How is a pistol grip better than a french grip?
It depends on your fencing style. Pistol grip will seem more
comfortable to most fencers, especially beginners. It offers more
precise movements, better point control, more powerful parries, and
a better range of arm movements. Most fencers prefer the pistol
grip.
For french grip, which suits classical fencers, the advantage is
the ability to pommel, or hold the weapon from the back of the
grip. While this takes away control and power, it provides the
fencer with a few extra inches of reach, which can be crucial
sometimes.
Overall, pistol grips are generally more suitable for foil
fencers and some epee fencers, but tall, defensive epee fencers are
good with the french grip. Also, it's much harder to train and
fence with a french grip. It takes more practice and skill to use
one effectively.