Sabre Mask (Item #50)

The Santelli Sabre Mask (Mask #50) is an excellent mask for non-electric fencing. It is light, airy, and fits well, though you want to be sure to give Santelli the head measurements they require (a friend of mine guessed based on previous mask purchases and received a mask that was too large). Two features make this mask desirable over the more common three-weapon mask or foil/epee mask. First, it has a large strip of leather that covers the top of the head and both cheeks past the ear rather than a thin strip of plastic, cloth, or leather available on the top/front of most masks. This pad not only saves wear on the metal and plastic strip from repeated cuts to the head, but also dampens the ringing sound one usually experiences on masks without such protection. Second, the Santelli Sabre mask has a detachable bib, one that snaps on or off easily. As the cloth sections of the mask are a heavy canvas, and therefore prone to soak up sweat, this is a nice feature (especially if you live in a warm climate!) When the bib wears out a replacement may be purchased for around twenty dollars (US). At slightly under ninety dollars it is a good deal for such a solid mask. The only flaw is that the canvas that covers the metal on the back of the mask is somewhat thin--were they to make it twice as thick it would no doubt make that section of canvas last a little longer. Whether you make this your usual mask (as I do) or just one you practice with between meets you will appreciate the extra padding and ventilation.