Fencing Equipment Buyer's Guide

Getting Started: What You Need

Choosing fencing equipment can feel daunting, particularly if you are new to the sport or buying for a child. Select a weapon to see a tailored checklist.

Starter kit or individual items?

Many clubs lend equipment during beginner courses. As you progress, they may encourage you to buy your own so shared kit remains available to new fencers. You then have two options:

Buying individually? What to buy first

If you prefer to buy individual items, we recommend the following order. Your coach or club may suggest small changes based on local requirements.

1. 

   Glove

   Non-electric gloves are available, but an electric glove with a Velcro cuff is usually the more practical choice. It makes it easy to connect the bodywire from beneath your sleeve to an electric weapon. The Advanced fencing glove is our most popular option, while FIE gloves are increasingly chosen for their additional protection and durability.

2. 

   Manchette Sabre only

   A manchette is a conductive cuff worn by sabre fencers over a non-conductive glove cuff. It allows the scoring system to register valid hits to the forearm.

3. 

   Mask

   A good-quality mask should be one of your first purchases. Like a pair of shoes, it becomes more comfortable as it settles to your shape. Each weapon uses a different mask, with FIE and non-FIE (350N) options available. New Foil and Épée fencers should consider the Horizon or Arena, depending on age and national federation requirements. For our highest specification, choose an X-Change mask. If your club uses Leon Paul masks, check the label or the colour-coded washers on top: yellow = S, blue = M, red = L, black = XL.

4. 

   Jacket

   Most clubs provide back-zip jackets, so moving to your own front-zip jacket can make a noticeable difference to comfort and convenience. The Phoenix range is an excellent starting point for most fencers. For greater protection, the Team range is a strong long-term investment.

5. 

   Weapon

   A weapon is often the most exciting first purchase, but waiting a few months allows your technique and preferences to develop. Many fencers begin with a traditional French grip before moving to a pistol grip. We recommend a basic blade for children. Adults generally benefit from an FIE (Maraging steel) blade. It costs more initially, but usually lasts longer, resists permanent bends and can offer better value over time.

6. 

   Bodywire

   In the UK, many foilists use the bayonet twist-and-push system. In continental Europe and the USA, the 2-pin system is more common. The FIE now favours 2-pin, so it is widely used at high-level international events. Quality varies, and cheaper bodywires may use parts and cable that need more frequent replacement.

7. 

   Plastron

   A 350N plastron can be suitable for non-electric or children's fencing, but an FIE 800N plastron provides substantially greater protection for a modest additional cost. In the UK, FIE is usually the best choice because it is mandatory for electric fencing. Our lightweight FIE plastron is exceptionally thin and light, so it is barely noticeable when worn.

8. 

   Breeches

   Breeches are available in several styles. Most fencers choose the same range and material as their jacket for a consistent fit, feel and appearance.

9. 

   Shoes

   Fencing shoes become more important as a fencer advances, although many beginners value their improved grip and purpose-shaped sole. As a general fit guide, Adidas styles are very narrow and many people choose half a size larger. Hi-Tec styles are wider, while Nike shoes sit near the middle of the width range and are among the lightest available.

Which pieces do what?

• Breeches: robust, knee-length trousers that protect the lower body while allowing unrestricted movement.
• Plastron: an additional protective layer worn beneath the jacket to reinforce the chest and abdomen on the weapon side.
• Jacket: the main protective layer for the torso and arms, with reinforcement in high-risk areas. It is worn for every training session and competition.
• Lamé (pronounced la-may): the conductive over-jacket used to register valid hits in Foil and Sabre. It is not required for Épée, where the whole body is the target.
• Glove: protects the weapon hand while preserving the dexterity needed to hold and control the blade.
• Mask: stainless-steel mesh protection for the head and face, secured with a safety strap. It is not a helmet.

Purchasing for Children

Our recommended buying order is the same for children and adults, but parents and grandparents should consider a few additional details. If you need help, our team is happy to answer questions by phone or email.

Essential information before you order

Use measurements, not high-street sizes

Protective fencing clothing follows its own sizing system. Age and height can provide an estimate, but accurate ordering requires the child's full height and the following four measurements:

Enter the measurements in the size finder, then consider choosing a slightly larger size to allow room for growth.

Weapon & blade size by age

Weapon and blade sizes are based on age. Younger fencers use shorter, lighter and more flexible blades. Confirm the child's age group, then check the blade size tables in the Weapons section. In the UK, Foil fencers aged 10–14 use a size 3 blade. In the rest of the world, they use a size 2.

Safety Standards: FIE vs Non-FIE

The “N” shown on fencing equipment stands for newtons and indicates the minimum force required for a blade to penetrate the material. A higher rating means greater penetration resistance.

Minimum standard by country

Minimum 350N	Minimum FIE 800N	No minimum
UK France Australia Canada	Italy Germany	USA

Requirements vary by country, so new fencers should check with their coach or national federation before buying. Even where FIE equipment is not mandatory, it offers the highest standard of protection and performance, and we recommend it when the budget allows.

Clothing & Gloves

Leon Paul sizes are based on imperial measurements in inches. Children's equipment is sized by body measurement rather than age, so measure carefully and consider allowing a little room for growth.

Apex FIE Jacket Apex FIE Breeches Lightweight Foil Lamé Lightweight FIE Plastron FIE ExoSkin II Glove

How each garment is sized

• Jackets: sized by chest measurement in 2″ increments. Measure around the fullest part of the chest while taking a full breath.
• Breeches: sized by waist measurement in 2″ increments, with Regular and Long leg lengths available.
• Plastrons: available in S, M, L and XL based on chest size. The fit is more forgiving because the jacket holds the plastron in place.
• Lamés: designed to fit over the matching jacket size, so order the same size as your jacket.
• Gloves: measure around the knuckles, excluding the thumb. The measurement in inches corresponds to your glove size, from 6.5 to 10.5.

Use the size finder and complete charts below. Most product pages also include a Size Guide link in the top-right corner with product-specific measurements. Need a tape measure? Download a printable PDF tape measure.

Chest protectors

The Econoguard and Masterguard protect the chest and sides, with adjustable elastic straps for a secure fit. Measure beneath and around the bust while wearing a well-fitting everyday bra, then consult the chart on the relevant product page.

Customisation

Under FIE regulations, international fencers must display their surname and country in blue lettering on the back of the jacket for Épée, or on the lamé for Foil and Sabre. The limit is 10 characters, and the service can be selected using the customisation tick box on each product page. National federation logos are applied to both breeches legs and jacket arms.

Masks

Every Leon Paul mask uses stainless-steel mesh and includes an additional safety strap. Compare three key features before choosing: safety level, bib style and fitting system.

1. Safety level

FIE X-Change 1600N bib

Designed for high-level fencers, this is our lightest and most breathable mask. It is fully washable, with replaceable and upgradeable parts for a longer working life. FIE specification is required for international competition.

Non-FIE 350N bib

Available in the Horizon, Arena and Club ranges. These masks are ideal for beginners and club fencing, but they are not permitted at international competitions.

2. Bib style

• Fixed bib: a non-removable bib with replaceable forehead padding. The chin padding is built into the bib and cannot be replaced separately.
• X-Change: the bib slides out for washing, replacement or swapping. The face and forehead padding is also interchangeable, with softer and firmer sets available.

3. Fitting system

• Traditional / Spring Case: a proven design with a flexible steel “tongue” that can be shaped for a personalised fit.
• Contour-Fit: a plastic disc system with horizontal and vertical straps at the back of the head for a close, stable fit.

Customisation

X-Change masks are available in black, white, red and blue. You can add side text of up to eight characters, choose an FIE-approved country flag, or request a bespoke design via [email protected]. Allow 2–3 working days.

SWE Flag Sabre Mask AUT Flag Foil Mask ESP Flag Foil Mask CHN Flag Épée Mask

Weapons & Components

There are two ways to buy. Choose a recommended complete weapon by selecting the hand and blade size, or use the custom weapon creator to specify every component, including the hand, blade, guard, pad, socket, grip and pommel.

Custom Foil Creator Custom Épée Creator Custom Sabre Creator

Blades: FIE vs non-FIE

• FIE blades (Maraging steel): lighter, more flexible and resistant to corrosion, with certification for international competition. They withstand a high number of bending cycles and are less likely to develop a permanent bend. Although they cost more, their longer service life can make them better value. Recommended for adults, who generally hit harder.
• Non-FIE blades (Carbon steel): made from UK-sourced low-carbon steel that is tempered and heat-treated. These durable, good-value blades suit beginners, children, clubs and domestic competition.

Blade sizes are set by age (your selected weapon is highlighted)

Grips & tangs

The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. Its length determines which grips will fit:

• Long tang → French grip, secured with a pommel. This setup feels balanced and stable, making it well suited to parrying and precise blade work.
• Short tang → Pistol or Belgium grip, secured with a nut. This setup is lighter and more agile. The pistol grip is moulded to the hand for maximum control, while the longer, slimmer Belgium grip can be more comfortable for larger hands.

Guards

• Lightweight (Duralumin): 30% lighter than standard and popular in Foil and Épée for faster handling.
• Standard (steel): additional weight for stability and control, commonly used in Épée and Sabre.
• Titan: high-grade aluminium containing titanium, formed in a single press to create a versatile mid-weight guard.

Sockets, pommels & nuts

• Foil and Sabre: 2-pin sockets. The Sabre socket is permanently shortened and has no wire connections, while the Foil socket connects to the blade wire through the correct terminal.
• Épée: 3-pin in-line sockets, with lightweight versions available for an ultra-light weapon build.
• Pommels for French grips and nuts for pistol grips secure the blade and allow you to adjust the weapon's weight and balance.
• Bodywires: in the UK, many foilists use the bayonet twist-and-push system. In continental Europe and the USA, the 2-pin system is more common. The FIE now favours 2-pin, so it is widely used at high-level international events. Lower-quality parts and cables often need replacing more frequently, so choose bodywires carefully.

Shoes & Socks

Shoes

A good fencing shoe should provide grip for precise footwork and lunges, support for repeated impact, and lightweight flexibility for fast reactions. Our best-selling Nike Ballestra 2 combines a specialised rubber sole with reinforced panels and a lightweight construction.

To extend the life of your shoes, clean them regularly, let them air dry after every session and reserve them for fencing. Replace them when the soles show significant wear.

Nike Ballestra 2 Lightning Fencing Shoes Coral Fencing Shoes Advanced Fencing Socks

Socks

Choose from three ranges. Advanced socks use Thermacool fabric with antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties. Quality and Enhanced socks feature permanently embedded antibacterial yarn, padded shins, thicker soles, and reinforced toes and heels.

Bags

Purpose-built compartments keep weapons, masks and clothing organised. Depending on the model, features include shoulder or backpack straps, wheels and hard-wearing, water-resistant materials.

The Vertex

Our latest bag is designed to stand and travel vertically, while keeping every compartment easy to reach. Its outer fabric is made from 100% recycled bottles and includes a water-resistant layer.

The Apex & Team Bag

Popular full-kit bags with dedicated compartments and padded weapon sleeves. Both stand upright to save floor space.

Weapon bags

The Duel Weapon Bag and Weapon Carrier Pro use dedicated pockets to keep weapons separated and organised, with straps for carrying them on your back.

The FreeRoller

A wheeled option that makes transporting equipment between home, club and competition easier.

Every bag can be personalised with your name or country code.

Size Charts

Enter a measurement for an instant size recommendation, or open the complete charts below. All measurements are taken from the official Leon Paul Size Guide. Printable tape measure (PDF).

Caring for Your Kit