Buying Fencing Equipment
Fencing II students will need to provide their own equipment, which includes the following, at a minimum:
- Fencing jacket (we recommend front-zip and stretchy material rather than cotton/canvas)
- Mask with conductive bib
- Glove
- Foil: #5 blade size for ages 12+. Fencers ages 10-11 may require a smaller blade size such as #2, and a smaller-sized grip. This is dependent on the fencer's strength and hand size, so check with a coach before buying. Visconti grip is most popular, but others are also commonly used. You can ask a coach to help you find a grip you like.
- Plastron (underarm protector)
- Rigid chest protectors are required for female fencers, and optional for males (there are different styles for male and female)
- Groin protection (cup) for males is highly recommended.
- Fencing knickers and socks are required for competition, but recommended for our classes.
- A bag for the equipment is very helpful and is included with some starter sets.
Starter fencing sets are available from most retailers in both electric (competition) and non-electric versions. These sets vary in price and may or may not include all the required equipment, so please be sure to verify that your kit includes everything on the above list.
FIE vs. non-FIE equipment
Wearable fencing equipment is generally rated at two different puncture levels—350 Newton and 800 Newton. U.S. competitions require 350N minimum, so there is no immediate need to purchase 800N (FIE rated) equipment. Foil blades also come in FIE-rated and non-FIE versions. FIE-rated fencing blades are made of maraging steel, which makes them more durable, but also more expensive. USFA does not require FIE-rated weapons for competition, so you can decide for yourself if the extra cost is worth it.
Electric vs. non-electric
If you wish to use the Y’s electric scoring equipment, or think you would like to try competition, you will need an electric fencing set. Specifically, you will need an electric foil, lamé (electrically conductive vest—be sure to buy front-zip), mask with conductive bib, body cord, mask cord, knickers and long socks (required for competitions), in addition to the other equipment listed above. Be sure to purchase equipment for foil as opposed to epee or saber.
It’s important to note that your equipment must be fully functioning in order to compete, so you will need to have an extra foil, body cord and mask cord as backup for competitions.
For the foil weapon itself, the most commonly-used options are German tips and two-pin sockets. A Visconti grip is most popular (size small usually suffices; consider a medium or large if you have larger hands), but some in our club prefer other grips. Check with a coach if you would like to compare different styles of grips. If you do not intend to compete or use the Y’s scoring equipment, a “practice” or “club” non-electric set will be adequate. However, we encourage you to buy electric since you cannot gain a complete understanding of the sport without it.
Where to buy
Unless you happen to be visiting an area where a retail store is located, the only way to purchase fencing equipment is online. Be sure to follow the sizing guidelines on the retailers’ websites and contact them if you have questions. Below is a list of reputable retailers that we recommend (DO NOT buy fencing equipment on Amazon or from anyone other than dedicated fencing suppliers). Also be sure to check our gear exchange page; one of your clubmates might have some gently used equipment that's perfect for you.
Blue Gauntlet
Absolute Fencing Gear
The Fencing Post
Leon Paul
Need a Blade - FIE Blades