sabre equipment question

[Amie]

i'm looking to buy a competition sabre setup - anyone have any suggestions on what i should buy, and from whom? i've been looking at the AFS competition starter set: 1 negrini FIE mask w/cord, 1 manchette, 2 hungarian blades, 2 prieur 2-prong cords, 1 sabre jacket. about $440.

they seem a little pricey, but i've had good luck with their equipment. can anyone weigh in about either PBT or Triplette?

thanks,
amie

[Link14]

Haven't dealt much with AFS so I don't know much about them. Here are my thoughts:

Mask: Buddy of mine bought a Negrini FIE a couple of years ago and it was awesome.

Manchette and Blades: Make sure that they meet the new requirements (i.e. wrist length for manchette, Y2000 blades

cords: from what I've seen, the 2-prong is the most popular, I'd recommend them if that's what the majority of the saberist in your area use. (makes it easier to borrow)

Jacket: Haven't bought one in years. Several of our newer sabrest have bought the Trippelete super-duty lame and really have liked it.

Good Luck!

Link

[Moniteur]

Hi, I've got PBT sabre gear. I bought the FIE mask, the Inox lame and overglove, and the PBT sabres.. My opinion in this: The PBT equipment is by far the BEST I've ever seen. The mask has extremely strong mesh, is well constructed, Inox (washable), fits well, and is extremely comfortable. The lame is extremely well made, cut nicely, fits great, and the thread weave and density makes my Uhlmann lame look like a bargain basement chinese piece of junk. The PBT sabres have the Lammet S2000 Y-section blades, which appear to be finished by Parkerization. They are nice and stiff, but also handle, balance and heft more like the non S2000 blades than the BF or Blade blades... They blades are also VERY resistant to nicking or chipping. I've been using one of the blades for 3 months, and have no nicking or chipping concerns, and can still run my finger down the blade and not pick up burrs, Unlike the BF blades which I've found to be extremely brittle and very badly nicked within a couple of hours of use. The guard is nice, well chosen for the blade, the PBT 2 prong connectors are Uhlmann quality, and the sabre grips are extremely comfortable. Its less expensive than Uhlmann, unless you buy through the fencing post, and then only if you get the email discont. PBT's customer service is outstanding as well. I've decided that I'm not buying from anyone but PBT in the future; they've simply treated me too well to spend my money anywhere else.
If you try it, you'll love it.

chris

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Chris Holzman
Moniteur D' Escrime