physical chess visor sabre mask?

[Bl0odslasher]

I was searching for a cheap sabre mask, with a visor when i came across one for $199 by physical chess, i have never heard of this company, and am wondering how good it is, and if i should get the blue gauntlet one that is almost $100 more.

https://www.physicalchess.com/masks/...sor-cord.html#

[Nolano]

To be honest, don't buy a visor mask unless you're going to be fencing at a world cup. They're more expensive and not as safe. You can get the very best FIE mask for less than most "cheap" visor masks.

As far as Physical Chess is concerned, most people here have a pretty low opinion of them.

[catwood1]

Maybe he wants free touches, or increased visibility. Or, for some reason, decreased airflow. I don't think the last one is very likely though...

[WGH]

I bought a lot of physical chess stuff when I was fencing dry classical. Now that I'm doing modern electric... I find most of their gear REALLY subpar. Even the baseline stuff from other providers is better. Comparing my bottom line linea (Fencing Post) sabre to my physical chess sabre is hilarious. I don't have any experience with physical chess's visor masks... but from my experience with their epees, foils, sabres, jackets, plastrons, socks, and non-fie masks, I'd say look elsewhere.

[SJCFU#2]

This mask (PC)? As opposed to this one (BG)?

I suspect the BG mask cost more because, unlike the PC mask, it's FIE certified. This means that it (the BG mask) is made, tested, and certified to much higher standards, not only in the bib (1600N vs 350N) but only most likely the mesh as well. It also means that the PC mask is not legal for international competitions, or even domestic ones outside of the US. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the armorers gave it additional attention at a USFA event, given that the only standard for visor mask by which they can evaluate it is that used by the FIE.

In summary - if you must have a visor mask (and in truth there are relatively few fencers who actually NEED them), then you should spend the extra $90 and at least get the BG mask.

[cOREA]

As has been said, if you're buying a visor mask, you're probably an international fencer and want the best quality.

[catwood1]

As has been said, if you're buying a visor mask, you're probably an international fencer and want the best quality.

That really isn't particularly true. Or even close to true. In point weapons it is, but there are PLENTY of sabre fencers who wear the visor. Some of whom aren't even eligible to fence in a division 1 NAC. Its really not uncommon...

[Inquartata]

Yes...I think on the same principle as wearing top-line gear and using FIE sabre blades: The owners think it will get them more respect on the strip somehow.

The "better visibility" angle is debatable. It lasts only until the fogging starts.

I have never managed the elusive Lexan parry. I have seen others do so...but then, I have seen lots of touches to mesh masks fail to register, so I'm not sure that this is actually a measurable phenomenon...

On the other hand, they're hot, you can't hear as well, and there's that dratted opaque rim around the window.

There is one plus: They're ugly. So they go well with the colored-lame-and-unmatched-colored-socks look. ( Wear a bandanna for the trifecta. )

[Purple Fencer]

I have seen lots of touches to mesh masks fail to register,

Happened to me (in my favor) at Duel in the Desert the first year it was in the Tropicana. DE against Karen Doren...sometimes she'd hit me, but JUST barely, and get no light...my counter-attack registered....she'd test, get a good light, my touch stood....I ended up winning 15-14 and then got utterly destroyed by Lotchakov (sp?)

Turns out Karen's hits were so minimal, the box thought it was a whipover and locked her out!