General

Fencing Piste Comparison

Posted by author-avatar

Product Comparison: Which Fencing Piste is the Best?

Fencing pistes differ significantly in material, technology, weight, price, and sustainability. This market analysis compares the Artos SmartTextil (Innovation 2025) with the most common alternatives available today.

Note: Fencing pistes are two-layered — upper side: electrically conductive (SmartTextil, wire mesh, or aluminum plates). Lower side: non-conductive PVC.

Criterion

Artos SmartTextil (Innovation 2025)

Artos Textile Piste (existing product)

Uhlmann Steel/PVC

Malterre (Wire Mesh)

Artos Aluminum

Allstar/Uhlmann Aluminum
Material Smart Textile Textile (multi-layer, conductive) Wire mesh (steel + PVC) Wire mesh (aluminum/steel + PVC) Aluminum profile Aluminum profile
Electroprinting ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Conductive sensor and electronic structures (Chromojet) ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Piste thickness with signaling technology (max. 3 mm / 0.118 in) ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Rollable with integrated technology ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
No external signaling devices required ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
1 person required for setup with signaling device (max. 5 min) ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
PFAS-free (ban effective Oct. 2027) ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
REACH-compliant ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Rollable (with high restoring force) ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Setup time max. 5 minutes ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Fire protection B2 (EN 13501) ✅ B2 ✅ B2 ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Service / Customization ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Elasticity ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Low oxidation / no mechanical breakage ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Low mechanical stress ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Anti-reflective surface ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ❌
Low abrasion on shoe soles ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Low risk of injury (athletes, installation) ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Transport and weight up to 25 kg (55.1 lb) ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Assembly / disassembly by 1 person ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Above-average durability of markings / printing options ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Universal areas of application ✅ ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌
Delivery time 1–2 weeks 1 week 8–12 weeks 8–12 weeks 9–10 weeks 8–10 weeks
Price (approx., 18 m / 59.1 ft) ~€2,700 ~€2,500 ~€4,800 ~€4,200 ~€3,700 ~€4,400
Service life (practical performance) Approx. 8–15 years 10–20 years 8–10 years 6–8 years 6–8 years 6–8 years

Setup Notes

The setup process differs considerably depending on the piste type:

  • Artos SmartTextil / Textile Piste: Roll out, secure both ends with adhesive tape — done. 1 person, max. 5 minutes.
  • Wire mesh (e.g. Malterre): Roll out and tape along all edges (no kink protection, no shape-return). Scoring system must be cabled separately after setup.
  • Metal plates (Aluminum): First lay down a protective carpet, then assemble 17 individual elements. Scoring system cabled separately after assembly. Significant time and multiple people required.

Tournament planning note: An average of 12–24 fencing pistes are required per tournament or training session (2 fencers per piste).

Conclusion: Advantages of the Artos SmartTextil Innovation 2025

1. Unique on the Market

The first roll-up fencing piste worldwide using SmartTextile technology, enabling integrated light and hit display directly within the piste surface.

2. Future-Proof System Architecture

Optionally expandable with software modules, live scoring, and wireless control. No external scoring system is required — piste and scoring system merge into one product. Supports Chromojet digital printing (ELTRO printing).

3. Extremely Mobile and Lightweight

Total weight under 30 kg (compared to 85–350 kg for conventional systems). Can be set up by 1 person in a maximum of 5 minutes. The lightest and fastest solution for tournaments, clubs, training, and events.

4. Sustainable and Safe

PFAS-free, REACH-compliant, fire-protection class B2, and fully recyclable. Contains no harmful chemicals and is energy- and emission-efficient during transport.

5. Cost Advantage

Lower cost than all competing products while offering higher quality — delivered directly from the manufacturer.

6. Supports “Fencing for the Planet”

Artos actively contributes to the World Fencing Federation’s FENCING FOR THE PLANET sustainability initiative.

Why is Silver Beneficial?

Health

Silver has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Silver ions destroy bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which is why silver textiles are widely used. Silver is skin-friendly, hygienic, and has been valued for its health-related benefits for thousands of years — for example, in silver cutlery, drinking vessels, and medical implants.

Environment

Silver is considered environmentally friendly due to its role in the energy transition, its antibacterial properties, and its excellent recyclability.

Technology

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals. Its atomic structure allows extremely free electron movement, combined with high corrosion resistance (low oxidation), making it ideal for conductive applications.

Why is Aluminum Problematic?

Health

Workers exposed to aluminum dust or fumes may show impaired neurological performance. Individuals with kidney disease can accumulate aluminum in the body, sometimes leading to bone or brain disorders linked to excess aluminum.

Environment

Aluminum production is extremely energy-intensive. Bauxite mining — especially in Brazil and Australia — leads to rainforest destruction, toxic red-mud waste, high CO₂ emissions, ecosystem damage, and frequent social conflicts. Its high weight also increases transportation emissions and costs.

Technology

Aluminum forms a natural insulating oxide layer immediately upon contact with air. This significantly reduces surface electrical conductivity and makes reliable electrical contact difficult.

Legal Note: PFAS Ban

As of October 10, 2027, the EU will prohibit the use of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles, leather, fur, and hides for the general public.

The Artos SmartTextil Innovation 2025 is already PFAS-free today and is therefore fully future-proof. Wire mesh and aluminum pistes do not meet this standard.

author-avatar

About Steffen Grollmisch

Gründer und geschäftsführende Direktor von ARTOS Fencing, Entwickler der patentierten Fechtbahnen und innovativer Fechtsport‑Technologien sowie international engagierter Funktionär und ehemaliger National‑Fechter.

Back to list
Older ARTOS uses silver instead of aluminum