Which scoring box?

[TodG]

I've been reading reviews and posts, but would like to hear from people on which scoring box to buy.

I am looking to purchase a box for use at matches. I have a max $1000 budget. The ideal box will have a timer and score display. Right now I am leaning towards the Favero FA05. Any thoughts?

I've also considered the Amico RSO15 (which lacks score) but reviews seem mixed, though the price is attractive.

Thanks.

[DangerMouse]

The Favero is a better option than the Amico just because Favero is a more established company that is likely to be around to service your machine for longer. The SG-12 plus is also a good machine, but a couple hundred dollars more. If you want to save some money, I just bought a VSM (Virtual Scoring Machine) for $100 + a $25 lcd monitor and a $30 computer and it really works great. A bit less portable than the traditional machines unless you get a laptop to use it with, but it has time and score and my total cost was less than $200. Those are really the only three options worth considering at your budget level.

[neevel]

Favero- I'd even take it over the SG-12, as it's got a better remote (better button feel and more durable w.r.t. both routine use and the inevitable drops).

For a $1000 max. budget, VSM and an inexpensive laptop would be another choice. You can easily set up a bluetooth mouse to use as a remote.

Avoid the Amicos. Yes, they're cheap- Yugos were too.

[DHCJr]

I prefer the SG-12 over the Favero for a few reasons. It works in Epee even if there is a short in a weapon. I feel the box itself is better protected from drops and stand up better by itself. For me, any repairs and upgrades are easier. Also you will find SG machines from more suppliers. Prieur, Leon Paul, AllStar and Uhlmann (last 2 rebranded) all sell Saint George.

I will say I have had more experience with Saint George, but I have worked on both.

That said the Favero is a good box and the VSM has a couple of features that make it good. When upgrades are needed, you download the changes and the other programable features.

[Purple Fencer]

VSM....hands down. All you need to provide is the laptop. For $1000 I can get you 6 units with remote.

[K O'N]

VSM....hands down. All you need to provide is the laptop. For $1000 I can get you 6 units with remote.

Is that including the laptops? I can make 5 units including the laptops for $1000, but not six.

Anyway, I'm amazed anyone is willing to spend $1000 on a single box any more when you can get a VSM for so much less.

K O'N

[Purple Fencer]

Is that including the laptops? I can make 5 units including the laptops for $1000, but not six.

Anyway, I'm amazed anyone is willing to spend $1000 on a single box any more when you can get a VSM for so much less.

K O'N

That's 6 of the VSM units at $150 each (the remaining $100 would cover tax). I said all he had to do was provide the laptop.

If he wants to go a full strip setup...his $1000 would get him 2 (VSM plus 2 V-reels). for 3 setups he'd need about $1200....but he still has to provide the laptop.

[K O'N]

That's 6 of the VSM units at $150 each (the remaining $100 would cover tax). I said all he had to do was provide the laptop.

Not to quibble, but for 5 or more they're $120 + $20 for the remote is $140, not $150.

Regarding laptops, I've been having good luck with PII machines from ebay. About $50 including shipping. I load a minimal install of XP and VSM, and they're good to go. Very nice, very stable, no fuss.

K O'N

[TodG]

I looked at the VSM. My concern is the laptop being damaged. We use the YMCA gym, so this has to be a portable, easy to set up box. I already have a set of Favero reels and a Siyon box. The box has proven very reliable, but lacks a clock and score display. But After i converted it to internal battery operation, it is about as compact and portable as you could want.

No I am looking for a comparable portable unit with timer and score.

[SJCFU#2]

For convenience, you can buy a rechargeable battery pack for a Favero. Or build your own 12-volt battery pack, although that may require something larger than eight AA-cells (Favero's AC adapter is rated for 200 mA average and 500 mA peak). Fortunately there's plenty of space on the back of a Favero for eight C or D-cell batteries.

But a Favero isn't going to be anywhere near as compact as your Siyon box. If you want compact with integral time and score then you're probably better off with a SG-12ST.

Or maybe look for a netbook to use with a VSM (you might be able to buy one of the first generation netbooks that used a solid-state drive from someone who wants to upgrade to something with more hard-disk space). Then if you're really concerned about potential damage you could fabricate a plexiglass shield to go over the netbook (IIRC Shawn Hart did something like this for the netbook he uses to demonstrate the VSM2). The biggest limitation with this setup might be reading the netbook screen from down near the ends of the strip.

[TodG]

Thanks all,

After speaking to a number of people and reading posts here, I am going to try the Favero. I'll report later.

[22hansen22]

You could also consider the BlackBox Fencing Scoring Box

http://sites.google.com/site/blackboxfencing/

its pretty affordable and it doesnt require PC, comes with 10 days trial period, if you dont like it, you can just return it!
It meant to be for small clubs with tight budgets!

Regards!

[DHCJr]

You could also consider the BlackBox Fencing Scoring Box

http://sites.google.com/site/blackboxfencing/

its pretty affordable and it doesnt require PC, comes with 10 days trial period, if you dont like it, you can just return it!
It meant to be for small clubs with tight budgets!

Regards!

Not only doesn't require a PC, it doesn't have a clock or score display.

If those weren't the requirements, there would have been a lot of other suggestions.

The 3 that were suggested had those features. You put yourself at a disadvantage and made yourself seem like you are not careful, as you didn't look at what TodG was looking for. For example if someone was looking for a van and someone suggested a Tesla, they would look stupid. The Tesla might be a good car, but it doesn't meet what the buyer wants.

[brtech]

Absolute showed an SG box at JOs that is somewhat between an SG12 ST and an SG21. I think it's just over $1000 with a club discount. It has huge score lights (bigger than the 21s), card lights, and score/time. Same remote, alas. It's about the height of a 21, but not as wide. It's a special SG makes just for them (they are the largest volume dealer of SG machines these days).