The Executive Committee of the FIE has mandated the use of wireless fencing devices from the table of 32 onward for any Grand Prix events in foil and is encouraging the use in epee.
Additionally, in an effort to push the use of the Lexan, or "visor", masks, the FIE is paying the expenses of the national federation for the rental and use of the wireless devices IF their fencers all use the lexan masks.
The FIE conducted tests of the wireless system at these Junior World Cup events:
- Kiev, women’s epee, September 2006,
- Bratislava, women’s epee and foil, October 2006
- Laupheim, men’s epee, November 2006
- Burgsteinfurt, men’s foil, December 2006.
The FIE has awarded exclusive contract for the wireless fencing devices to the company StM and their technicians must be present to run the Grand Prix events for the federations.
This is the latest move by the FIE Executive Committee to move away from using standard fencing reels and traditional mesh masks in the hopes that the more "TV Friendly" wireless and Lexan masks will lead to more exposure for fencing.
Editorial Comment: I wonder why the FIE continues to insist upon "no over air transmissions" when a good Bluetooth system could be created with security keys that would (1) not be proprietary and (2) lend itself to use of existing commercial components. If the FIE really wants to push ahead technologically, then they need to get more tech savvy before mandating requirements.