Should I get an Epee Starter set or spring for FIE stuff?

[devilsEPEE]

Ok I'm a senior in High School and most likely this will be my last year on a fencing team. I was wondering if I should by an Epee starter set from Leon Paul or spring for FIE stuff? I still plan to fence throughout my life especially while I'm in college. Its a possibility I will fence on a team again depending what college I go to. So I really don't know what to do any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[firebrand]

If you have got a friend who is a Dr of who becomes one he might say like my Dr friend "get the safest stuff". Also later if you want to compete it will be cheaper overall. Plenty say you should practice with what you will be using, to get the feel... Be careful that you don't wear out your collar or bib.Maybe just wear a practice jacket too. Even if you won't study there check out the university fencing clubs. Practice with their stuff and buy later. That's my plan

firebrand

[MyraTrue]

Thats an interesting question.

I guess I've got a few myself. Firstly, what all comes in the LP epee starters kits? I know, I could go look, but at midnight, its too much work. (edit: I'm assuming you mean starter kit of weapons, or FIE UNIFORM)

I guess if the difference is owning your own FIE uniform, or owning weapons and wires, I'd say this: If you go on to a university with a fencing club, or a club in the area you go to school, they SHOULD have weapons. While having your own weapons is nice, most clubs provide this as part of the fees for membership. On the other hand, they most likely have uniforms, but they're gonna be naaaaasty.

I mean, you've used beginner uniforms. They're usually still soggy from the last poor soul, and they're a marvelous shade of brown, and they stink. Borrowing weapons is a LOT easier than it is to borrow uniform. A well fitted, FIE uniform is a wonderful thing. Especially in epee, where you have broken blades to worry about. Its much more comfortable, too!

So after all that, IF I read your question right, I'd say go for the FIE uniform before the weapons.

And good luck finding a Uni with a team. Its terrible to find yourself in fenicng withdrawals.

Myra

[The0ne]

if you have enough money go for both!!! Or go for a regular uniform and a Bodycord, and a weapon. . .

[devilsEPEE]

TheONE that's basically what the Leon Paul strater kit it: an electric epee, a front zip, mask, glove, plastron, and a bag. It cost $372.54 and with shipping an such probably come out to around $420.

[firebrand]

You may consider PBT stuff which is inexpensive. I want to import direct. At a club you can find sizes or just measure yourself and get a PBT glove and Jacket, or whatever. A PBT glove can costs 10,90 euros and jackets 137,80, masks 80,60 and the epees between 53 and 89,40 euros. Check pbt.hu , or pbt in the USA.

You could wash the uni material yourself. At Sydney uni the stuff wasn't so bad. Old tho. Try to get the feel of a few grips and blades and buy and get used to one you like. One that you buy new.

firebrand

[prototoast]

Originally posted by devilsEPEE
TheONE that's basically what the Leon Paul strater kit it: an electric epee, a front zip, mask, glove, plastron, and a bag. It cost $372.54 and with shipping an such probably come out to around $420.

I'd probably suggest going with that over FIE stuff. I know a lot of people seem to like it, and it does offer some extra safety, but most fencers will never need it. Also, by the time you need it, you're spending a lot more money on air travel, hotels, entry fees and all that other stuff. I think the starter kit gets you more stuff that would be usable for you.

[MikeHarm]

Hm... speaking of new gear, I was thinking of getting a Unitard. Are there any good places to order from besides Triplette in the US?

[firebrand]

I think there was a competition in 1983 where someone's foil split down the middle in a lunge or something... Yes it is a safe sport but that is because we take care with mask quality... Even measuring newtons... Surely these events were taken into account by the FIE thus the present rules are as is.

firebrand

[The0ne]

its the risk you take. . . But its one of the safest sports in the world, even considering all the people without FIE stuff. I bet more people injure themselves slipping in Curling or something than in fencing. Go with the basic stuff!!! The starter set seems to have everything you NEED, and you can add on later, if you want.

[devilsEPEE]

firebrand that thought just scared the hell out of me, not cool dude not cool at all

[tiger fencer]

If you know you're going to be in the sport for the next few years and probably beyond, get FIE stuff now if you can afford it. Add weapons as you go through college. Club masks and gloves do get nasty. I got non-fie stuff and wish I had gotten FIE. My mask got a hole in it and I ended up getting an FIE mask anyway.

[firebrand]

My apologies for the uncool shock story. I heard it from a decades long experienced fencer and it was only one of two such he'd heard, world wide. Rare indeed!! I used to fence in a shirt and jumper. Just the rusty mask after that for protection. I don't remember even getting bruised. One boy else where because he was not in a jacket got a fatal neck cut. I will always use a jacket now that I am better advised.

Feel secure in your jacket... Decades of experience have gone into them!! Some are made of kevlar 5 times stronger than steel. About now the Australian made jackets will go on sale. Jeff Gray's design and materials. I am looking to buy one. I expect my Dr friend will too. That's another story.

firebrand

[fencinman89]

Wats a unitard, wat r they used for, does neone recommend them, and if so where can i get one, and for how much(in dollars please)
-Tre'