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What should I buy?
When you start out fencing choosing the right kit can be very confusing, these pages are designed to help you choose what to buy and when to buy it. To help you get started here is a quick glossary of terms that relate to equipment in no particular order:

350 Newton
Sometimes written as 350N this is the short term for the CEN European level 1 standard of protective clothing for fencing. It means that the clothing has been tested to withstand at least 350 Newtons of force.

800 Newton
This is also sometimes referred to as FIE (see below for a definition) and means that the clothing has been tested to CEN level 2. 800 Newton or FIE clothing is even stronger than 350 Newton clothing.

FIE (Federation Internationale d'Escrime)
This is the international governing body for the sport. The term FIE is also used to describe 800 Newton or CEN level two clothing and maraging (see below) blades.

Electric or non Electric
This refers to whether or not an item is suitable for fencing with an electric scoring apparatus.

Lame
Pronounced La-may not lame (as in duck)! This is the conductive over jacket that is used for electric scoring in both Foil and Sabre.

Plastron
Also sometimes called an underarm protector; this is worn under your jacket on your sword arm and gives extra protection to the most commonly hit part of your target area.

Breeches
This is the name given to the short trousers worn to just below the knee.

Maraging
This is the name of the type of steel most commonly used in FIE weapons. FIE blades are tested to withstand a very high number of bending cycles so they break less often but are more expensive than standard blades.

Bodywire
This connects your electric weapon to the scoring apparatus and is worn under your jacket.

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 (see the starter kit section here).

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
Masks are made in 4 sizes called Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. 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. Leon Paul mask have a unique colour code system yellow = small, blue = medium, Red = Large, Black = X-large. This should allow you to easily identify the mask you wear at the club. 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 as it is mandatory for electric fencing.

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.

Starter Kits
If you want to buy all of your kit at once then you will be best to purchase a starter kit. they are heavily discounted and come with everything you need. Lots of companies do cheep start sets but often don't include FIE Plastrons or Bags which are essential part of the kit.

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. 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 about 3 times longer.

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.