Tip for practice epee?

[rsj]

What is the proper tip for a practice epee blade?
I ordered an inexpensive blade, and it has some sort of plastic ball glued or melted onto the tip. It looks like a tiny faceted "disco ball".

The vendor was FENCING EQUIPMENT USA

RSJ

[engardemisami]

That's all you need for now. At some point (get it?), that 'ball' will fall off or deteriorate. Just get some tape and tape the ball back on the tip of the blade.

[Artisan]

Do consider that a blade with an electric tip will feel considerabley different than a dry one with a rubber tip because of the weight. Yes, the metal tip is only about 8 grams, but at 36" away it substantially affects the balance and feel. If you plan to go electric, pratice with what you will be using.

[rsj]

Is a hard bead/ball what should be on the blade or was I sold a bad product? I assumed practice epee's would have tips similar to foils.

RSJ

[oiuyt]

The red rubber tips are what is most commonly on dry weapons, whether epee or foil. They also give a very different feel to hitting. Personally if I wanted a dry weapon I'd use an electric blade and an electric tip and just not wire the blade or include a socket.

Dry blades are frequently VASTLY different (generally MUCH more flexible) than electric blades. Having a real point will also teach you the correct feel when you hit and give you a better sense of whether or not a touch would score with a real weapon. The dummy tips that are shaped like electric tips are a good step in that direction, but a real tip with pressure spring goes that a step better.

Or of course you could go all the way up to using a real weapon in which case there isn't any issue with transference. :)

Practice like you compete. Long-run it'll help.

-B :)