Cheese Grater Face

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

Anybody else having a problem with their sport fencing mask moving on their head? I get a decent shot to my face and then the screen is cleaning my pores, and skin, and blood, and bone... This is obviously not good. I like my face the way it is, despite other people's opinions, I am wondering if there are some better masks out there that don't move as easily. I currently use an XL, and I don't know who the maker is. Looking for suggestions, or skin grafts...

-Jeremiah (SA)

[John Farthing]

Those masks can be unforgiving! I learned early on what happens to your knuckles when you try to punch one!

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

Yeah, I figured that one out too, the patches in my knuckles are almost filled in now.

-Jeremiah (SA)

[Will Adamson]

The mask should be fairly snug, but remember that they're not designed for the kind of abuse that we put them through.

What are y'all using...baseball bats?

[Benjamin Smith]

Sounds like your mask is too large. I have a fairly large head, but I only use a Medium and I don't have a problem.

[Keith Culbertson]

Hi Jeremiah, try absolutefencinggear.com. I bought 6 masks for myself and the group here after seeing them first in action; they have more padding, fit snugly with the chin and are extra tough (so truly, stop punching the grills---try a palm...). they actually run a little small, but large is enough for you maybe...and they are only $55!

[Audra Grapes]

...or if its too big, perhaps try putting an arming cap underneath?

[Sal Bertucci]

I know that other people use hockey masks, etc. You might want to give those a try.

[Will Adamson]

Or you could duck next time!

I'm gonna pay for that comment at IG09.

[Lorraine Munoa]

Has anybody tried the helmets they make for kendo, but with added mesh, for the more enthusiastic freeplay?

[Jaron Bernstein]

Has anybody tried the helmets they make for kendo, but with added mesh, for the more enthusiastic freeplay?

We have used kali/escrima helmets to good effect. Aaron P. once used a hockey goalie mask. Regular hockey masks don't allow for safe thrusting to the face.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

I have since given up the golaie mask, Winkler put a piece of hard sheet plastic, with holes cut in it, over the face opening of that mask to try and give it more protection against thrusts...but it still kind of sucks.

I use a three-weapon mask mostly now, but those suck as well. I think Brian's helmet is the answer, provided it fits well, then we'll just have to wear the MMA gloves for striking it to avoid the "cheese Grater" effect on the knuckles and fingers.

Beware when getting those MMA fingerless gloves. They sell a commercial "UFC" pair that do not cover the lower set of knuckles, and force you to punch kind of wierd. When you select those gloves you want ones that cover the last knuckle, and do not have the piece of round plastic in the plam, to aid punching. You can easily remove that piece however if that's all you can find.

Right- later all-AP

[Ben Michels]

and do not have the piece of round plastic in the plam, to aid punching. You can easily remove that piece however if that's all you can find.

I had to do this with mine. It's a simple slice in the side of the material and then it can be pulled out. It isn't held down by anything.