aluminum vs steel guards

[PisteOff]

I'm about to purchase my first epee, and was disappointed to see most come with aluminum guards. While these are lighter, I like the way the steel guards stay shiny much longer and resist damage. With the increased weight of epee over foil, are steel epee guards usually thought to be impractical? I realize my argument is over aesthetics, not function...

thanks...

PisteOff
[insert clever comment here]

[qatet]

The different shape of epee guards may render this comment irrelevant, but my favorite part of steel foil guards is that they're less likely to get folded in half if they get a bit of rough treatment. Just one other consideration. . .

[remise]

I started out in steel and, unfortunately, my 'muscle memory' can not adapt to the lighter version. I MUST have the weight or I end up swinging wide and high and all over the place.

[corps a corps]

I will echo Qatet's response. I have found that the steel stands up to punishment better and lasts longer.

[a517dogg]

go steel. aluminum gets crushed by airline baggage handlers, and also they will last like maybe two or three years maximum, while heavier ones last like 5 or 6 years.

[It]

Well the unfortunate thing for me is that I fence Italian, and the only electric complete Italian Epee that I could find are all made of aluminum. The socket for the Italian is usually attached to the gaurd.

[Pho]

How about those vniti one piece guards? I've got one and they are pretty light and don't ding (yet). Just out of curiousity, anybody know what metal they are made out of? Titanium perhaps?