Questions

[brettsbignose]

What company would be good to order equipment and foils from. I am looking for a good items at a good price. I don't want all the extras, just enough to begin and stay going for a bit. Also, How long do foils last? I found a company call santelli(santelli.com) that was in the states. Does anyone know of this place, and how good the products are. I would like buy items that are in the US(not necessarily made in the US). I mean, I don't want to buy something from England or oversees.
Brett

[neevel]

Santelli is one of the longest established vendors in the U.S. They make good mid-range uniforms, but some of their entry-level items aren't as competitive anymore. Their masks are a bit dated in design (not much interior padding), and you need to be aware that their lowest priced masks have snap-out bibs that are not permitted in competition (they do not make this explicitly clear in their catalog).

Blue Gauntlet is one of more popular vendors for entry-level equipment. The Fencing Post offers a 20% discount for e-mail orders. You can find links to all of the US based vendors at the US Fencing Association website.

How long a foil lasts depends on the quality of the blade and how it is used. A foil that is used primarily in classes and lessons by somebody keeping good distance and not making excessively hard hits wil last much longer than one used by somebody fencing intense bouts who tends to hit really hard from close distance. FIE Homolgated (Maraging) blades can be expected to last much, much longer than inexpensive carbon steel blades. For carbon steel blades, some people will only get a few months out of a blade, others can get a couple years of frequent use. Foil blades are replaceable-- just buy a new blade and mount your old hilt parts on it.

-Dave

[Hyperion1250]

Triplette... 'nuff said

[Almightynoitall]

American Fencers (San Francisco) and Physical Chess (New Jersey) also have good gear at decent prices (especially on Ebay...) Just send them your size/handedness with your order and they'll usually take care of it at no extra...


Extra points for Physical Chess because of their customer service Dept. Whether I've screwed up the order, or they've sent me things meant for you crazy 'righties' (it's good to be sinister), they've been great at taking care of the problems last minute for me. Also, if you just ask, the ones in charge of Ebay sales will usually post anything you'd like up for auction (and at a nice discount from their sticker prices)

[adidas33k]

Our club usually orders from Triplette. Almost all of our weapons are TCA. Even when we want another brand for stuff like boxes and reels, they have a nice selection to choose from. Also their starter sets aren't bad, especially if you get the upgrades. They run about $150 or so.

[firebrand]

Hey guys, I have heard of cheap Hungarian and Russian equipment, is it any good and how do you get it?

I have no equipment and wish to return to sabre fencing yet not but for somepractice+ minor games. No electronics needed.

Any advice?

Firebrand.