Search this site

Purchasing Equipment

First Purchases

Many clubs will lend you equipment when you are doing a beginner course, they generally then like you to start purchasing your own so that their kit can be used for new beginners.

There are two options as a beginner, the first is to buy individual items one at a time until you have a full set and the second solution is to buy a starter kit.

You can either buy equipment at one of the shops in the UK, at stands at competitions or by websites or the telephone. If you are buying without trying equipment on make sure that you have your measurements e.g. chest measurement for jackets, waist measurement for breeches etc…

The first things to buy are usually:

Glove
Although you can buy non electric gloves it is almost always worth buying an electric glove with a Velcro cuff. The Velcro cuff allows you to easily connect your bodywire from under your sleeve to an electric weapon. These are either sized Small, Medium etc… or they are sized in individual UK glove sizes. Going for gloves that are individually sized will usually get you a better fit but they tend to be more expensive.

Mask
Most manufacturers make masks in 4 sizes called Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large or 1, 2, 3 and 4. If you know what size you normally borrow from your club then you are fairly safe to order the same size on line or over the phone.

For Foil and Epee you would normally buy an insulated mask (one with black or coloured mesh). For Sabre you either need a normal mask (insulated or non insulated) for non electric fencing or for electric fencing you will need a special sabre mask with a lamé bib. If you are starting out fencing sabre it is best to ask your coach for advice on whether to get an electric sabre mask or a standard non electric mask.

Jacket
Most Clubs supply back zip jackets however, when you come to buy your own you will want a front zip jacket as they are much easier to put on.

Jackets are available in a huge range of styles both stretchy and non stretchy and some even contain high tech wicking linings to make them more comfortable. 350N jackets are mandatory now in the UK for all fencing. At beginner level the only reason to select FIE 800N rated gear is for additional security.

Plastron
For non-electric fencing a 350N plastron is OK however; for a small amount more you can usually buy an FIE 800N plastron which will also allow you to fence electric. In the UK it is almost always best to go for an FIE plastron.

Weapon
This is the part that many people are keen to buy first, however it is sometimes best to wait a while. Usually people start fencing with a traditional “French” grip and many then progress on to use a pistol grip.

Although it is possible to convert a French grip to a pistol grip it is a time consuming process and involves buying new handles. It should also be noted that it is not possible to change a weapon from being pistol grip to French grip.

If you want to buy all of your kit at once then you may be best to purchase a starter kit.

Starter Kits

Some companies offer starter kits that contain all or most of the equipment you need to get started often at a significantly reduced rate from the price of the individual items.

Generally these are either electric or non electric starter sets and they come with various standard or additional items. Things to look out for when buying a starter kit are whether they contain a bag and what type of plastron they contain. It is also worth checking if the jacket and glove are the cheapest items in the suppliers range or not.

A starter kit is an easy and cost effective alternative to buying items individually if your budget can stretch to it.

What Next?

Right, so now you are not a beginner anymore and you want to compete on the domestic circuit. This section will give you some suggestions on what to get next.

Weapon
Once you have decided on the type of grip that you like, you can buy a weapon. Pistol grips come in a range of sizes and some manufacturers colour code them by size, generally French grips are one size. Some people like to have separate non electric and electric weapons but really this is down to personal preference and the advice of your coach.

If you are certain that you will be fencing a lot then it is worth considering getting a maraging FIE blade as, although they are about twice the price they last much longer and need to be straightened less often.

Bodywire
In the UK this is fairly straight forward as nearly every foilist uses the bayonet twist and push system for foil, on the continent and in the USA the two pin system is more common. Although a simple part of your equipment they are not all the same, cheap bodywires are often made with inferior parts and cable that will need replacing more often.

Breeches
Similarly to jackets breeches come in many different styles. Most people go for ones of the same style as their jacket so that they match!

Shoes
Fencing specific shoes are only essential for advanced fencers but many people by them as they provide better grip and the correct shaped sole.

In general the adidas shoes run very narrow so most people need to go a half size up and the Hi-tec ones are wider meaning you take the same size as a normal trainer. Some people like additional ankle support so go with a fencing boot however, these are extremely expensive so a good alternative to the boot is a separate ankle support.