Confused about pistol grips!

[d0gz|song]

I've been looking online for a new pistol grip foil lately, only to notice the immense varieties to choose from. I'm confused, can someone help? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Dav3ey]

My first coach was a real believer in using a french handle, so it took a while before I "graduated" to a pistol grip. Here's my thoughts:

1. Try to clear your mind of any preconception of what looks "nice" or "cool". I used a belgian for about three weeks before realizing that I hated it because I liked the way it looks.

2. Ignore what other people like, except to try it out. Borrowing a weapon is a great way to find out if you despise a grip -- but not so great to find out what you love. That takes longer. So borrow and try. I used a medium Visconti for about two years because lots of people use them and they were easy to try out.

3. Depending on how often you fence, I would try each handle for about a week. Give each handle a fair shake. ( )

4. In the end, you'll find that there's a handle that goes well with how your hand and fingers sit and move. You'll find one that you go back to. You'll find one that, when that one person you really want to beat steps onto the mat, you pick up. That's yours. Accept it.

Mine is a Russian. I am alone (pretty much), but that's how it goes.

[Craig]

What Dav3ey said.

Try out other grips and make sure that they are the correct size for your hand. I've tried visconti, belgian, russian, and one of the zivkovik grips. Finally settled on visconti, which also made it easier to borrow weapons if mine were all bad since that's what most of my club uses.

(So, anyone want to buy some belgian grips?)

Craig

[135711]

hi webmaster!

i am tempted to re-try some belgium grips, at the moment my weapons are all visconti, how easy is it to switch off? will I have to cut the blade down or anything?

[edew]

The belgian grips generally require a longer tang than the visconti. You might not be able to switch your viscontis to belgians. You can buy a fresh blade with a belgian grip mounted on it, but that'll cost you more than just the grip.

I think it's best to stick to one grip, be it french or otherwise. Switching around after you've started with one grip is not a good idea.

[The_Claw]

The Claw sees it!