Stinky Mask

[The Red Feather]

Lysol, Febreeze, and the dishwasher have lost the battle -- my mask is nasty, and it's also dinged, rusty, and the lining has been worn through by my beard and lame. So, I'm going to buy a new one -- but what kind? I currently have a non-FIE Uhlmann, which has been fine, although the fit is a little bit loose. I'm thinking of getting one of the Triplette masks with the removable (and washable!) lining, but I know that there are other mask with fully or partially removable linings. Does anyone have recommendations or caveats about removable-lining masks?

[Artisan]

I own said Triplette mask. It was the least expensive FIE mask I could find. $110. I wanted an FIE because I believe the stainless mesh will hold up longer, and like the idea of some kevlar between my jugular and the rest of the cruel world out there.

However, the one I received needed some attention shortly after I started using it. In two places where the padding is held onto the frame with stitching I had to re-do the stitching. I might have gotten a "monday mask." The threads were cut too short, so the knots came undone. On one side, where the bib is riveted to the the side mesh, the fabric is a bit crooked -no big deal. I can tilt my head to make it look straight when the flash bulbs go off.

The "removeable lining" is a great feature, but in this implementation sounds more wonderful than it really is. What you get is two pieces of cotton fabric that hold themselves in by velcro to the forehead and and inner bib area. The padding at the top of the head and the tongue is not similarly lined. The choice of lining materials is a fairly thin flannel, which doesn't hold much perspiration, so the padding of the bib gets soaked and eventually stained anyway. I might use their liners as a pattern to make a version that is terry cloth with a waterproof back layer - some day. Lastly the outer bib material is a canvas like material that seems to get dirty failry easily unlike some nylon or synthetic fabrics that don't seem to accept grime from blades or the bottom of your bag as easily.

Lastly, the version I got came only in white mesh. People have told me its intimidating when they can't see my face. Whatever. Now I'm wondering if not being able to see my face matters to my coach when I take lessons. He can't tell by my expression that I'm as dissappointed by my screw-ups as he is!

There is someone who makes a mask with fully removeable padding - can't remember who - but it was in the $180 range in the states.
While my observations of the Triplette mask may sound negative, I believe it to be a good value. With the money saved you can by a nice blade.

[wflaschka]

I can't be as helpful as Artisan... but Santelli store has more examples of masks with removable bibs.

Their 3-Weapon Mask has a "snap-in" bib. Sort of common in the 80's IIRC, but wouldn't recommend it for modern competition. I use one for giving lessons, with no complaints. It's light, and I there's no padding to impair my hearing. The snaps rust, but otherwise, you can remove it and wash it every day if you want.

Before that mask, I had santelli Foil-Epee Mask, "handsewn trim with sewn-in insulated bib." The sewn-in bib is safer than the snap-in bib. I used this for practice... it lasted long, it's dated 1983.

Random hint: When sewing in your bib, use dental floss as the thread.

I have few complaints about sewn-in bibs in general. If I was to have a complaint, it would be that they don't seem as safe as other masks. OTOH, I've never been hurt due to removable bibs.

[DJ Apostrophe]

To anyone thinking about buying a mask with a snap-in bib. You should know that they are NOT LEGAL for competition. You can only use it in practice / lessons. Do not buy one and expect to be able to use it in a competition.
-w

[JEC]

The Leon Paul mask has a detachable/washable "Contour-fit system" over a conventional attached 1600N bib that makes it legal. http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/Onl..._Range_79.html

[Sigurd]

On the note that masks with removable bibs are illegal for competition, is the Leon Paul Sabre-X mask also illegal? I would hope not since it is a FIE mask...and holds up to worldwide standards...

[DJ Apostrophe]

The LP mask is legal because the way it attaches does not have gaps inbetween the bib and the mesh of the mask. The snap-in bibs (which is why I specifically said 'snap-in', and not removeable) have gaps that a blade can go through, which is why they aren't legal. That can't happen with the LP mask, which is why its legal.
-w

[DangerMouse]

Allstar and Uhlmann both make masks with removable padding in them. The removable part is the forehead, sides, and chin space. The Leon Paul masks only have a removable forehead.

-DM

[DJ Apostrophe]

the new LP masks (the X-change system) you can swap out the whole bib... highly useful.
-w

[kini mini]

Originally posted by DangerMouse
Allstar and Uhlmann both make masks with removable padding in them. The removable part is the forehead, sides, and chin space.
-DM

The removable bit is one big piece of well-lined foam . I like mine, and it doesn't smell because I rinse it out pretty often.

[C.J.]

I wash my mask every other time I fenced. My mask does not smell at all. So I tend to think it is a very good solution.

[Tudor Saitoc]

i am almost sure, that not all people have time to clean their mask every other time they fence, like me...

i fence everyday, so its notreally possible for me to clean my ask every other day.

wanna buy me a cleaning lady?

[a517dogg]

my mask smells awful. i don't air it out every time after fencing, never mind wash it. it's pretty bad. but it means no one will ever want to borrow it.

[Windsor]

Yeah, besides, masks get to be a pretty personal item after awhile.