Blade Patriot Jacket

I purchased a patriot set (on sale) a few months back as my 3rd set of whites. I've worn it maybe 20 times and washed it about 15 times.

The piping on this kit is red, white and blue... and is almost a 1/2 inch wide. Although very patriotic,  it's a bit much.  It makes the kit look  like something Evel Knievel might've worn as pajamas.

From day 1 the quality of the material and the stitching appeared suspect. Just looked a bit shoddy. After recently laundering the knickers for maybe the 16th time, I noticed some stitching is coming out.

Cheap to buy and you get what you pay for on this one.

If you're looking for something that stretches without compromising protection, this jacket works well for Foil. However, there is too much material in the sleeves, which results in extra points for the other guy in epee. The jacket holds up to it fine; the material is thick, and washes well, but frankly, I'd rather not give those points away. So, if you're a foilist that wants a decent jacket, go for it. If you're an epeeist, find something else.

I get so many positive comments on this jacket it's amazing. But it's not just style, it's comfort and protection.

The jacket has heavy cotton panels covering the high impact areas of your body and nylon stretch panels on the back. The sleeves are both made of the heavy nylon material.

The only complaint that I can find so that Craig won't complain is that the sleeves are a bit baggy and seem to be prime target area for my opponents epee's.