch test for masks. Without proper testing equipment is it reasonable to just, I don't know, put your mask on the floor and beat it with a 2x4. That's a crude analogy, but you get the point.

[DHCJr]

No a 2x4 would not work. What the 'punch test' tries to accomplish is to determine if a broken blade would push aside or through the wire mesh.

Without a properly calibrated mask punch you are limited, but not completely unable to see if it is still usable. This is what an Armorer would do before using the ‘punch’. They would pull on the bib making sure it is not detached anywhere or a blade may go through or has holes on the outside that haven’t been repaired. They will check the trim, that it will not catch a blade. They will run their hand over the outside, checking for any dents. All dents and rust should be removed. They will look from the inside towards a light source. What they are looking for is irregularities; a broken wire, miss-weaved wires or wires push aside. If there is a broken wire, or miss-weaved, then that is an automatic failure. The wires pushed aside should be put back in place with a very small jewelers screwdriver or probe.

After you have done that get the mask checked by an Armorer. That can be done at any NAC and hopefully at every local USFA competition. After it has been checked, if you no longer are going to use it, then donate it to a school or club. They will certainly appreciate it.