360/Team Range vs London/Sidney Range

[Anatole]

Hey everyone,
I've been fencing for three years now and really enjoy it, now I want to start buying some high end gear as I will start doing competitions. My girlfriend bought me an X-Change mask for my birthday so now I'm looking at fencing suits. Since this stuff is really expensive I'd rather spend a lot of money once and have something that will be comfortable and last me a long time than a "budget" suit. So far I looked at the 360/Team Range by Leon Paul and the London/Sidney range which seems to be no different appart for the lining, but is lining really necessary? Anyway I am open to all suggestions even other european brands brands, my key points are in order: Durability, Comfort, Elegance. I don't really care how heavy or light the stuff is. My budget is £500 max or 550 Euros. Thanks guys!
Yours,

Anatole de Breuilly

[DangerMouse]

Both LP uniforms are very well made and will last a long time. I have never worn either to comment on their comfort. My friends that have either one love them. They also love the Negrini uniforms. I have FIE uniforms from Cartel and PbT and love both of them. The Cartel is 7 years old and still in decent condition despite getting 3+ nights of use per week. The PbT is still in perfect condition after 5 years, but I only wear it for tournaments.

If you really want the best, from what I've seen, either get the LP or Negrini.

[Anatole]

Thank you DangerMouse! So what about lining, is this a thing to have if you can afford it or will it deteriorate quickly or keep me too warm or what? Also once I have my uniform should I wash it frequently? What are the first signs of wear? How does one repair a jacket? What rules apply for club patches, names and country codes on the back and those fancy coloured ribbons on the sides of the arms and breeches?

[DangerMouse]

I prefer not to have a lining in my jackets because it doesn't really improve over a good synthetic shirt and just adds more bulk, but I also prefer the thinnest and lightest uniform I can get, hence owning Cartel and PbT.

Generally, the first part of the uniform to break is the zipper, then the stitching starts to separate. Zipper repair/replacement is something any good seamstress can do. Same for re-doing the stitching, although it is then no longer considered FIE (not that tournament organizers will know). For the rest, look it up in the rule book and athletes' handbook.

[Nolano]

The lining is not the only difference. The London is made of a thinner, stretchier, and much more expensive material.
I own a pair of team knickers and they're great.

[catwood1]

Is there anyone that can compare both of them to the competition range non-fie jackets? The phoenix range I think.

I have a phoenix coaching jacket, and I need a new white jacket. I'm contemplating either the phoenix, team, or london, and don't know which.

[gatsby]

I don't have the London, but have used the phoenix and team stuff. Both are about as stretchy as you can get in a fencing jacket, but the Team stuff is slightly thicker and theres no inside layer. The inside layer of the Phoenix is good for wicking, but you can do just as well with a wicking (not cotton) t-shirt. Both are well made and will last just about forever. '

It pretty much comes down to this: If you want a bit more cooling, go with the phoenix. If you want a bit more protection, get the Team stuff. Either way, you can't really go wrong.

[Tomas N]

It pretty much comes down to this: If you want a bit more cooling, go with the phoenix. If you want a bit more protection, get the Team stuff. Either way, you can't really go wrong.

I agree completely, except I would say the Phoenix is quite a bit cooler than the London or Team. I have London jacket and Team pants. They feel roughly equivalent in terms of weight.

[Anatole]

My fear is that the breeched might be itchy without lining, are they?

[DangerMouse]

If you are considering the Phoenix, I would go for the cheaper and lighter option of the Escrime. I have one of their jackets and it is fantastic. I just hope they get their FIE line together before I need to replace my Cartel.

[Nolano]

no.
They're very comfortable.