Headgear & Gloves

[Islanddogg]

After yesterday's gathering, I'm thinking of retiring my 1970's fencing mask, as I'm getting tired of having to wear a wrestling headgear underneath it in order to keep it from cutting up my ears, as well as having it fall off in the middle of exchanges.

Where do I get the type of headgear that most of the guys are wearing these days? How much do they cost?

Also, I need some glove recommendations. I have been alternating between light street hockey gloves and thin bicycle gloves. The hockey gloves seem to give too much protection and don't allow for enough dexterity. Using the bike gloves, on the other hand, sometimes results in my fingers getting mangled which prevents me from using my computer keyboard for a week or two afterwards.

Any recommendations for an 'in between" glove.

[ryangruhn]

Island Dog,
   First off great fights Sunday, it was a pleasure to meet you and see you fight!  I would start off by searching eBay for a ?3-Weapon fencing mask? which is where I got mine, I think I got two for $100.  They run a little big so I suggest going a size smaller than you would normally get (I learned the hard way).  As for the gloves, I saw Nick had some new toys that played off of the Mylec style but I like my ?Youth? Franklin Street Hockey gloves from Dick?s Sporting goods.  If you have smaller hands you can stretch them out but if your hands are larger you might need the adult version.  The only real difference is that the Adult cover the wrist a little more.  Hope This Helps!

Gruhn

[Poidog]

Island Dog,

First off, great seeing you in action, you truly are an inspiration.  For an in between glove, I like football lineman's gloves.  I've been using various brands for about 4 years now and I think they'd fit the specs you're looking for almost perfectly.  Check out this website for an example.  I was using a pair of Nike lineman's gloves at the Gathering.

Aloha, Kalani

[Dog Pound]

Islanddogg

Go to http://store.blue-gauntlet.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?cart_id=353233.1915&product=G_MASK.  Mask strength is rated in "NW"s - the higher the number the stronger the mesh.  I recomend a FIE (approved for international competitions) "3 weapon" fencing mask.    It is not cheap (about $100), but it is very strong and comfortable.

There is a new standard for fencing masks. The new masks have a clear shield in front of the eyes ( http://www.leonpaul.com/shop/new_product_sheets/v2k.htm ).  I do not know if this new mask is strong enough for stick fighting. BUT the price of the out-dated masks should drop.

If you want to save a little money (and don't mind used equipment) talk to the local saber fencing club or go to Craigslist http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html find your city, run a search (or post a want ad) and see what comes up.