Fencing masks

[mronkain]

Hi everyone,
I finally found a store in Finland that sells fencing masks. What is your recommendation for stick sparring use:
http://steffenpeters.de/store/index.php?cPath=37
I have eyeglasses which I plan to use at least in the beginning (no full contact sparring) under the mask. Is this a bad idea? Should I get contact lenses right away?

Thanks for the input!

- Marko

[ryangruhn]

I don't see a real need to wear googles under the mask.  Your link is dead, what model are you talking about on the site?

Gruhn

[mronkain]

Eyeglasses, not goggles.... The need is that I don't see s**t withou them.

About the models, well, the question basically was, what model would you recommend? If I'm looking for one, all-around mask, would it have to be a sabre mask or something else? I have to admit that I don't know too much about fencing masks, the need is to provide enough protection for both light and hard contact.

- Marko

[ryangruhn]

Eyeglasses, not goggles.... The need is that I don't see s**t withou them.

About the models, well, the question basically was, what model would you recommend? If I'm looking for one, all-around mask, would it have to be a sabre mask or something else? I have to admit that I don't know too much about fencing masks, the need is to provide enough protection for both light and hard contact.

- Marko

My Bad,
  My father wears his when we fight.  The only problem is getting the mask on and off with the glasses on; they tend to move around but he seems to have a pretty good system down.  As for a model you might want to start off with a cheeper mask first to see if it is what you want before you go and spend a couple hundred on a really good fencing mask.  I have purchased a few off of ebay from http://www.alexandrsport.com/mask.htm and I love the masks.  For the price you can't beat the quality.

Gruhn

[Dog Pound]

mronkain

You might want to get prescription goggles.

As for a mask ... get a FIE (approved for international competitions) 3 weapon fencing mask http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/images/m1601.gif.  Is not cheap (about $150), but it is very strong.  I talked the local saber fencing club into giving me one (long term loan, whatever), but used club masks can be pretty funky.  I would rather wear a good mask than risk a head injury in a cheap mask that sets back my training.

There is a new standard for fencing masks coming.  The new masks will have a clear shield in front of the eyes.  http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_product_sheets/v2k.htm  I have doubts that this new mask will be strong enough for stick fighting.

[ryangruhn]

Corey,
  The masks I have are exact to the BG minus the name and the additional bucks, I found out they are made in the same factory.

Gruhn

[mronkain]

Thanks for the input. Luckily, I have a chance to check out the masks at local fencing club before buying. I also posted the question on a Finnish fencing forum, they recommended a 1600-series mask.  Most of them are FIE approved.

- Marko

[ryangruhn]

I also posted the question on a Finnish fencing forum, they recommended a 1600-series mask.  Most of them are FIE approved.

- Marko

The only thing you will notice is that on the fencing forum they are all about the extremly expensive masks.  I don't think this is a "must" for what we are doing.  I posted on a few of the fencing forums and told them what I was doing with the mask and they all made it sound like they treated their masks like gold.  When I said I was going to be hitting it with a stick they all said there was no way they would ever use their mask for such a thing.  In a way I totally agree with them, there is no reason to pay that kind of money for somthing that really isn't built that much better for what we are doing.

Gruhn

Gruhn

[Dog Pound]

Fencers masks are tested at each tournament by the armorer (who can be real assholes about safe equipment).  Even normal fencing strikes eventually weaken the mesh.  I am sure a couple of stick fights would make it unusable for competition.  Once a mask fails there is no way to repair it.  It is retired and used for practice only.

My best advice is go a local club get a used 3 weapon mask - FIE if possible because it is stronger and has more padding.

I just searched the Sacramento Craigslist "sporting goods" section with the term "fencing."  I found a $10 mask for sale.  Go to http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html find your city, run a search (or post a want ad) and see what comes up.

[mronkain]

Thanks, but like I said, I live in Finland and I'm looking for a local source. I'm planning on going to have a look at the masks and then decide. The price range starts from about 60 EUR, which is about 80 $ I quess.

- Marko

[Kostas]

An impressive piece, done by Yutthana Tokijkla  for Linda Matsumi. 

[Kostas]

More beautiful work, again by "Toki"

[Tom Stillman]

Kombat Instruments Ltd. (K.I.L.) is a company that specializes in stickfighting products. I bought two fencing mask's through K.I.L. and have been very happy with there performance at a price that would fit most peoples budget. The company is owned and operated by a long time dog brother and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for these types of products. Good Luck!
DogTom
Link:

http://www.bloodsport.com/

[grayson]

The Fencing Post is my favorite with great deals. www.thefencingpost.com

Here's a link to a great, affordable mask with removable liner to wash. http://stores.thefencingpost.com/-strse-622/MFLN23/Detail.bok

[Kostas]

Another impressive effort by Toki - this one is the "Raging Baboon". and belongs to Zen Guerilla

If you make it to the Euro next year, don't forget to bring it along!

[pappydog]

Guys
If anyone mentions the this thread I will give them 10% off a fencing mask

Nick
www.bloodsport.com

[The Tao]

I, (as I'm sure many others here can), can speak to the performance of both K.I.L. products; sticks, masks, gloves and otherwise, and also to Toki's skill at adorning the masks with "warpaint."

I am lucky enough to have these two individuals in my life, and I stand by either of them or their products completely!

Kostas, I'll be sure to bring it along! 

[AndrewBole]

if you are from the EU or UK, just use this site : http://www.swordpricefighters.com/sabre.html

I ordered 4 of them for 150 euros, plus some postage. Hard as hell, comfortable, compact, great for stick work and very,very cheap.

[Gong Fu Dog]

if you are from the EU or UK, just use this site : http://www.swordpricefighters.com/sabre.html

I ordered 4 of them for 150 euros, plus some postage. Hard as hell, comfortable, compact, great for stick work and very,very cheap.

Thanks for the Link my friend...we also ordered there: Nice masks, and really cheap 

[Karsk]

Windrose armory makes helms for armored fighting.   They just came out with a new helm for practicing with blunt steel swords.  This may be of interest:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150325182785453&set=a.10150164115705453.418808.287555465452

Link to their website: http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=wma

Karsk

PS I know that this is overkill for gatherings but perhaps there is a use in some aspect of training

[Kostas]

Windrose armory makes helms for armored fighting.   They just came out with a new helm for practicing with blunt steel swords.  This may be of interest:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150325182785453&set=a.10150164115705453.418808.287555465452

Link to their website: http://www.windrosearmoury.com/zc/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=wma

Karsk

PS I know that this is overkill for gatherings but perhaps there is a use in some aspect of training

Karsk..hope its OK by you, am posting the photo that you referred to a few weeks back...I must say, I've not seen anything like it...

[Kostas]

...Kostas, I'll be sure to bring it along! 

Any developments on you and the others making it over to the Euro Gathering this year ?

[Kostas]

Mask photos courtesy of, and posted on behalf of Gong Fu

[The Tao]

...Kostas, I'll be sure to bring it along! 

Any developments on you and the others making it over to the Euro Gathering this year ?

I'm getting back from Mexico and Africa during the next month and then am taking time off to ge to Europe. I know that Boo Dog and perhaps even Tennessee Dog had expressed interest in coming as well as some of the Dogs in Canada.