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Required Fencing Equipment...
Most organizations provide
equipment free of charge for beginner classes.
For the most part
a beginner will need loose comfortable clothing and supportive athletic
shoes such as running, basketball or wrestling shoes. All other
equipment will be provided.
As fencers advance you have
the option to rent or purchase equipment.
Equipment can be rented on a per
class basis or a monthly basis. It is discounted if done on a
monthly basis.
When purchasing equipment
there are two options, the first is to buy equipment one piece at a time to spread out the cost.
Birthdays, holidays and special events are excellent times to add to your
child’s equipment.
The second option is to purchase a starter kit for
children that will include all the basic items pre-assembled and sold as
a bundle. Starter kits for foil, epee or sabre will include a jacket, fencing
mask, fencing glove and either a practice foil, epee or saber. This will
cost approximately $135. A great site to purchase equipment online
is
www.fencing.net.
Two or three months after
beginning to fence you should start to purchase your equipment and all
basic equipment should be purchased within six months of your start
date. Speak to the coach and get them to help you with what you need so
that you purchase the proper equipment.
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A mask, glove and practice weapon are the best
items to purchase as
starter gear. You should buy the best mask available. Masks are expensive, but safety
is extremely important. The next purchase should be a
jacket and underarm protector.
Once they reach the advanced level they must have a full
uniform (knickers, long socks, jacket, underarm protector, glove, mask
and practice weapon) as well as some electric scoring equipment. |
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Required Fencing
Equipment
Costs:
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Glove
(no holes except for body cord and
must cover approximately half of the
forearm). Gloves come in a variety of materials so you will
need to do some research to determine what you want. Talk to
other competitive fencers to get opinions before making a decisions.
Gloves range from $10 - $45.
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Jacket (no holes, must close in back or opposite weapon arm, must be
overlapped by jacket by at least four inches). Cost between
$50 -$230.
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Mask
(sewn-in bib, must pass 12K punch test). A good competition
mask for foil and epee will cost approximately $75. Three
weapon masks and the stronger FIE masks will run anywhere from $95
to $275.
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Underarm protector
(plastron) come in a large variety of materials and will cost
from $16 to $100.
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Working
weapons (epees must pass weight and shim test)
Competing at the local or national level, a fencer must have at
least two working weapons. Electric weapons run from $65 to
$150. For novice competitors many vendors offer an electric beginner
set (blade, body cord, etc.) for around $100-150.
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Working
body cords - A body cord connects the fencer's blade to the
scoring equipment. Two body cords are required in official
competitions and they are not interchangeable between the foil and
epee. Body cords cost $15 -$35.
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Chest protector is
mandatory for women and it will cost about $25.
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Lame is the outer
garment defining the target area in foil and saber. Foil lames
will cost between $40 - $135 while Saver lames cost $85 - $255.
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Knickers may be
purchased for $50 -$230.
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Long white socks that
reach bottom of knickers. Note: soccer socks work well.
Price $10.
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Fencing shoes or sneakers
can be purchased for $45 to $190. Any flat soled deck shoe (Cross
Trainers, Keds or Squash type shoes)
with a light or white flexible sole will work. However, dedicated
fencing shoes will offer extra protection to the heel and the inside
of the foot.
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Fencing bag to carry gear.
Prices range from $25 to $300 depending on the type of bag selected.
Optional Equipment
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Water Bottle
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Towel and plastic bag for
wet equipment
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Tool Kit (screwdrivers for tip and
pommel, spare screws, springs, Allen wrench, small white cloth to
use as base, small magnet, flashlight)
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Test Box and
weight and shims will help avoid penalties on strip for nonworking
equipment
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NOTE: Be sure to put your
name on all of your equipment with a permanent Sharpie Pen.
For details on
caring for your equipment see
All Star
Activities Tips for Caring for Your Fencing Equipment Page. |
