Fencing- what weapon is the most fun?

[Warik]

Saber and it's not even close. I started off with Foil and moved on to Saber as soon as I was allowed to, which was about 6 weeks later.

The target area is larger and there are no off target attacks in Saber, which greatly slow down Foil bouts. The action is much faster in Saber and lots more fun IMO. You can also attack by slashing as opposed to only thrusting.

As for Epee, I hate it. I cannot watch an Epee bout, even a 5-pointer. I doze off. If you go with Epee, work out your calves a lot because you will spend most of the bout hopping back and forth. Yes, it requires a lot more precision, patience, and expertise with point work, but it is just so damn boring.

Once you stop counterattacking and being attacked in preparation in Saber (which will definitely happen to you for a few weeks unless you have an awesome coach or are a natural born master swordsman), you will love it.

The only downside I see to Saber is that electric equipment costs more, but at least you don't need to bring a damn toolkit and 5 spare weapons to an tournament like this Epee dude in my club does.

Saber Saber Saber Saber Saber Saber Saber Saber

[benfranklin]

[ QUOTE ]
For those that don't get this thread:


Sabre:



Foil:




Epee:

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Sig Sauer P-226 in 9mm with 17 round magazine.

[Anacardo]

Warik -

I have an awesome counterattack. I daresay it's my best touch.
Stop counterattacking? You must be mad.

Man. This thread gets me fired up. OOT Cup? 45-touch three-weapon relays for all!

[Anacardo]

Oh, ALSO -

Warik brings up an excellent point in favor of a saber concentration - Saber equipment is expensive to start with, but v v v easy to maintain. An eight-year-old could construct a working electric saber from parts. There's no tip, no springs, no tiny screws, no careful weight adjustments. I find this joyous. On the other hand, as previously mentioned, the directing (refereeing) in saber tournaments is by far the worst of the three weapons on average. The actions are a bit complicated to make out to begin with to the untrained eye, and directeurs tend to come from foil, so their eye for timing isn't nearly what it should be. Prepare to get jobbed often.

[Anacardo]

[ QUOTE ]
As for Epee, I hate it. I cannot watch an Epee bout, even a 5-pointer. I doze off. If you go with Epee, work out your calves a lot because you will spend most of the bout hopping back and forth. Yes, it requires a lot more precision, patience, and expertise with point work, but it is just so damn boring.


[/ QUOTE ]

Low-level epee is like this. High-level epee is brilliantly athletic and a pleasure to watch.

[Blarg]

If you need more than a few, you're probably dead.

[Blarg]

I envy everyone who knows anything in this thread. I've always wanted to fence and think it's righteous. I'll probably wind up taking it up from my wheelchair when I'm 80 and too leathery to cut or puncture.

[Anacardo]

Blarg,

Wheelchair fencing is increasingly popular! Also, Veterans' Division events start at 40+. There's a world of options at your fingertips.

[TheMetetron]

I never even knew there was anything besides foil for the longest time. Crappy fencing club I used to go to.

[gamblore99]

After wariks post, I think Saber has taken the lead. I like the idea of slashing, and it seems that all fencers here think its the most fun.

As for height affecting which weapon I will be best with, I am 5'9. Should this influence my choice?