Leon Paul 006 350N Competition range full stretch Jacket
Versus
Leading European brand of 350N Jacket with stretch pannels

This is a comparison between two CEN 1 certified 350 Newton Jackets. Both the jackets are photographed brand new straight from the packet, clicking on the thumbnails will bring up a large annotated version of the pictures. There is no direct equal to the Competition range in the competitors clothing range as they don't produce a stretch 350N jacket so we have used the closest item. The comparison aims to highlight the fact that Leon Paul clothing is manufactured to the the highest possible standards. In our recent suvey fencers made it very clear that the most important aspects of fencing equipment are durability and comfort. Although the Leon Paul jacket featured in this comparison is slightly more expensive the extra effort that has gone into the design and production of the product means that not only is it likely to last much longer it will also be significantly more comfortable in use.


Colour comparison 006 on the left.
The collar has a large Velcro tab for a more secure fit
This jacket has a small Velcro tab meaning the collar is prone to lifting during use.
Features
The LP jacket has an integral blade catcher so that if smehow a blade got under the bib of a mask is caught between the fold of fabric before reaching the throat. All of the edges have a double layer of fabric meaning they are smooth and rounded. This jacket has no blade catcher and the edges of the garment are very thin which can lead to chafing.
Quality of materials
The inside of the jacket has a lining material and all of the edges are cleanly stitched and have no exposed stitching. This jacket has no lining, the edges are simply folded over and then stitched leaving exposed and untrimmed stitching which is prone to fraying and wear.
Quality of finish
Unbelivably this photo is of the INSIDE of the jacket showing the incredible attention to detail. All the stitching is silky smooth and there is no threads sticking out. The enclosed stitching means the jacket will last longer because there is no chance of the threads fraying, also it is much more comfortable in use as the inside is so smooth. The inside of this jacket looks like a dogs dinner! Straight out the packet there are threads sticking out all over the place. These threads will iritate the wearer and fray much more quickly as they are so exposed.
Cuff

 Tapered cuff with a triangular elastic insert fits closely to the arm making it much easier to put your glove on over your jacket. The sleeve of this jacket is not significantly tapered and the elastic insert is straight leading to a bunching where it meets the cloth of the jacket itself.
Design quality

 The finishing at the bottom of the zip is all covered and includes a small Velcro tab to hold the protective outer layer of material closed. The inside of the of this jacket again has unfinished seams and no Velcro tab.
Material

Double walled design produces smooth edges and greater protection from bruising. Single layer provide little protection from bruises and produces thin edges that can dig in and chaff.
Collar and Zip close up

 On the nside of the jacket we can see that the zip is kept away from the body by a smooth cotton tape. The seams are all well finished and the collar closes securely. There is no backing to the zip and the nylon edges are left to rub on the wearers skin. The small Velcro tab used to secure the collar is not very effective.
Product life
All the seams inside and out are finished with the utmost care meaning the jacket lasts longer. Stitching on the back of this jacket isn't even central!
The leon Paul full stretch fully lined jacket retails for £73.11 compared to £56.48 for the part stretch unlined competitors jacket. This is a difference of only £16.63 and as you can see from the photos above the extra money buys you a jacket that is superior in every respect.
(prices taken from the distributors UK website 30/04/04).

This direct comparison shows that Leon Paul products are made to a quality rather than a price. The Leon Paul product is designed to be the very best it can possibly be without compromise. By comparison the garment on the right has been designed to keep cost down. It would take less time to cut and far less time to stitch however it is not as well designed or manufactured. If you want the very best fencing equipment in the world you only have one option!