Stiffness v Quickness

[Stormbringer]

Can anyone else confirm this? It does not show as an option on their web site.

I can't find the LP secret spreadsheet on blade weights and balance points - it seems to be the best-hidden document on their web site...

I was under the impression that this applied only to their "Flickmaster" foil blade...

[migopod]

I was under the impression that this applied only to their "Flickmaster" foil blade...

This may also be true. My information about this is definitely hearsay. I've not bought any LP FIE blades personally.

[parrythis]

almost all good epeeists I know prefer BF whites.

So, how are BF whites in terms of durability? I switched to Vnitis a few years back because of their durability and have not been disappointed, but now I am wondering if I have sacrificed point control for durability. Having as close as possible to the best of both worlds would be preferable.

[Sins of the Fleche]

I'm also a Vniti user, and after fencing it and some Leon Paul's, this is my thoughts on Vniti point control: it's not so much that it has lower point control, it just feels numb. The blade's weight makes it feel slightly unwieldy, almost like you can't put it where you want it if your arm gets tired. However, from my personal experiences, what I've come to think is that you really don't feel any responsiveness in the blade and the balance can feel wacky because of the extra weight, so because you can't feel the balance correctly, it feels like you don't have enough point control.

But after fencing with it for nigh on 18 months, I can report that personally, I don't have any issues with point control that aren't user related. The blade does feel numb, but if you attack with confidence and have a specific spot in mind, I can put it right on the money. But heaven help you if you need to change it up mid-extension.

[piste off]

So, how are BF whites in terms of durability? I switched to Vnitis a few years back because of their durability and have not been disappointed, but now I am wondering if I have sacrificed point control for durability. Having as close as possible to the best of both worlds would be preferable.

BFs are not nearly as durable. Vnitis take a lot of abuse. You get to the point where you are sick of the thing and WANT it to break.

The Vnitis I have used (a half dozen or so) feel heavier and the point lags somewhat. Against good fencers you notice the difference.

R-

[shlepzig]

My brief experience with Vniti Epee blades is that they are kinda noodly. I believe the science below explains why.

The flexibility of a a Vniti blade is probably similar to, or event slightly less than the Leon Paul (LP) blades (which can exhibit quite a bit of variability). As a caveat that is during the typical flexibility (or stiffness) test that is done: hanging a weight on the end the blade and measuring its deflection. Essentially the first test determines the spring constant.

In practice you have a more dynamic situation. The Vniti has got a lot more mass in the foible than the LP blades. So it will take a longer period of time to flex and return to position (natural frequency) than the LP blade. The extra mass on the end and the resulting momentum is a measure of the natural frequency of the blade.

You can execute a straight attack with a Vniti and it will find it's target just fine. If you execute a cut-over or a beat, you will need to compensate for the slower natural frequency of the blade to get the point where you want it. If you do the same action with a LP blade the point will return somewhat faster.

-Shlep

[I_luv_saber]

Look, I'm really sorry, but I've been holding this back for way too long:

That's what SHE said!!!

Okay, thanks, you can continue with productive talk now.