Plastrons

[KevinOBrien]

Hi,

One of our lads came to training last night to try on the plastron he had ordered. It was way too small for him, not giving adequate protection in front (too short) and the straps were too short. There was mention that if it wasn't suitable for him it could go to me as I also ordered a plastron a while ago, albeit more recently. I'd like to wear mine on top of a gambeson so I put my jacket on underneath to simulate the former. Size wise it is fine but the waist strap was too short, with the buckle only barely making it to the first hole. My gambeson is thicker still and there is no way in hell it would fit. So I will stand by my previous plastron order and not take this one. We may hang onto it for a bit to see if someone thinner would like to buy it. Does Ole make generic sizes or would it be wiser to break out the tape measure and give him some measurements? In my case it should be easy enough just to put a longer (10-15 cm) waist strap on. As beautifully made as they are, I don't really want to have to pay 360 euros for something that doesn't fit and then needs subsequent repairing before I can use it. It would be nice to have some sort of form to fill out with measurements when making an order, rather than just saying "Yes, I want one".

Cheers,

Kevin.

[Ilkka Hartikainen]

Kev, just a note: These are made by Ola Lindén, a very dear friend of mine in Sweden, who works full-time as an engineer, and spends almost all of his free-time riding his lovely horse. He is not actually making a business out of creating these plastrons, and just the material costs are rather high in Sweden. There really are no guarantees on the schedule when he will be able to make more plastrons, so, if you like it, change the waist belt or have someone change it for you. Much more sensible choice, and this is not me speaking as a salesman, but as a friend.

There's unlikely to be forms and such to fill out, and Ola has expressed that he wouldn't wish to make each plastron for size, as that is much harder work. Strap length of course probably wouldn't be that much of an issue, it could be longer on each piece.

I understand Mikko's wish for a bigger one, but he is a giant!

- Ilkka

[KevinOBrien]

Hi again.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Ola at a seminar in Helsinki. And you're right, Mikko IS a giant!

Would it be too late to get in touch with Ola to request a longer waist strap (middle-age spread has begun! ) from the last batch of plastrons ordered? It's just that I'd like to have the choice of wearing the plastron over my gambeson or on top of a fencing jacket vastarannan kiiski that I am....

K.

[Ilkka Hartikainen]

Kevin,

it is possible to get a plastron with longer straps. Please let me know how long a strap you need, and also check if the other straps should be longer. Can you also contact Mikko, and tell him that Ola is willing to make a custom plastron for him, if he is interested. The cost will be higher for the bigger one, as Ola needs to do new stencils and it needs more leather.

I'll let you know when I know what measurements will be needed for the modifications, if Mikko wants a custom one.


Yours,
Ilkka

[KevinOBrien]

Sorry for the delay. I measured the both the shoulder and waist straps on the plastron.

The shoulder straps are 42.5 cm and the waist strap was 24 cm. Could I get an extra 10cm on the former and at least 15cm on the latter? Always better to initially have them too long. Cheers.

I'll contact Mikko to see if he wants to get a new plastron made.

K.

[KevinOBrien]

I was also looking to get a fencing jacket to complet my gear collection. What are the ones available at the salle like? Does it do up with velcro on the side or at the back? The only ok ones I could find on the net were either coach fencing jackets (and therefore black) or were white but with that stupid bit that covers the crotch making it look like a nappy.

[Joeli T.]

I'm sure some of the people with sport fencing background can give you a more precise answer, but while we are waiting for that:

The velcro is on the side in the ones available at SESH. The problem is, currently there seems to be only one jacket in stock. If my memory doesn't fail me, it's size 42. I'd say you are size 44. The diaper-looking part is some kind of new phenomenon. Some places still do sell "classic" models that don't have it. But yes, a grand majority of the jacket-looking jackets are black coach's jackets (which also implies better padding on arms, at least to me).

But there are some white ones around. For example:
http://tinyurl.com/ccsnhv
http://tinyurl.com/dzsx3t

Some schools just don't bother with the (sport fencing?) rule that only the master is allowed to wear black. Then again, some schools explicitly state that rule in their website. Sadly, with a significant part of our students at freeplay looking like mad max road warriors, you can kind of guess if a black fencing jacket as part of your freeplay kit is going to cause problems here. Events abroad might be a differen't case, though I doubt it. If I recall correctly, the instructors at Hammarborg recommend getting the kind of black coach's jacket which comes with partial leather covering.

Then again there are always other options:
http://shop.fencing.net/v/vspfiles/photo...W-M-2T.jpg

[Topi Mikkola]

(04-29-2009 01:06 AM)Joeli T. Wrote:  Some schools just don't bother with the (sport fencing?) rule that only the master is allowed to wear black. Then again, some schools explicitly state that rule in their website.

At least once upon a time it was explicitly stated that fencing jacket must be white at the salle; rest of the free play kit is not part of the uniform, so any color goes. Don't know if that has changed, but do check with Guy before ordering a black one.

At least http://www.triplette.com/ used to sell tunic-style jackets, no idea where we get them nowadays

Topi

[Kristian Ruokonen]

Hello,

Most of the new sport fencing jackets indeed have the "diaper" like look to it, and have had for atleast 20ish years ( Atleast my fathers jacket has and he sport fenced in the 80's ). Sport fencers arent bothered by it since you usually wear white sport fencing trousers over it. Also most of the sport fencing events have merchants over there to sell gear, and if you have a chance to go to one I'd recommend that you would, since you get to try and feel the jackets for sale in those, definetly beats ordering from internet imo. The velcro atleast in all the sport fencing jackets I have weared has been on the side.

Though if you want to order from internet, here is a link for a classic fencing jacket, the non diaper model:

https://sslsites.de/fechtsport-kinderman...a5b554ad87

The classic one being the saber jacket third from the top.

Also from my limited understanding the "master wears black rule" is older than sport fencing is. I was once told ( can't remember by whom ) that the reason teachers wear black is becouse it doesen't show blood, and a student that thinks he has wounded his master is putted into a not so receptive learning state ( Might lead to wrong conclusions of ones competence ). Then again I might be completely wrong so feel free to correct me .

Hope this helps a bit,

Kristian

[KevinOBrien]

Hi all,

Thanks for the info! Perhaps it might be an idea to split this thread to "fencing jackets" or "rules on salle attire" (mods?). It would also be good to get the official line from Guy on this, perhaps a sticky?

K.