Triplette FIE Foil/Epee Mask

I bought the bib-lined mask from TCA about eight or nine months ago, and have been fencing in it since. I haven't had any problems with it since I've gotten it, save one or two gripes, but I'll get into that shortly.



The black mesh has withstood three or four local competitions, taking only two miniscule 'dents' in the front from some very poorly aimed lunges. Not a structural problem, as it passed any test. The mesh seems durable, as well as well built. The edges are covered in a rolled-over metal casing, keeping the tough edges at bay. A plastic 'cuff' runs along the centre of the mask, sewn in rather nicely by a tough thread. No problems outside.



The gripe I have is about the inner removable bib. It's a thin cotton material, still, and it doesn't take much to become soaked through, though I do have yet to see the yellow interior padding become stained underneath. That, and the bib is a bit big for the interior of the mask, and isn't fitted to the mask itself; small pet peeve, as it doesn't hamper movement or mask fit. Speaking of the interior padding, it's not what I would call plush, but it does have an edge over some of the PBT masks my fellow Salle members use. A yellow denim material lines the inside, covering foam padding. Once it's wet though, it stays that way, and takes awhile to dry.



As for the outer bib/collar, it too is made of a heavy denim material, which despite being white, has yet to stain or look dirty, which is kinda cool. Not only is it sewn into the mask itself, but is also riveted to the mesh in two places on either side, coming as a small comfort. No signs of bib itself tearing or gaining holes, and the threads look sound.



Overall, this is at least a good-quality mask, at a usually reasonable price. Great for foil/practice epeé/practice sabre, at least for a Rec. Fencer.

The one I received needed some attention shortly after I started using it. In two places where the padding is held onto the frame with stitching I had to re-do the stitching. I might have gotten a "monday mask." The threads were cut too short, so the knots came undone. On one side, where the bib is riveted to the the side mesh, the fabric is a bit crooked -no big deal. I can tilt my head to make it look straight when the flash bulbs go off.



The "removeable lining" is a great feature, but in this implementation sounds more wonderful than it really is. What you get is two pieces of cotton fabric that hold themselves in by velcro to the forehead and and inner bib area. The padding at the top of the head and the tongue is not similarly lined. The choice of lining materials is a thin cotton, which doesn't hold much perspiration, so the padding of the bib gets soaked and eventually stained anyway. I might use their liners as a pattern to make a version that is terry cloth with a waterproof back layer - some day. Lastly the outer bib material is a canvas like material that seems to get dirty failry easily unlike some nylon or synthetic fabrics that don't seem to accept grime from blades or the bottom of your bag as easily.



Lastly, the version I got came only in white mesh. People have told me its intimidating when they can't see my face. Whatever.