Ultimate Uniform

[RAF.]

I am in the process of purchasing an FIE rated kit. My preferences are that it 1) It fit snugly. 2)Be stretchy enough that I can move with as much freedom as possible. 3) That it be comfortable, that is it should have a hydophobic lining.
The mask should be as comfortable as possible, and the lame' should be light and strong. I have narrowed down my choices to Leon Paul, Allstar, and Duellist. Any suggestions/preferences?? Thanks!!

btw, I'm a foilist.

[ThaProfessor12]

I've never really used the leon paul or duelist uniforms but most of my stuff is allstar and most people probably would agree you cant go wrong with allstar or uhlmann.

[MyraTrue]

I agree- Allstar is pretty hard to top. I prefere Uhlmann, but most people sum up the difference between the two as "red or blue?" If you're willing to spend the extra, I'd suggest an Infinity lamee. I've fenced a time or two with an Infinity, and if I EVER buy a new lamee (being primarily an epeeist, this is unlikely) I'll be buying an Infinity. SOOOO much cooler, lighter. VERY nice.

[SJCFU#2]

Also Allstar uniforms tend to be cut a little bit trimmer than Uhlmann.

[RAF.]

Thanks for the feed back!! Sounds to me like Allstar it is!!(I prefer red anyway!!) This may be a dumb question, but where do I find an Infinity Lame'??

[MyraTrue]

Actually, that IS a good question. I tried to find the link to their site the other day, had an awful time.

Ok, I BELIEVE the link is as follows: www.infinityelectronics.com/products.html

And see, I always liked blue best, so I'm destined own Uhlmann. My old Allstar lamee bleeds on my jacket... I'd rather it was blue over red.

[RAF.]

I understand. If I were to bleed, it may as well be blue!!

[Inquartata]

You two stop bragging about being blue-bloods!

[neevel]

In addition to ordering direct from Infinity Electronics, Blue Gauntlet also carries the infinity lames. The one downside for Infinity lames is that the open-mesh fabric is prone to getting snagged and torn. From my experience, this seems to be a bit more of a problem with foil than sabre.

I've been using Soudet FIE uniforms, which meet all the requirements listed (fairly trim cut, all stretch fabric, and a knappy inside woven into the fabric to wick away sweat). Nobody carries Soudet in the US, but PBT has an FIE uniform which is made of a similar (if not the exact same) fabric.

I'd go with the Leon Paul Contour-Fit FIE mask- I'm very happy with mine.

-Dave

[Gav]

I've started to dislike Allstar Breeeches. The last couple of pairs I've owned hace been too tigh across the thigs - making it hard to move effectively. I'm switching to the top of the range LP's as I've heard nothingbut good things about them.

The contour fit LP mask is the best I've ever owned.

[D'Artagnan1673]

Originally posted by MyraTrue
Actually, that IS a good question. I tried to find the link to their site the other day, had an awful time.

Ok, I BELIEVE the link is as follows: www.infinityelectronics.com/products.html

And see, I always liked blue best, so I'm destined own Uhlmann. My old Allstar lamee bleeds on my jacket... I'd rather it was blue over red.

I too am forever doomed to love blue. Its really a shame because being a slimmer person, Allstar fits me better. The first nice mask I had was an Allstar and it fit perfectly. I had to try to sizes of an Uhlmann mask to find one that is acceptable. I still have to adjust my mask every few touches because it just doesn't fit quite right. However, I just love that color of blue.

[damianip]

I have to agree with Dave on the uniform choice:

I have a custom made FIE kit from Soudet. It is, without a doubt, the most comfortable uniform I've ever worn. It wicks moisture very well and is the least restrictive uniform I've ever had.

As far as the mask goes: Leon Paul Contour Fit FIE is the most comfortable, easy to fit mask I've ever had. It's a quantum leap above the others.

Paolo

[mifencer]

The ultimate uniform = unitard.

I just love sarcasm. Anyways, the Startex uniforms by Allstar or Uhlmann are the best. They stretch, very comfrotable and absorb hits. It cost a boat load, but what German thing doesn't?

[ThaProfessor12]

Originally posted by Gav
I've started to dislike Allstar Breeeches. The last couple of pairs I've owned hace been too tigh across the thigs - making it hard to move effectively. I'm switching to the top of the range LP's as I've heard nothingbut good things about them.

The uhlmann breeches are cut larger then the allstar ones and still have the same fabric and quality as them.

[RAF.]

Originally posted by Inquartata
You two stop bragging about being blue-bloods!

Funny!! Hey Myra, not only are we accused of being "blue bloods", but we've also got the same avatar!!

[Joe biebel]

Do not consider the Triplette FIE uniform. They have some serious design flaws in my opinion. I recently bought a Uniform from Sword Masters made by Estoc. It is really well made, well designed and, "you'll look marvelous." It is not made entirely of stretch fabric, but I have never had a more comfortable umiform.

The best part to me is the fact that I can remove it between rounds and it will dry, or at least be comfortable to put back on in a very short time.

I have had a number of masks from Prieur, Uhlmann, and Negrini, but easily the most comfortable and best fitting (adjustable) is the Leon Paul comfort fit that Neevel mentioned.

Joe B.

[Tomas N]

Hey Joe,

Could you expand on your critique of the Triplette uniform? I was actually seriously considering buying one since I've had one of their regular stretch uniforms for years and have been pretty happy with it.

Tomas

[RAF.]

[quote]Originally posted by Joe biebel
[b]Do not consider the Triplette FIE uniform. They have some serious design flaws in my opinion. I recently bought a Uniform from Sword Masters made by Estoc. It is really well made, well designed and, "you'll look marvelous."

Thanks for that info. Do you have any experience, or knowledge about Triplette's "lightweight stretch" foil lame', or just their "lightweight" one?? I've heard that they are pretty good, but I'm skeptical. (Hey, I'm a New Yorker, what do you expect??)

[Tomas N]

RAF,

I've had one of their lightweight ones for about 5 years. It's a very good lame. The surface is smooth, unlike many lames where the metallic thread is rough. I've never had problems with conductivity. It is easy to wash...it has a couple of darker spots on it now, but it still looks good after quite a bit of use.

Tomas

[Joe biebel]

There were 2 basic problems with the Triplette uniform. The first, was the material used. The coldness and clamminess of the uniform due to moisture (perspiration) was most annoying and it seems to take forever to dry out. Second, the patterns were off quite a bit. On the knickers, I had to take in the knee elastic a full 2.5" to close the gap over my socks. The jacket (bear in mind that I am 5'-6" tall, so a person of average height would have an even worse problem) was 2-3" short in height. The neck for my size 44 jacket was 18.5 inches in circumference. Very loose and comfortable but try to buy a lame that will fit over that neck. Fortunately for me, I own a business that makes mostly sewn products. I was able to enlist the help of one of my better sewers to make the needed corrections. I tried to save a couple of bucks (and didn't with the addition of the 4 hours of labor) and also I wanted a uniform for an FIE competition that was coming up quickly. I was afraid to try and buy one at the venue. It turned out there were some "killer" uniforms available at the "Veteran Worlds", but that's a pretty big risk to take.
Joe Biebel