Equipment Guide

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Buying Online vs. Buying at Tournaments

For the most part, you will buy your equipment online; you will have the widest range of choices and prices online (see Vendor list below). Some of the larger tournaments in Texas have an equipment vendor on-site; buying directly has the advantage of letting you see and try on equipment, but there is less choice available. You can look at the online local tournament database, www.askfred.net, for tournament listings, but it’s is safe to assume any SYC and many of the larger RYCs and ROC events will have vendors present.

Recreational vs. Competitive Fencers

Recreational fencers are welcome to use the club gear for their first six months of fencing. At that point you should start the process of acquiring your own equipment. When you’re starting out, you can opt for inexpensive items and should generally purchase in this order: jacket, glove, mask/mask cord, fencing pants, underarm and chest protectors, lame, foil(s), body cord(s), and bag.

Competitive fencers are expected to buy and maintain their own gear. Competitive fencers should opt for good-quality gear that provides a higher level of durability and safety. Competitive fencers need all the equipment on this list.

Requirements (minimums quantities) for competing in tournaments are:

Linked below are our basic recommendations from Blue Gauntlet with more details in the rest of this guide on picking sizes and other details

Starter Kit For Competitive Fencing

How Much To Spend?

There is a wide range of prices for fencing gear. In general, the younger and newer to the sport a fencer is, the cheaper you can go. Young fencers can quickly outgrow jackets, lames, knickers, and masks, so beware of over-spending. Fencers who compete should buy sturdier equipment, which generally means more expensive; you will need to balance the cost of items the fencer may outgrow vs safety and durability. One of our coaches can provide advice on what to buy. Adult fencers who compete should buy the best equipment their budget allows.

Mask ($53-300)

Foil fencers need a mask with a conductive bib. Epee fencers do not need the conductive bib. Try on several masks as the club to get an idea of  your size. Vendors also typically have detailed sizing information online. An inexpensive mask is fine for younger fencers who are still growing. Adults and competitive youth fencers may want to buy a more durable (i.e., more expensive) mask.

Mask Cord ($7-10)

This connects your mask to your lame for electric scoring. Recreational fencers need one mask cord; competitive fencers must have at least two.

Body Cord ($15-35)

This connects your weapon to the scoring equipment. Foil fencers buy two-prong foil cords. Allstar/Uhlmann brand is recommended but not required.

Foil ($42-150)

There are many options with foils, so if you are in doubt, check with one of the coaches before buying. Competitive fencers need at least two weapons.

  • Blade length: #5 for most. Under-10s compete with a #2. Buy a #5 unless you compete in Youth-10 events. Competitive fencers should choose the more durable maraging blades when possible.

  • Left hand vs right hand: specify your preference

  • Foil point/tip: German

  • Grip: French unless otherwise instructed by a coach

  • Foil socket: 2-prong

  • Guard: cheapest option is fine. Choose whatever you prefer.

  • Foil pad: cheapest option is fine. Choose whatever you prefer.

Lame ($50-200)

This is the metallic vest used for electric fencing. When buying, choose men's vs women's (kid sizes are often unisex) and right-handed vs left-handed. Try some lames at the club to get an idea of your size. The younger and newer to fencing you are, the cheaper you can go. Adults and regularly-competing youth fencers should consider buying a higher quality lame for durability. For serious competitive fencers, it is a good idea to have an inexpensive practice lame and a higher-quality competition lame.

Bag ($75-350)

Bags are extremely durable, so buy one for the long term. AFC recommends a rolling/wheeled bag with separate sections for weapons and uniform (prevents rust on both)

Glove ($12-50)

Regular members (i.e., not adult beginner or summer camp program) fencers are provided a glove with their registration. You can buy gloves at the club for $12, or choose a different style of glove online.

Jacket ($35-300)

Regular members (i.e., not adult beginner or summer camp program) fencers are provided a jacket with their registration. If you are buying your own online, try some club jackets to determine your size. Children's jackets are typically unisex; for adults and larger youth fencers, there are men's and women's options. You will need to specify left-handed vs right-handed.

Knickers ($30-200)

Knickers are required only for competition; sweatpants are fine for training at the club. The club has knickers to lend for kids who compete only occasionally, but competitive fencers should buy their own.

Chest Protector ($25-40)

Mandatory for females of any age; optional but recommended for younger male fencers. Important update for 2018: a new rule requiring a soft fabric, foam, or EVA covering for all chest protectors means that AFC's current stock of chest protectors no longer meet competitive regulations. Unfortunately, our female fencers must now purchase their own. Take care to buy a protector that meets the new 2018 covering requirement!

Underarm Protector/Plastron ($15-100)

A safety item that is required for competition. 

Shoes

Nike and Adidas both make shoes specifically for fencing; they are expensive and are probably only worth it if you are a serious competitive fencer. In general, any indoor-court shoe with a low sole is perfectly suitable for fencing. Volleyball and racquetball shoes are a good choice.