Dent

[laughingduelist]

I was fencing this morning and my friend did a powerful advance lunge into my mask at the same time I did an almost identical action (Stupid). I felt a lot of pain directly below my right eyebrow and suddenly could not see out of my right eye. I immediatly thought my friends blade had gone through my FIE grade mask and put out my eye. I took off the mask and realised that the blade had in fact only punched a dent into the mask about the width of the point and about half an inch deep, which had then slammed into my face, filling my eye with blood. I had no serious injury, just a nast cut over my eye. Has anyone else had something like this happen with an FIE mask?

[neevel]

Not in my personal experience, but I'd have to say that I think it's time you picked up a new mask-- a dent like the one you describe will be tough to hammer out without further weakening the mesh (which was already marginal from the sound of it). Out of curiousity, what make was the mask and how old was it?

-Dave

[pkt]

I agree with neevel.
My only experience with straightening a mask was after I dropped kicked it across the gym after my own Maitre screwed me by not calling my action which was done according to what he taught me!!!!

never done that again:
1. have to go to the other side of the gym to retrieve the mask;
2. have to straighten out the mask.

That was in the 70s.

Nowadays, I'll Black card ann dropping a mask...

PK

[laughingduelist]

Out of curiousity, what make was the mask and how old was it?

Triplette FIE mask. It was about a year+ old.

[neevel]

I'd steer towards a "name brand" FIE mask (Uhlmann/Allstar, Prieur, Leon Paul, etc.) as a replacement-- it's not just the label you're paying extra for. A few years ago at Summer Nationals one vendor was selling some "no-name" "FIE" sabre masks for which the FIE stamp was obviously fraudulent: they were failing the punch test brand new. If money's tight, you can order direct from overseas. Even with shipping and the sinking dollar, you'll still save.

-Dave

[DHCJr]

Originally posted by laughingduelist
Triplette FIE mask. It was about a year+ old.

When I read this, it bothered me. I didn't think Triplette had a certified mask of their own. I double-checked the FIE web site and check the Escrime magazine, issue 45 and Triplette is not one of the approved masks listed.

Are you sure it is not another manufacturer, that Triplette branded? Zivkovic was famous for that with their visor masks.

[neevel]

I believe it is Gajardoni that Triplette buys from (I've seen Gajardoni masks that are virtually identical to the bottom-rung Triplette masks). They do, however, claim that their 'FIE' mask is made in the US. What the catalog listings seem to imply for some of their other masks is that they purchase the bare mesh frames and then do the bibs (or 'enhancements' to the bib) themselves.
Thus they could make a claim that the mask is 'assembled' in the US (albeit using imported components). Such a "composite" mask should still have to be separately submitted to SEMI for testing and approval, though-- even though the mesh may have be previously validated, the bib and overall assembly would need to be checked out. Perhaps it is a complete mask and they just use the addition of the velcro-out liner as the basis for the Made in USA claim. Curious, though...

Laughingduelist-

Can you take a look at the FIE Homolgation marking on the mask? That should name the actual manufacturer of the mask, as opposed to the vendor (just like the FIE stamp on BF blades re-badged by Uhlmann, Allstar, or Triplette still says BF).

-Dave

[klauver]

When ordering "FIE" equipment it isn't truely FIE approved unless it says "FIE Homulgated," this means that a manufacturer has sent in the item for official testing, otherwise they can say that it meets FIE spec's that can be self tested.

[neevel]

The listing for the mask in Triplette's catalog does state "FIE Homologated".

[klauver]

laughingduelist, do you have the FIE Homologated 1600 Newton mask ($148)or one of the FIE rated masks?
The big reason I'm asking is that I was just about to upgrade to an FIE Homologated mask.
Thanks

[neevel]

The 'FIE' rating on those lower-end Triplette class is meaningless- if it does not meet the FIE Homologation requirements, then the FIE has nothing to do with it.

-Dave

[Hyperion1250]

I'm suddenly glad i decided against the triplette masks.... OTOH that was a violent action. I forget where it was (you're better off not reading it) but there was a post with a link to an articlue about a guy who has the blade PUNCH THROUGH his mask (Negrini FIE). As a general rule: Triplette's blades are great (BF blades), at least if you order the FIE blades. Their other equipment is good if you're starting out or not competing seriously. But otherwise, don't. Personally, I practice in a triplette uniform but compete in leon paul gear.

[MikeHarm]

Lol.. I've been using an FIE triplette Dynaflow mask for the last few years. Maybe I should upgrade to a different brand. :-) I don't want something like this happening to me.

How long on average are you supposed to keep masks before swapping em out? Are you supposed to just wait till they blow a punch test or have some obvious warning sign or are you supposed to replace after a set number of years to be on the safe side?

[laughingduelist]

but there was a post with a link to an articlue about a guy who has the blade PUNCH THROUGH his mask

I've seen this happen as well. A blade broke, punched through the guys mask, and sliced right along his left temple. I don't recall what sort of mask he was using though.

[Mergs]

but there was a post with a link to an articlue about a guy who has the blade PUNCH THROUGH his mask

Several years ago (I believe it was spring of 2000) the refered to accident happened at my old club. Two guys fencing epee came together and the blade punched through the mask, penetrated the fencers face below the left cheek and exited just below the left ear. To my understanding, the blade didn't break, but the full tip went through the mask. The mask was taken to Nationals that summer and presented to the armorers for examination. The area all around the hole PASSED the 12kg test. There was some discussion on this on this subject. I suggest you do a search for the thread.

[MyraTrue]

I hate to say it, but I've not had a lot of luck with the later models of Triplette masks. I loved the old ones our club had, but... yes, mine wasn't FIE, but I've had a friend with a similar problem with her "FIE" Triplette. Which is sad, because Triplette has some excellent customer service, and I was really a fan of their older masks.

After mine met an evil end (better it than a broken blade through me!) I went with an FIE Uhlmann, which I highly recommend, though warn that it gets awfully warm in there.

I am sorry to hear about the mask, but I am glad to say, live with bleeding is better than the alternative