Decent fencing mask?

[Oramac]

Just looking around for a relatively inexpensive fencing mask in black, and came upon this one.  Anyone have thoughts on it?  Seems good, but I'm not that experienced in this area.

Thanks!

[Master Bluespike74]

Shoot Master Nero or Nonymous a PM and ask them to check it out.  Both use fencing masks on a regular basis.

Blue

[Darth Nonymous]

We use Absolute masks. I like them. They are inexpensive and very tough. The three weapon masks have taken abuse with the training longswords, so they will stand up. I cannot speak to this mask. But i wouldn't pay under 45 without being really skeptical.

[Master Nero Attoru]

We use Absolute masks. I like them. They are inexpensive and very tough. The three weapon masks have taken abuse with the training longswords, so they will stand up. I cannot speak to this mask. But i wouldn't pay under 45 without being really skeptical.

Agreed.  Absolute offers a good variety of equipment at pretty reasonable prices, it's actually where we go for our school equipment.  Also, the shipping price for that one you found is rather large, for that cost you could get a better quality mask shipped here in the US... for instance one of these options:

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/28/cPath/1

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/612/cPath/23

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/751/cPath/23

The first is a basic epee mask, probably one of the cheapest you'll find.  The second is a padded three-weapon mask which will offer you a bit more protection (as it's used for coaches giving lessons), but is of course a bit more expensive.  The third is more of a basic coach's mask, which is essentially an epee mask in black (which was what you were looking for I believe).

There are a number of options on the site, if you care to look around you might find something else you want.  Let me know if you have any further questions!

[Master VorNach]

A 3 weapon coaching mask or a 3 weapon mask with one of these:
http://www.afinternationalsporting.com/product_info.php/products_id/172/cPath/8
is probably going to be your best bet. Not the cheapest but good protection is worth the cost.

[Oramac]

Great info!  Thanks everyone.  I'd been googling masks for a week or so and never came across Absolute for some reason.   I do like the idea of something American made as well if possible, so those are a big plus too!  Definitely looking for it in black, so I'll just have to tell people I'm not a coach.  lol. 

[Regulus]

to relay my fellow fencer VorNach, the" International " gears are really awesome and long lasting!!
I own a padded jacket which is excellent for sidesword full speed ( with forged swords), and their mask with the paddings on shoulders and behind the head are perfect for sparring with no risks at all.

To full speed sparring, get both and you're good to go!
For drills and daily practice, the mask will be enough.
Remember: NEVER FENCE WITHOUT PROTECTIVE GEARS!!! EVER!
Only during choreographies and practicing them , you can avoid a protective equipment, but go slow, repeat your moves tons of times( way to perfection!) and THEN ONLY accelerate to end up to a full speed fight that will be 100% safe sice your muscle memory will know every moves by heart^^


NB: for the gloves, since even a plastic saber WILL break fingers if hit hard, you can use Lacrosse gloves or Hockey gloves, cheap and light but protective for your hands and fingers.

Hope it helped you ^^