Grip differences

[daeceg]

Okay...I've been fencing with a French grip for about a year now, and am looking at trying out a new grip.

I went to see some of the armourers at Summer Nats, and was kinda overwhelmed by everything out there.

Are there any recommendations y'all can make?

How do I select a pistol grip that is the right size?

I tried a German Visconti grip I liked...how do they compare to the Italian Viscounti? How do those compare to Russian or Belgian grips? Do some have certain advantages, or is it all a matter of personal preference?

[MyraTrue]

Daeceg,

I think you've just asked the question that has infinite answers. I think the thing that makes this the unanswearble question is that we all fight over which is really the best.

I think I know which two grips you mean- my club either calls them just straigh up "German" or "Visconti," but the German IS a form of Vosconti and... oh well. The difference as far as I know is that a German Visconti is an Italian Visconti that has been almost cut in half down the axis of the grip (kinda like cutting a person down the sides so you have two- still the same number of arms etc, just... skinnier). Its consequently thinner through the hand. My preference is a German Visconti, but an Italian Visconti is in close second.

Like just about everyone, I started with a French grip, and I still don't like them! The first grip I was given when I started to fence electric was a Belgian. (My problem with Belgians is that they're a little more square where they rest in your palm, and they have an extra "prong" between your fingers that tears my hand up. Others swear they are more comfortable, give more power, better control, etc.) I'm not very familiar with Russian grips.

As far as I am concerned, its totally a matter of preference. There are some things that people find work better with some grips- I've been told its easier to flick with a Belgian, and that its hard to parry Prime with a German Visconti because of the long tang. As to sizes, its a matter of what feels comfortable in your hand. Grips are made in a whole variety of sizes- its easiest to either visit a dealer, or find someone who has something you like, and find out what it is.

Anyway, after all that...

I hope something in there helps you out.

-Myra

[DangerMouse]

While grips really are a matter of preference, one thing to watch out for is that different manufacturers grips will feel different even if they are the same type of grip. For example, I use uhlmann made italian style visconti grips, which are slightly longer and are more rounded than the italian made viscontis.

[The0ne]

Just get an Italian Visconti, it will save you all the trouble of deciding which grip is better for you, because it is the best grip!!
But really, just try each grip just in your hand, and the one that feels the nicest is the one you want

[daeceg]

That is one thing I've noticed...every fencer has their favorite grip, and each one is quite vocal about it!

I like the TCA French grip I'm using right now...thicker than most, leather wrapped over wood. It fits my large hand somewhat better (less fatigue in the hand at the end of a 4 hour session). But I noticed at summer nationals that about 90 to 95 % of the foilist were using some sort of pistol grip.

Is the strength and grip really that much better? I've only lost my foil three or four times in bouts over the course of a year...considering that's usually a pretty quick halt, I don't find it a major concern. What are other advantages to pistol grips?

[The0ne]

faster, stronger and BIGGER parries. A lot of fencers, especially me, who use a pistol grip, have parries that are too big, but with a pistol grip, a large circle-six is pretty easy to do quickly. Plus with a pistol grip you can flick

[daeceg]

One aspect of the game I like is that with a French, the game is tighter...more controlled...

I understand that a power game is probably going to win...but I gotta say that the more controlled game is prettier.

[JFencer]

I recently purchased an complete electric foil from Blade Fencing. The pistol grip felt fine at first but after using it for about 4 hours I realized it made my hand hurt, especially inbetween my thumb and finger.

With this pistol grip I cannot put my thumb directly on top of the handle, so its off to the side slightly because there is a horn coming out of the grip. Obviously this grip is to big then correct?

It fit perfectly when I tried it without my glove on.. ugh mistake.

So I'm not crazy, its really just to big?

J

[kbo518]

It really is preference of the fencer. Also, always try out a grip while wearing your glove to make sure it fits for you. On what grip is the best, I just keep ordering a different one every time I buy a new weapon. Try 'em all then pick

[Peregrine]

No Visconti grip has ever felt right in my hand. I've used a Belgian for years and my only complaint was it made my pinky cramp. I was going to chop off the last part, but bought an electric Spanish Offset instead. I like it alot.
I do, however, have the advantage of being within driving distance of American Fencer Supply in San Fran. You can go up stairs and try out all the grips they have, even the illegal ones.

[daeceg]

Hmm...now is there some fencing supply store in Texas that I'm unaware of?

I loved being able to try some stuff out at nationals...but the handles don't feel right without the weight of the blade and the guard...

[MyraTrue]

My suggestion is that if you fence with a club or around a similar group, start "borrowing" weapons to feel what the grips are like. I ended up holding someone's spare and discovered the grip that I like because of it.

Its the best I can think of if you dont have a store nearby.

Myra

[R. Exnicios]

Originally posted by The0ne
faster, stronger and BIGGER parries. A lot of fencers, especially me, who use a pistol grip, have parries that are too big, but with a pistol grip, a large circle-six is pretty easy to do quickly. Plus with a pistol grip you can flick

I always start my fencers with a pistol grip. I see so many people using a French grip wrong. It defeats the purpose of the French grip if you hold it too tight or closed. So unless you have very strong hands and finger control switch to a pistol. Foil is so fast and the attacks can be so strong that you need the pistol grip to be competitive.

Now all that being said, I've been using a French grip for 18+ years and I can do everything with it that people do with a pistol. & Yes I can flick very well with it. (then again I'm not burning up the national points list either)

Find a grip you like and be sure to find out the style, size and who makes it. Different companies grips feel different.

Good Luck.

Cheers

[daeceg]

The problem I have is that the members of my class mainly use the school equipment. Mainly lower-end Triplette stuff. Blades have come from a host of different forges....but all the grips are basic Triplette plastic French...

Actually, all the people in our class who *do* own equipment have French grips of different makes, except for one guy who has some sort of pistol grip. I *think* its a German visconti...he's not sure what type it is, either...<sigh> And his hand is a lot smaller than mine.

Ah, well...I'll just have to come up with an excuse to visit San Antonio some time.

[Veloxn]

I bought a russian grip for my practice blade. The first thing I wanted to do was hold my index finger over the grip, causing the thumb and index to meet on top. Just a bad habit that was broken quickly. For me, the russian grip requires more use of the thumb, index and middle finger. Ring and pinky are loosely there for support of motion. It's more comfortable than a french grip and I took to it easier than the pistol grip for class.

Why russian? I suppose I'm a russian fanatic. Maybe it was the "least common" factor. Just to be different?

I'm a left-handed epeeist. Borrowing grips is a little more difficult for me in my club. Lefties just aren't as common here and grabbing a righties blade... doesn't work.

I look at it this way: It's a practice blade, they unscrew easier than electric parts and connections. And if cash isn't such a big deal, Grips don't cost THAT much. Pick 2 or 3 that you think you might like. Swap out for what feels right; give each grip some time while your hand strengthens to the difference of hold. If you decide not to use one, donate to your club's stash, trade out with other fencers or keep it as a spare. THEN invest for electric in the grip you like.

But that's just my take on it this second. Hello, btw.

[daeceg]

Good ideas there, V.

Welcome to the board, BTW.

Now, the problem I have with trying multiple grips out like that is that there is another. A Power That Be. 8-)

I'm not the hard sell, it's the wife. She has been incredibly supportive of all my hobbies, so I feel guilty pressing things on her like that.