PBT Fencing Foil Lame - Electric Jacket PBT, European made, fencing foil lames are world renown for their comfort, style and durability. They are designed and manufactured by fencers for fencers. They are worn by United States, European and World fencing Champions. Things to consider when purchasing a foil lame: We carry three grades of foil lames: INOX Foil Lame: This is the highest grade of foil lame that we carry. The lame is sewn with INOX stainless steel fibers. The INOX fibers resist oxidation the longest of any fibers on the market. This style also has the highest thread count of metallic fibers of any of our foil lames allowing it to hold up against repeated hits in the same spot the longest. This foil lame can be hand washed / soaked in cold water and woolite. The ammonia in the woolite helps to remove the salt and chemical residue left on the fibers by your perspiration. This will help to restore the conductivity of your foil lame. It is normal to wash this style of foil lame once every 6 months or before a large fencing tournament where it will be tested by an armorer. White INOX Foil Lame: This foil lame uses the same fibers as the INOX Foil Lame but has a lower thread count of INOX fibers. It will resist oxidation the same as the INOX Foil lame but because of the lower thread count it will not have the same durability with repeated hits to the same spot. Normal Foil Lame: This foil lame uses copper fibers. As a result it will oxidize much more quickly than the INOX foil lame. The oxidized areas will show up as green spots on the lame material. It cannot be washed or cleaned. This style of foil lame is meant for someone who fences electric foil infrequently or a child that may outgrow the lame before the foil lame looses its' conductivity. If you are in a humid environment or sweat a lot you will want one of the INOX foil lames. Each person's PH balance is different. A teammate could wear the PBT normal Foil Lame, designed for beginners, for several years without any problem in conductivity and if your PH is different it might last you only 3 months. People who have identified that their PH balance causes quick oxidation should always choose an INOX foil lame. All of our foil lames ship with a replacement patch, the patch will be made from the same material as the foil lame. The groin strap has a quick release snapping buckle rather than a d-ring