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Minimum Gear Required
Minimum Gear Required
All members of the JL Mann Fencing Club are required to own the following equipment
Underarm Protector (Plastron)
A fencing underarm protector, or "plastron," is crucial gear in fencing. Worn on the dominant arm side beneath the jacket, it shields the chest, underarm, and upper torso as a last line of defense in case of a broken blade. Because it is worn close to the body, think of it like underwear. No one wants to share their underwear with other fencers. Many fencing clubs do not offer loaner underarm protectors.
Recommended
Absolute Fencing Stretch Plastron
Glove
A fencing glove is essential safety equipment designed to protect the weapon-holding hand and wrist from bruising, punctures, and abrasions caused by opponents' blades. It provides a secure, non-slip grip for better weapon control, features padding to absorb impact, and meets safety regulations by covering the skin. Because of the wear and tear of a glove, we require all fencers to have their own glove.
Recommended
Prieur Leather Glove
Equipment Packages
Equipment Packages
Partial sets
Absolute 6 piece foil set
A partial set for students to begin fencing This package contains the following equipment: mask, jacket, plastron, glove. weapon, and bag.
Please make the following changes to the package:
- upgrade to foil mask w/ conductive bib
- upgrade to cotton with stretch panel jacket
- upgrade to e. foil.
Chest protectors can be added for an additional fee.
Knickers can be added for an additional fee.
With the purchase of a body cord and a mask cord, this package qualifies for reduced dues.
All in
Absolute 13 piece Foil Tournament Package
A complete, tournament ready package for foil fencing. This package contains the following equipment: mask, jacket, plastron, glove, 2 body cords, 2 mask cords, 2 electric weapons, knickers, lame, and bag. Chest protectors can be added for an additional fee.
Club Level Gear
Club Level Gear
Club level gear is defined as a level of equipment that is needed to participate in most fencing clubs around the nation. Rules will vary by club, but this level can be considered the basic, introductory level of gear. Fencers who possess this level of gear qualify for reduced annual club dues.
Mask
A fencing mask is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment a fencer wears, protecting the head, face, and neck from blades. Masks are weapon-specific because foil, épée, and sabre have different target areas and scoring methods. For a beginning fencer, parents should prioritize proper fit, safety certification, quality, and compatibility with the weapon, rather than simply choosing the least expensive option. A mask should fit snugly without being uncomfortable or moving during fencing.
Budget
Blue Gauntlet Foil MaskRecommended
Absolute Foil Mask
Jacket
A fencing jacket is a protective garment worn over the torso and arms to protect a fencer from blade hits while allowing freedom of movement. Jackets are designed to meet specific safety standards and protection levels, and should fit snugly without restricting movement or being excessively loose. For beginners, parents should look for a properly fitted, 350N certified jacket
Weapon
Fencing weapons are lightweight, flexible blades designed for a specific fencing discipline: foil, épée, or sabre. A foil is a light, flexible weapon that uses the point to score and targets the torso; an épée is heavier and stiffer, also uses the point, and allows the entire body to be targeted; and a sabre is a lighter, cutting-style weapon that can score with both the edge and point while targeting the head, arms, and torso.
In the JL Mann Fencing Club, all beginner fencers start with foil.
In all cases, we use size 5 bladesDry (practice only)
Absolute Standard Foil (Pistol Grip)
Absolute Fencing Standard Foil - French GripElectric (recommended)
In all cases, where able, select German Point, and Transparent Pad.
Absolute Standard Foil (Pistol Grip)
Blue Gauntlet Super Foil
Chest Protector
A chest protector is a rigid protective piece worn underneath the fencing jacket to help protect the chest and ribs from blade impacts. Chest protectors are required for females and optional for males. Female fencers typically use a contoured chest protector designed to provide additional protection for the chest, while male fencers may use a flat version. Padded (FIE) chest protectors are required for all REGIONAL and above competitions. LOCAL competitions may eventually require the use of a padded (FIE) chest protector, which is why the JLMFC recommends the padded (FIE) protectors.
Budget
Absolute Women's Chest Protector (unpadded)
Absolute Men's Chest Protector (unpadded)
Blue Gauntlet Women's Chest Protector (unpadded)
Blue Gauntlet Men's Chest Protector (unpadded)Recommended
Absolute Women's Chest Protector
Absolute Men's Chest Protector
Blue Gauntlet Women's Chest Protector
Blue Gauntlet Men's Chest Protector
Body Cord
A body cord is an electrical cable that connects a fencer's weapon and electric jacket to the scoring system, allowing the machine to detect when a valid touch is made. Body cords are weapon-specific, with different connections and configurations for foil, épée, and sabre, so it is important to purchase the correct type. They are worn underneath the fencing jacket and connect to the weapon through a small plug near the fencer's hand and to the scoring system through a reel at the back of the strip.
Mask Cord
A mask cord, also called a mask wire, is a small electrical connection used during electric fencing to connect the conductive part of a fencer’s mask to the scoring system. It is only used in foil and sabre, where the mask is part of the valid target and must be electrically connected so the scoring machine can recognize a touch. The cord typically attaches to the mask with an alligator clip and connects to the fencer’s lame or body-cord system.
NOTE: A mask cord is not required to qualify for reduced dues.
Equipment Bag
A fencing bag is a specialized bag designed to carry and protect all of a fencer’s equipment, including weapons, mask, jacket, knickers, chest protector, gloves, body cords, and other accessories. Most fencing bags are long enough to safely hold fencing weapons and have multiple compartments to keep protective equipment and personal items organized. For beginners, parents should look for a bag that is durable, easy to carry, and large enough to hold the fencer’s complete equipment without being unnecessarily oversized. A well-organized fencing bag makes it easier to find equipment at practice and tournaments and helps protect expensive gear from damage during transportation
NOTE: A bag is not required to qualify for reduced dues.
Competition Level Gear
Competition Level Gear
Competition level gear is defined as a level of equipment that is needed to participate in LOCAL fencing tournaments around the nation. Some tournaments may adhere to a higher level of equipment protocol, but those of often limited to REGIONAL and NATIONAL level tournaments. For INTERNATIONAL level tournaments, a higher level of gear (FIE Rated) is required still. No FIE rated gear is recommended for any JL Mann Fencer as a beginner, outside of the noted exceptions required for LOCAL competition.
Knickers
Fencing knickers are specialized protective pants that cover the waist to just below the knees, protecting the legs while allowing fencers to move, lunge, and bend freely. They are made from durable, puncture-resistant material and are worn with long fencing socks to provide complete coverage of the legs. Knickers are generally the same for foil, épée, and sabre. For beginners, parents should look for a comfortable, properly fitted pair that allows unrestricted movement without being too loose or tight. A good pair of knickers should provide protection while remaining flexible and durable enough to withstand the demands of regular fencing practice and competition.
Lame (FOIL only)
A lame is a specialized conductive fencing jacket worn over the protective fencing jacket during electric fencing. It allows the scoring machine to recognize touches to the valid target area. Lames are weapon-specific:
a foil lame covers the torso because the torso is the valid target,
For beginners, parents should make sure the lame is the correct type and size, fits comfortably over the fencing jacket, and has a clean, conductive surface without excessive wear or damage. The difference between copper and stainless steel lames is care. A copper lame can never be washed, but a stainless steel lame can be washed on delicate cycles.
Names are required on the back for REGIONAL or higher level events. Vendors will often be on site at these tournaments to provide the stenciling service.
Socks
While companies will sell fencing specific socks, there is inherently nothing unique or special about a fencing sock at the beginner level. Any athletic sock (football, baseball, soccer, volleyball) that covers to the knee is acceptable. The JL Mann Fencing Club wears socks with one leg being red, and the other leg being blue. Women fencers often elect to wear crazy colored socks, with any number of patterns on them.
2nd Weapon/2nd Body Cord/2nd Mask Cord
A second weapon is required at fencing tournaments because equipment can fail during competition, and a fencer needs to be able to continue without causing a significant delay. Blades can break, body cords can stop working, or grips and other components can become damaged during a bout. Tournament rules often require fencers to have at least two working weapons available at the strip. For beginners and parents, having a second weapon means less stress, fewer delays, and a better chance of staying in the competition if the primary weapon fails. The best practice is to arrive with two fully functioning weapons that have been checked by the fencer and coach before the tournament.
Additional Gear (Work in Progress)
Additional Gear (Work in Progress)
The gear listed above is not universal across all three disciplines. If your child is interested in an additional discipline, some additional equipment will be required.
Mask (Sabre)
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Glove (Sabre)
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Lame (Sabre only)
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Weapon (Sabre)
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Mask (Epee)
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Body Cord (Epee)
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Weapon (Epee)
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