Fencing Bag Comparison

[peterlista]

I need to get a new bag for my equipment (the old duffel is way too small now) and am seriously considering three different models. If you have any experience with any of them it would be a great help to get some input.

I am looking at:
Duellist- Large Bag, Twin Compartment Design With Four External Pockets
http://www.duellist.com/cgi-bin/fenc...ct=Bags&pid=25
Leon Paul- Longitude Bag
http://www.leonpaulusa.com/acatalog/Longitude_Bag.html
Leon Paul- Aviator Flight Bag
http://www.leonpaulusa.com/acatalog/...light_Bag.html

For reference, I would like to carry my uniform and mask, a change of clothes, fencing shoes, four epees, a foil, my body cords, my small parts/tool kit, and some other random stuff (food, water, small first aid kit).

Thanks in advance everybody!

[Mac A. Bee]

I would like to carry my uniform and mask, a change of clothes, fencing shoes, four epees, a foil, my body cords, my small parts/tool kit, and some other random stuff (food, water, small first aid kit).

Have you considered a separate bag for your clothes? I use a guitar-style that holds essentially what you carry sans clothes. When we fly, we have to check our blades, which I do in my equipment bag, using a carry-on for everything except. If you're really nervous, you could wear your uniform under your sweats.

[peterlista]

Have you considered a separate bag for your clothes? I use a guitar-style that holds essentially what you carry sans clothes. When we fly, we have to check our blades, which I do in my equipment bag, using a carry-on for everything except. If you're really nervous, you could wear your uniform under your sweats.

Currently, I have a bag for my clothes, mask, and most of my equipment... then I carry my blades separate. I would like to have everything in one bag.

[DangerMouse]

If you plan to fly to a lot of tournaments, you really want to get a hard shell golf case, like these. If you are driving to tournaments, you'll really appreciate having a separate compartment for your wet gear.

[peterlista]

If you plan to fly to a lot of tournaments, you really want to get a hard shell golf case, like these. If you are driving to tournaments, you'll really appreciate having a separate compartment for your wet gear.

I (currently) am staying within driving distance for tournaments, so the hard case isn't really necessary. Also, the first two bags I mention have two large compartments... so I will have no problem separating wet from dry.

[Morale Officer]

I (currently) am staying within driving distance for tournaments, so the hard case isn't really necessary.

I don't fly well, so I pretty well drive to everything. I've found that the hard case has become a blessing...especially when traveling with my clubmates as it doesn't hurt my gear to pile everything into the back of the Jeep. Not only that, but the as bad as my body has been, the wheels on the "coffin" are so much better for my back and knees since I'm not lugging the bag around on my shoulder. Yes, I have a very small guitar type bag that doesn't really fit anything (used that right after coming back from surgery) and I have a large carry bag that I'll use if going to a tournament where space is a premium, but I'm with DangerMouse...get the hard case even if you're sticking more local. It's very worth it.

[peterlista]

I don't fly well, so I pretty well drive to everything. I've found that the hard case has become a blessing...especially when traveling with my clubmates as it doesn't hurt my gear to pile everything into the back of the Jeep. Not only that, but the as bad as my body has been, the wheels on the "coffin" are so much better for my back and knees since I'm not lugging the bag around on my shoulder. Yes, I have a very small guitar type bag that doesn't really fit anything (used that right after coming back from surgery) and I have a large carry bag that I'll use if going to a tournament where space is a premium, but I'm with DangerMouse...get the hard case even if you're sticking more local. It's very worth it.

Idk, I have heard mixed reviews from those with hard cases that don't use them to fly (too heavy, too bulky, no pockets, etc). I think I would like to stick with a soft case instead.

[DangerMouse]

I (currently) am staying within driving distance for tournaments, so the hard case isn't really necessary. Also, the first two bags I mention have two large compartments... so I will have no problem separating wet from dry.

Whichever bag you get, it will get holes in it and likely break a zipper sooner than you anticipate, so you'll have plenty of time to try a variety of bags. If you are in the US, LP's customer service is renowned whereas Duellist is not known for their service.

[SJCFU#2]

One of the downsides to hard shell cases (besides not being divided into separate compartments for weapons vs clothes - a problem that can be rectified) is that they can be difficult to fit into smaller cars.

One other thing that you should probably keep in mind - the amount you carry will almost always expand to fill the available space. At that point a large bag (even a soft one) can get really heavy.

[peterlista]

I decided to purchase the "Longitude Bag" from Leon Paul. It looks good and I think it will last me a nice long while.

http://www.leonpaulusa.com/acatalog/Longitude_Bag.html

I'll post a review when I get it.

[fatfencer]

in terms of style and flair... was that old Blue White and Red Prieur bag.

FF