Fencing Equipment

Fencing is a fun and active sport. Over the past few years, more and more youth and adults are being introduced to fencing as a lifelong sport that teaches self-reliance and, since you're simulating sword fighting, is just plain cool.

When you are starting out, many fencing clubs will lend or rent you the basic equipment, especially if you are taking a group beginner course. Once you've completed the course, and are hooked, you will be encouraged to buy your own set of fencing gear. 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." These fencing starter kits have all the "basic needs" items pre-assembled and sold as a bundle.

In order to get what you need, you should understand the necessary "staples" of fencing equipment and also what you do and don't need to upgrade. Often beginners can take the stock starter kits and be set for a while, but there are several items that are worth upgrading sooner rather than later.

A fencing mask is one of the most vital pieces of protective gear. We're playing with fencing foils, epees, and sabres, and you don't want to poke an eye out!

There are a couple of different types of masks: FIE and Standard range. The FIE range is certified by the international fencing federation for use in World Cup, World Championship and Olympic events.

Standard, or non-FIE masks, are perfectly safe. They just don't have the extra strong mesh and bib materials that FIE masks do. Most fencers start with a standard range, and then upgrade to FIE masks after they are doing multiple competitions per month or fencing in the NAC (North American Cup) circuit.

The fencing uniform consists of the fencing jacket, pants (or knickers) and underarm protector (or plastron). Women are also required to wear a plastic chest protector in competition and some men choose to wear a chest plate as well.

Fencing Jacket

The fencing jacket is required for any fencing class. While you may not need an underarm protector or fencing pants for your beginner class, you'll need a jacket. Some fencing clubs keep a stock of back zip jackets for use by students. These are jackets that have a zipper in the back, you you'll need flexible shoulders or have a friend zip you up.

Most fencers purchase a front zip jacket when they are getting their own gear. The zipper must be on the opposite side of your weapon arm, so a right-handed jacket will have the zipper on the left side, and a left-handed jacket will have the zipper on the right. This is for your protection, since you don't want the fencing foil to have a chance of penetrating the zipper.

Cotton or Nylon?

Fencing uniforms come in cotton and synthetic fibres. The least expensive uniforms are made from heavy cotton - almos a heavy denim - and are thicker than a nylon or polyester uniform. The cotton jackets sold for the beginner range are not pre-shrunk so you cannot put them in the dryer. (Or, if you do, you'll have a fencing jacket for your cat!)

The polyester jackets are lighter and often more stretchable but are thinner. If you are primarily concerned with bruising, either get a chest plate or go with the cotton jacket. If you can afford the slightly better synthetics then go with the lighter weight stretch jackets.

Fencing Pants

Fencing pants should be comfortable but not baggy. They should come down just past the knee and not ride up over the knee when in a full lunge. Make sure that when you lunge the crotch doesn't cut up into you or you won't be able to get full range of motion. Fencing pants are often called "knickers" or "breeches".

Underarm Protector (or Plastron)

The plastron is a vital piece of safety equipment. It is a "half shirt" that goes under the fencing jacket and covers the chest and upper arm of the weapon side of the fencer. This extra layer of protection keeps the lungs and chest cavity safe if there is a break in the blade. Of the few serious injuries in fencing, a good proportion can be traced to the fencer not wearing their plastron.

Additional chest protection is available in the form of a hard plastic chest protector. This is mandatory for women and optional for men.