TCA Lames?

[VAFfencer]

Hey all,

I just wanted to get your opinion on Triplette lames, specifically their super-duty type. Does anyone have any experience with these? How long to they last and how to they compare to the other lame I was considering: an Allstar foil lame from Blue Gauntlet.

Thanks,
James

Link to the TCA Electric Jacket page:
(http://www.triplette.com/sport%20fen...ic_jackets.htm)

[Inquartata]

I had one of those once, albeit a sabre one, not foil. It did indeed last a lot longer than the Chinese and Russian lames I'd had before that, but only for practice purposes: that is, it did not continue to pass inspections at NACs any longer than other lames. It did hold together longer for use as a practice lame before it stopped registering touches from actual weapons...

Hence, I think it depends on how you intend to use it: practice, competition, or both?

[Voldune]

I use a TCA heavy duty lame. Had it since 97. Still works great. going to get another soon and wear my old one for practice only but not because it doesn't work but that I have changed in size some and need a new lame.

[MikeHarm]

I had the super duty stainless TCA lame which I bought in 95 I think. I decided to replace it this year because I started to have a few people testing before bouts with their weapons getting off target everywhere, and other weapons working so I figured its resistance had crept up too high.

I bought the cheap blue gauntlet one as a replacement, it'll be interesting to see how long it lasts in comparison.

[D'Artagnan1673]

Whenever I do fence foil, I continue to use my TCA lame'. The main problem that I have found is that the bib of my mask and the area of my jacket where the lame' rubs has gotten worn down by the rough surface of the lame'. Other than that, my lame' has been fine. I did find that my TCA lame' was meant for someone a little rounder than myself. Over time I have grown into my lame'.

[neevel]

Just about any stainless lame should last as well as any other, so long as you take proper care of it (hand wash regularly with a bit of ammonia and Ivory Snow or Woolite, and don't leave it wadded up in your bag). If you're of a trim build, the Allstar will fit you better, as Triplette lames don't appear to be cut with any shoulder-to-waist taper at all.

The BG lame is probably the best budget lame out there, but it is a copper lame and so generally won't hold up as long as a stainless (though if you diligent about care they can still give you a good useful life).

-Dave