Equipment... What to Buy

At some point once you’ve really got the fencing bug, you’re going to want your own gear, especially if you're going to start competeing regularly. The inside of a shared club mask can be a grim place sometimes!

So whether you’re a fencer or a fencers parent, or a fencers partner/spouse and want to buy the fencer in your life a present, here’s a quick guide to equipment shopping!

Now as you’ve probably worked out, or read in this post, you can’t just walk into JJB or Sports Direct and by yourself fencing kit! That post deals with where you can buy but what should you buy….?

Well, there are lots of possible places to start. For those who want to build up item by item, then why not start working through this list?

• Glove.

• Practice Weapon.

• Plastron (800N).

• Mask.

• Jacket.

That will give you all you need to train and practice in the club. Add a pair of breeches to that and all you need to do is borrow electric kit to spar with. Fencing can be expensive, so don’t be afraid to build up your kit while relying on the club stuff in the meantime.
If you do want to take the plunge and kit yourself up completely in one go, then just go for everything on that list!
It's also worth checking out the starter kit deals offered by some of the suppliers. Those deals might include; breeches, bodywire, lamé etc. and extras like a bag or electric weapons are usually options to be added.

To compete at open level (13+) in the UK the list of equipment you need get’s a bit longer. You’ll need:

• Mask (electric for foil and sabre)

• Jacket (350N)

• Breeches (350N)

• Plastron (800N)

• Glove (800N electric for sabre)

• 2 Electric weapons (minimum)

• 2 Bodywires

• 2 Maskwires (foil and sabre)

• Lamé jacket (foil and sabre)

• Long socks (no special requirements here, so don't feel you need a Leon Paul logo on them!)

(At time of writing, for an adult, this whole lot would cost you a little over £500 shopping around from the cheapest suppliers and a bit over £800 choosing the budget ranges from one of the bigger brands! )

Terminology, CE Marks, Protection Levels and Suppliers.

If some of the last bit seemed full of baffling numbers then here’s an explaination. Fencing clothing is rated based on the force in Newtons (N) that it can withstand without being penetrated. There are 2 recognised standards, one for training and competition up to national level (in the UK) and the second, for international level competitions (Olympics, Grand Prix events, etc. etc.) Some countries just specify that level 2 equipment is needed for all competitive fencing, so be aware of this if you do plan to travel to competitions in other countries.

The first level CEN level 1, (rated at 350N)
this is the minimum level needed for any fencing in the UK. You can use 350N equipment for all club sessions and up to national competition, although a CEN level 2 800N plastron is required for all electric fencing with size 5 weapons in the UK (even training in the club). Younger age groups use shorter weapons (sizes 0, 2 and 3) depending on the age range and can use 350N plastrons with these weapons in certain competitions. For safety's sake and with an eye to future regulations, 800N plastrons are a better choice.

The second level CEN level 2 800N (1600N for mask mesh)
is sometimes referred to as FIE regulation clothing as it is required for FIE international competitions. This offers a higher level of protection, but attracts a higher price. it can also be heavier, hotter and less flexible to fence in (depending on which range you buy and from which supplier!)

For more details on clothing regulations see the British Fencing website.