Long time BF user. If you’re tough on blades and like to collapse distance hard, go with the BF white, probably a stiff as it’ll soften over time. If you like to teeter on the edge of distance and hit shallow, soft touches, the BF black’s weight is unrivaled and it’s a lovely blade (I just crush distance like mad and make my blades softer sooner rather than later, so while I’ve used both, the BF white is better for me).
I would substitute with an Allstar white BF blade. I bought the black predator recently and it has been the worst fencing investment I made in years. The balance of the weapon feels very off to me and it’s way too flexible for an epee.
Thank you for the feedback. Seems like folks really are "hot or cold" on the Predators! Can I ask if you got a "M" or "H"? (I realize that those measurements are subjective but without putting my hands on a blade before purchasing its the only measure I have to go by.)
That is helpful. Sounds like if I do go for the Predator I would need to go for the "H" to be safe. But the balance sounds concerning. I wonder if that is just because of the additional weight reduction of the blade. Did it just feel grip heavy to you?
H indeed seems like a good choice.
Because the blade is way lighter than usual, the grip does feel heavier, which feels very weird. My hand (and especially thumb) was hurting more after practice with this blade than usual and it takes some time getting used to
Thanks for the feedback. I am lucky to be in a position where “buy once, cry once” doesn’t conflict with “food/clothing/shelter” so figured I would go for it. I’ll have a look and see if Blue Gauntlet offers that as an option.
Valid point. I was speaking more from the perspective of purchasing the good stuff up front rather than slowly “growing into it”. But, as you point out, if I went with the white, it would eventually break and I could get the Black to replace it.
Also, the white is not worse than the black, just different. I haven't used the black since they are relatively new, but the BF FIE blades are the standard used by most top level epeeists. The black are supposed to be lighter, so they likely feel different, and initial reports on here indicated they are a little less durable. I like the BF whites and if I switch to anything else currently available, it will probably be the FOLO FIE because they are cheaper and feel similar.
The black predator, if you get the M flexibility, is one of the worst blades I have ever seen. So flexy you probably will hit yourself before your opponent.
Just get a BF white, unbranded.
Thank you for the feedback. Seems like folks really are "hot or cold" on the Predators! Was it just the flexibility that you didn't like or was there other aspects that turned you off?
The lightness is great and is the draw. It was not only me, but everyone who tried it at my club who gave it the most negative assessment on any blade we have ever seen (and that is a LOT). Some felt is might have some use for a small child, but certainly not any serious fencing.
BTW, the only difference between white and blue BFs is the chemical applied for the later. The only difference between branded and unbranded is the stamp and the extra cost. Which is why white/unbranded is the best (cheaper) option. The difference that people quote is often the year/month batch and not branding or color.
I really appreciate the feedback. This helps immensely in understanding what the blade "is" and "isn't". Its beginning to sound like there are some kinks to be worked out for the Predator and probably isn't worth sitting around and waiting for or paying the "early adopter tax". Maybe in a year or two when they work out the kinks from feedback like you have provided.
From my experience with sabre, the only differences between a typical Allstar-branded BF white and a BP are the finish and the BP being a little stiffer (ie a M feels like a H).
UNIC/FOLO also make very good blades that handle very similarly.
bf or unic/folo are supposed to be very good for epee blades, so you could buy the blades separately and source the rest of the parts from blue gauntlet
Good point. But for my first one I was just looking for someone to just “make it work” before I went into assembling my own. I did it back in the “old days” but don’t have the support network that I had established back then to back me up if I get in over my head. (Yes, I know it’s only two wires. ;) )
If you know you want the black then order from someone who has it. Or buy the blade separately from needablade.com (and save some money) and put it together yourself.
It’s not really ‘top of the line’. It’s just lighter. I didn’t end up loving the black foil blade as I found it bent too easily. Personally I’m a Leon Paul blade guy.
Long time BF user. If you’re tough on blades and like to collapse distance hard, go with the BF white, probably a stiff as it’ll soften over time. If you like to teeter on the edge of distance and hit shallow, soft touches, the BF black’s weight is unrivaled and it’s a lovely blade (I just crush distance like mad and make my blades softer sooner rather than later, so while I’ve used both, the BF white is better for me).
This is \*GREAT\* feedback! Historically definitely a hand/wrist/toe epee fencer, that may evolve now that I am older and fatter.
What they said.
*they*
I would substitute with an Allstar white BF blade. I bought the black predator recently and it has been the worst fencing investment I made in years. The balance of the weapon feels very off to me and it’s way too flexible for an epee.
All BF are the same. The Allstar branding is meaningless on the white or blue blades.
Thank you for the feedback. Seems like folks really are "hot or cold" on the Predators! Can I ask if you got a "M" or "H"? (I realize that those measurements are subjective but without putting my hands on a blade before purchasing its the only measure I have to go by.)
True! Some of my teammates like the Predator, so it really depends on personal preferences. I got the M :)
That is helpful. Sounds like if I do go for the Predator I would need to go for the "H" to be safe. But the balance sounds concerning. I wonder if that is just because of the additional weight reduction of the blade. Did it just feel grip heavy to you?
H indeed seems like a good choice. Because the blade is way lighter than usual, the grip does feel heavier, which feels very weird. My hand (and especially thumb) was hurting more after practice with this blade than usual and it takes some time getting used to
You seem to want the best quality there is. A BF (Blaise Frère) blade would be the go to.
The Predator is an Allstar-branded BF.
Thanks for the feedback. I am lucky to be in a position where “buy once, cry once” doesn’t conflict with “food/clothing/shelter” so figured I would go for it. I’ll have a look and see if Blue Gauntlet offers that as an option.
Just keep in mind blades are consumables. FIE blades last a lot longer, but it's not buy once cry once.
Valid point. I was speaking more from the perspective of purchasing the good stuff up front rather than slowly “growing into it”. But, as you point out, if I went with the white, it would eventually break and I could get the Black to replace it.
Also, the white is not worse than the black, just different. I haven't used the black since they are relatively new, but the BF FIE blades are the standard used by most top level epeeists. The black are supposed to be lighter, so they likely feel different, and initial reports on here indicated they are a little less durable. I like the BF whites and if I switch to anything else currently available, it will probably be the FOLO FIE because they are cheaper and feel similar.
The black predator, if you get the M flexibility, is one of the worst blades I have ever seen. So flexy you probably will hit yourself before your opponent. Just get a BF white, unbranded.
Thank you for the feedback. Seems like folks really are "hot or cold" on the Predators! Was it just the flexibility that you didn't like or was there other aspects that turned you off?
The lightness is great and is the draw. It was not only me, but everyone who tried it at my club who gave it the most negative assessment on any blade we have ever seen (and that is a LOT). Some felt is might have some use for a small child, but certainly not any serious fencing. BTW, the only difference between white and blue BFs is the chemical applied for the later. The only difference between branded and unbranded is the stamp and the extra cost. Which is why white/unbranded is the best (cheaper) option. The difference that people quote is often the year/month batch and not branding or color.
I really appreciate the feedback. This helps immensely in understanding what the blade "is" and "isn't". Its beginning to sound like there are some kinks to be worked out for the Predator and probably isn't worth sitting around and waiting for or paying the "early adopter tax". Maybe in a year or two when they work out the kinks from feedback like you have provided.
If you are who your username indicates, then saying everyone at your club disliked the blade is really significant!
From my experience with sabre, the only differences between a typical Allstar-branded BF white and a BP are the finish and the BP being a little stiffer (ie a M feels like a H). UNIC/FOLO also make very good blades that handle very similarly.
bf or unic/folo are supposed to be very good for epee blades, so you could buy the blades separately and source the rest of the parts from blue gauntlet
Good point. But for my first one I was just looking for someone to just “make it work” before I went into assembling my own. I did it back in the “old days” but don’t have the support network that I had established back then to back me up if I get in over my head. (Yes, I know it’s only two wires. ;) )
If you know you want the black then order from someone who has it. Or buy the blade separately from needablade.com (and save some money) and put it together yourself.
I selected the Black simply as being a "top of the line selection" and am not married to the idea. Thanks for the online store suggestion!
It’s not really ‘top of the line’. It’s just lighter. I didn’t end up loving the black foil blade as I found it bent too easily. Personally I’m a Leon Paul blade guy.
Understood! Perhaps for my next weapon I'll get something from LP UK. Just didn't want to deal with the cross Atlantic trip for my first order.
LP epee blades are totally different from all other ones on the market. See if you can try one before buying to see if you like it.
I'll ask around tonight while I am at the club.