Plastic (!) masks

[Purple Fencer]

Slim Grady told me about this one last night.. Go to http://www.zivkovic.com and check out the masks. Specifically, look at the very last masks on the listing.

Never mind the fact that anyone wearing one will look like a demented Power Ranger, I just can't see how they can possibly market this stuff. There are slots all over that a foil cold easily slip into, given enough pressure, and especially if there's a break.

The site doesn't say wat the pupose is...they could be designed for youngsters, going at it with Nerf swords to get 'em intersted, but really!


------------------
Sam Signorelli -- I'll be mellow when I'm
DEAD!

[edew]

They're for kids, for fun, playing with nerf weapons. Do a little research before making yourself look like a fool.

They've also been sold at previous Summer Nationals for however many years.

[DarkTransient]

Transparent masks aren't rediculous at all. At one point FIE was going to make it required at all international events. Both LeonPaul and AllStar have their own transparent masks. They are quite expansive at this time.
http://www.leonpaul.com/main/main.html
click on "vision 2000"

[This message has been edited by DarkTransient (edited 03-22-2001).]

[Eskrimador]

The plastic masks from Zivkovic are for a plastic foil set for kids or beginners. I believe they have a buzzer attached to the tips to approximate electric foil. In conversation with Mr. Zivkovic, I was told that Negrini licenses his clear masks. If you look on Negrini's site they also sell these plastic foils.

[Purple Fencer]

Originally posted by edew:
They're for kids, for fun, playing with nerf weapons. Do a little research before making yourself look like a fool.

They've also been sold at previous Summer Nationals for however many years.

That's the problem. I didn't see anything that specified the intended usage. Anyone really rookie into the sport -- or someone who stubmles on the site -- may see the $50 price and think it's a perfectly good mask to pretend with, when it clearly won't protect against a blow from an adult fooling around...it's obviously designed for kid strength, not adult.

As far as Summer Nats, since I haven't had a chance to go yet (until this coming year) I wouldn't have seen them.

Originally posted by DarkTransient:
Transparent masks aren't rediculous at all. At one point FIE was going to make it required at all international events. Both LeonPaul and AllStar have their own transparent masks. They are quite expansive at this time.
http://www.leonpaul.com/main/main.html
click on "vision 2000"

[This message has been edited by DarkTransient (edited 03-22-2001).]

There's a differance between the FIE masks they wanted to mandate at World Cups this season (and that I've seen in sectional and NAC competition) and one's designed for little kids with plastic weapons. "Little kid plastic" is vastly different than the high strength Lexan Allstar and the others were using.

I kinda remember the Negrini plastic masks now, but I last saw them two years ago, so I forgot about them. However, Negrini CLEARLY stated they were for little kids. Zivkovic did not state the same, and that's what concerned me.



------------------
Sam Signorelli -- I'll be mellow when I'm
DEAD!

[Amie]

Originally posted by Purple Fencer:
I kinda remember the Negrini plastic masks now, but I last saw them two years ago, so I forgot about them. However, Negrini CLEARLY stated they were for little kids. Zivkovic did not state the same, and that's what concerned me.

...yeah, but one good lawsuit will clear that right up.

amie

[space_cadet]

Those masks with the large vents are not for fencing with normal foils. There are these special plastic foils (with large diameter plastic blades) that are to be used with those masks. They are an inexpensive alternative to traditional masks and foils and are to be used by children.


------------------
Cadet à Space

[Dragoneye]

Edew, be nice! There is nothing obviously stating these are for specialized children's blades... it was an honest concern.

Anyhow, we used to have a fencer in our club who used a "moon mask" - he complained fiercely of it fogging up, even with the anti-fog spray. Anyone else had this experience? Do the fans help prevent this (and I don't mean those in the audience screaming your name ).


Cheers,

Dragoneye.

------------------
"Violent delights have violent ends." R&J - WS.

[edew]

Those masks are sold with the plastic foils with the electronic beeping tip. They're actually pretty good to start kids off with, as the blades are much lighter. When you hit with the tip (a rubber-covered tip), the whole weapon beeps.

One really should walk around the vendors and check things out.

[oiuyt]

Speaking of masks with the plastic faceshields, what's up with doing this on a sabre mask? Has the FIE approved it? I'd assume that the lexan isn't somehow treated to be electrically conductive.... Anyone know anything about this?

-B

------------------
"Oh but you can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you!"

[space_cadet]

I know that the lexan mask is non-conductive which means you don't score if you hit that part of the mask. I think that's one of the selling points that vendors make when advertising the features.
Ever since the rule change not to use clear face masks for the Olympics, I haven't heard a word about them.

------------------
Cadet à Space

[Gav]

I've came up against people using the new perspex mask. One in particular stands out. A little (annoying as hell) kid. His mum must have bought it for him. Anyway I spent the whole match hitting his mask with my epee. What can I say? I was actualy impressed. The mask didn't appear to be too badly scratched (drat!). However these masks ARE bulky and heavy so I don't like them.

A while ago you could also get "mini" sabre kits. These are pretty cool. They comprise a mask and a little plastic sabre. basicaly kids (even the big ones) csan bash away at eacj other with no fear of injury.

[Slim_Grady]

Hey Sam

Yeah, if I showed up to a SoCal tournie with that mask, how would you test it? How does it pass the weight test? You know, that and its just butt-ugly. I kinda think the little bit of plexiglass in front of the eyes is kinda cool, but those zivkovic masks show like the whole face! And i'm sorry, who wants a green or yellow or blue mask? Especially that ugly UGLY color, PURPLE! (teehee, Sam)I'm sorry, but if someone showed up to a tournament wearing that crap, i would NOT let them touch me. Of course, that'll be the Cliff Bayer Tour '99 and he'll show up with that mask and i'll look dumb.

gman
and people- don't let fencer's with purple socks touch you, either. (nuthin but love, sam. nuthin but love.)


------------------
Pain is only weakness leaving the body.