Vniti FIE Questions

[Robur_Limax]

I've been looking @ fencing gear for a few days now and haven't gotten one step closer to figuring out what to buy. As a matter of fact I'm now thoroughly confused. I figured the blade I want is the Vniti FIE but the thing is when I asked what blade I should people assumed I wanted an electric. Now...

1) Does a practice foil mean no wiring or anything and w/ a plastic tip on it?
2) Is there a Vniti practice blade?
3) How much heavier is the Vniti?
4) I heard that the Vniti is thicker and can't fit in some guards?
5) Is it possible to buy a complete practice Vniti foil or would I have to buy everything seperately?
6) What's maraging?

Man, oh, man. You guys are all lifesavers. I'll tell you that much. Any other relevant advice would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks beforehand. Don't be surprised if I come back w/ even more questions.

--Jaime

[CvilleFencer]

[quote]Originally posted by Robur_Limax

1) Does a practice foil mean no wiring or anything and w/ a plastic tip on it?
Yes, but sometimes you do not even get the plastic tip! Also, most steam or practice foils cannot be wired. A bare electric blade can, but if you do not have an electric tip on it, you have to get a "dummy" tip so that you can attach the plastic cap.

2) Is there a Vniti practice blade?
Not that I am aware of

3) How much heavier is the Vniti?
About 15-20 grahms. Most likely you will not notice.

4) I heard that the Vniti is thicker and can't fit in some guards?I have never heard of a grip not fitting, but cheap bell guards will not always fit over the tang. The Uhlmann Ultralight guard and a lightweight grip like the Leon Paul plastic ones seem to help keep the weight forward and more than make up for any weight penalty for the Vniti

5) Is it possible to buy a complete practice Vniti foil or would I have to buy everything seperately?
Tp my knowledge Vniti makes blades, not complete weapons. All the ones I have seen that are complete are finished with after market parts. Do not by a great FIE blade like a Vniti and finish it out with cheap parts. You will most likely regret it.

6) What's maraging?
There are those on the board who can (and will at the drop of a hat) give you the exact specs and FIE testing criteria for a Maraging FIE blade, but the short version is that it is a better steel using more nickel and sometimes other alloys to give you a blade that will last longer under extreme use. A lot longer, like 4 or 5 times.

Having said all that if you have to ask what one is you probably do not need a Maraging or FIE blade. If you are fencing dry I would say save your money until you start doing tourneys and need to spring for a few really good electric blades. Club practice use (as a general rule) is not very hard on blades. If you really want or need a Maraging blade, I tend to think the Vniti is the best weapon for the money.

Hope all of that helps!