Negrini and Leon Paul for pommeling

[Duelist]

I have been reading over the forum here for threads regarding pommeling and I have made the following observation: About half of the people reccomend the Shermasport grip from Negrini, because of the bendability (hence increased leverage) and increased strength. However many suggest the reaction epee from Leon Paul due to the reduced weight. Judging from both these schools of thought wouldn't the logical course of action be to buy a reaction epee from Leon Paul but replace the grip with the one from Negrini, as it would create a very light weapon (even more so than the Paul because of the added pommel and leverage) and have increased strength? Would their be any compatibility issues with this?

[damianip]

That's basically the weapon I used to use until the tendonitis forced me to switch from the Negrini grip to an Allstar.

The Leon Paul blades are quite light, but I have found them to be a bit tip heavy. It's something that one adjusts to and accepts or doesn't and then switches to another blade. Remember, the Negrini grips and pommels are pretty heavy.

The bad rap I've heard about the LP grips is that they are too thick. Not having used one, I can't confirm.

When I switched back to a French after using a Russian for about a year, I manufactured my own "transition grip" made of electrical conduit. I bent a dog leg into it, molded it to my hand with a thin layer of plumber's epoxy and then taped it.

As I regained hand strength, I switched to the Negrini. When I pick up that home-made grip now, I can't believe how fat it feels in my hand. I don't know that I would like a "tennis grip" on my épée, but I wouldn't mind trying a reaction épée sometime.

When I checked with Santelli last year, they still weren't carrying them. It's a bit more time and money than I would like to spend to order it from LP without trying one.

Buying the Reaction épée and then swapping out the grip for a SchermaSport will result in what may be the most expensive épée ever.

You're better off just ordering the parts from AFS without the LP grip. I believe they have all the other parts.

Paolo

[Gav]

With regard to the Reaction Epee:

I found it bulky - there was no finger play. I know of at least one very good Epeeist that uses it.

You cannot use standard french blades with it - only thos cut for ortho's. LP supply you with a tool to attach the grip to the blade.

I've always wanted to try the Negrini grip but I can't just the cost in my head.

[angriff]

Originally posted by damianip
When I switched back to a French after using a Russian for about a year, I manufactured my own "transition grip" made of electrical conduit. I bent a dog leg into it, molded it to my hand with a thin layer of plumber's epoxy and then taped it.

Hi damianip,

That sounds very interesting... "bending a dog leg"? Can you please explain it, or better yet, include a picture of it? Thanks a lot

[damianip]

Originally posted by angriff
Hi damianip,

That sounds very interesting... "bending a dog leg"? Can you please explain it, or better yet, include a picture of it? Thanks a lot

I'll try to dig out the grips this weekend. They're in a box somewhere. If I can find them, I'll post some pics.

Paolo

[Duelist]

Thanks for the info Damianip, you have been very helpfull to this project of mine.

[oiuyt]

LP was in Austin for Sum. Nat. this past July. Not really selling much, more a demo booth (actually exactly what they need given that most Americans haven't been able to see most of the LP product line). Hopefully they found it worthwhile and will return for Charlotte (Barry- care to comment?). If so, and you're going, make sure to check out their full line of equipment. Tends to be a bit pricey, but they definately do have a lot of interesting ideas and cool stuff.

-B :)

[veeco]

Brad, Is it the whisky talking? ;-)

[oiuyt]

No, but that certainly wouldn't hurt. I rarely like whisky or whiskey, but the stuff they brought over was REALLY smooth. I just like the fact that they are being innovative and trying different things, most of which, even if I don't choose to use them, look useful. They clearly have a bunch of people who really know the sport working to figure out ways to design better equipment and I appreciate that.

-B :)

[Barry Paul]

Despite being reassuringly expensive we hope to be in Charlotte next year. With some new products.

Barry Paul. M.D. Leon Paul.

[damianip]

Originally posted by Barry Paul
Despite being reassuringly expensive we hope to be in Charlotte next year. With some new products.

Barry Paul. M.D. Leon Paul.

Barry,

Is there any chance that US suppliers will begin to carry the Reaction epee? I really would like to try one.

Paolo