04-22-2003, 01:18 AM
|
#1 | | Just Joined
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 21
| Mask Sizing
I want to get a new Leon Paul Sabre-X mask, which is a fair investment, so naturally I am concerned about it fitting well. We generally tend to use Triplette masks at our club and I find that the size 4's fit me pretty darn well. However Leon Paul's sizing scale is quite different, it follows as such:
Approximate sizes (circumference of head around the forehead) as follows:
Small Below 22" Below 56 Cm
Medium 22 1/4" to 23" 57-59 Cm
Large 23 1/4" to 25" 59-63 Cm
X-Large 25+ inches 63+ Cm
Now, I measured at about 22", but a medium seems just doesn't seem like it'd be right for me. Is it better just to go for the larger one, or the smaller one? I am not exactly even sure how an ideal fit should feel. Any help on this would make my life much easier.
-Thanks | 
|  | | And now for this message... |
| |
04-22-2003, 04:56 AM
|
#2 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Illinois
Posts: 665
| I'm guessing that cirumference around the forehead isn't as important as circumference over the top of your head and under you chin since that metal thingie (what IS it called anyway?) in the back can be bent in or out to adjust the fit.
I like to have to pull my chin onto the chin pad so that the mask doesn't flop around, but still have it loose enough that I can open my mouth. It shouldn't be clamping your jaw shut. If it feels tight on top but it's right for your chin, try adjusting things first before you try a different size. Also, your mask shouldn't be flopping side to side more than 1 or 2 centimeters.
Hope it helps. | |
| | |
04-22-2003, 05:55 AM
|
#3 | | Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 135
| Probably not the answer you want, especially since you will be dealing with international postage, but do not be afraid to exchange the mask if it does not fit. After all, it is a big investment.
Leon Paul is one of the most reputable suppliers out there. Certainly their exchange policy is a good one...maybe someone who has dealt with them would know the specifics?
I am still trying to maneuver around their new website.
__________________
You'll die as you lived, in a flash of a blade...
| |
| | |
04-22-2003, 09:18 AM
|
#4 | | Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002 Location: South Texas
Posts: 2,869
| Barry Paul occasionally posts messages in this board. Send them an email. They might take a week or so to respond, but they have always responded my questions. | |
| | |
04-22-2003, 11:44 AM
|
#5 | | Armorer
Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Long Beach, CA / Las Vegas
Posts: 3,441
| Quote: Originally posted by Wizardly
I'm guessing that cirumference around the forehead isn't as important as circumference over the top of your head and under you chin since that metal thingie (what IS it called anyway?) in the back can be bent in or out to adjust the fit. | It is called a tang. But so everyone knows the newer Leon Paul masks do not use a tang. They use a system of velco straps and a little cup to hold the mask on.
__________________
Donald Hollis Clinton, Jr. DHCJr@juno.com
To Teach is to Learn (Japanese Proverb)
Knowing the rule book by heart means nothing, if you don't understand the rules.
| |
| | |
04-22-2003, 03:16 PM
|
#6 | | Just Joined
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 21
| Thank you for the various advice. I think I will go for a large for the current timebeing. If it is too loose I'll just bear the shipping fee and do an exchange. As for this particular Leon Paul mask, yes it doesn't have a tang. Instead it has the Contour Fit system, which should allow for a better fit according to them. What do people think of the countour fit system? Is it better? | |
| | |
04-22-2003, 03:28 PM
|
#7 | | Member
Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Israel
Posts: 36
| hmmmm then buy prieur mask! only 100 Euros and the sizing are normall.
__________________
I am sabre fencer from Israel  | |
| | |
04-26-2003, 12:47 AM
|
#8 | | Quit (no longer with us)
Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: usa
Posts: 1,307
| It took me forever to finally find a mask, i found negrini, fie foil/epee mask size medium. it's the sizing that i also found a problem. they make some really great masks out there, really nice, i couldn't decide, but if it's too small you'll be really uncomfortable, if it's too big, it'll wreck your fencing. Can you wait until nationals and try them on - if you plan on going? If not, then try on different brands from your friends and see what you think. | |
| | |
04-29-2003, 07:32 PM
|
#9 | | Member
Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern Ca
Posts: 81
| Perhaps you could road trip into the city and try some on? | |
| | |
04-30-2003, 09:01 AM
|
#10 | | Fencing Expert
Join Date: May 2000 Location: The valley of the -hot- sun, NorCal
Posts: 3,184
| To know if the size is correct for a fencing mask you should be able to put it on and not feel squished or compressed, and while you shaking your head from side to side the mask should not wiggle around or move. That's when you know you have the right size.
You can also adjust the flap or tang to your liking, and press the sides together if needed.
__________________ - Epee is the Louis Vuitton bag of fencing: only the best can get it, and the rest of the masses must content themselves with cheap knockoffs (sabre, foil)
- To not recognize the power of the French grip is to be in denial
| |
| | |
05-01-2003, 01:10 AM
|
#11 | | Just Joined
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 21
| Thank you for the good advice. I might be able to go to American Fencers' Supply, but I have to find a time when I can go and they are actually open. As for adjusting the tang and bending the sides, is it better to bend a larger mask so it's tighter, or a smaller mask so it's larger? | |
| | |
05-01-2003, 01:17 AM
|
#12 | | Just Joined
Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Posts: 21
| Thank you for the good advice. I might be able to go to American Fencers' Supply, but I have to find a time when I can go and they are actually open. As for adjusting the tang and bending the sides, is it better to bend a larger mask so it's tighter, or a smaller mask so it's larger? | |
| | |
05-02-2003, 07:07 AM
|
#13 | | Fencing Expert
Join Date: May 2000 Location: The valley of the -hot- sun, NorCal
Posts: 3,184
| Quote: Originally posted by Sigurd
Thank you for the good advice. I might be able to go to American Fencers' Supply, but I have to find a time when I can go and they are actually open. As for adjusting the tang and bending the sides, is it better to bend a larger mask so it's tighter, or a smaller mask so it's larger? | I would choose the latter. I prefer to have a tight mask rather than a loose one. You don't want to loose your mask in the middle of a bout!
__________________ - Epee is the Louis Vuitton bag of fencing: only the best can get it, and the rest of the masses must content themselves with cheap knockoffs (sabre, foil)
- To not recognize the power of the French grip is to be in denial
| |
| | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes |  Linear Mode | 
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:07 AM. |
