fencing equipment: questions

Hi guys,

I'm about to purchase some dry foil and sabre equipment (mainly because
electric is a little out of my price range and i'm not competing enough yet
to make it really worthwhile - club equipment for now) and I had a few
questions.

1. Is there much difference between a leather and rubber grip? Personal
preference only? Or does it really make a difference?

2. Is there a substantial difference in quality between the Uhlmann Standard
and Ultra sabres?

3. Again, is there a big difference between the Paul Etoile and Paul France
practice foils?

I will be using them a lot as I already have been wearing the club equipment
a bit thin. I plan to purchase electric a bit later one bit at a time, but I
anticipate i'll always be getting a lot of use out of the dry stuff just
because its quick and convinient.

Thanks guys!

Will Marshall