Buying Equipment

On this page, we identify the different pieces of equipment that you need to buy, and the priority in which you might want to purchase it (priority 1 = purchase this very soon; priority 3 = this can wait until you start going to competitions).

We have included links and suggestions to products that either the coaches, or our fencers have found to be satisfactory. Where different options are provided, there may be significant price differences between them, or different fencers may simply have reported different preferences.

Please note that we make no guarantees regarding either the vendors, or the equipment here. This page is simply a series of suggestions based on positive experiences that our coaches and fencers have had in the past with both the equipment and the vendors. There are many other options for equipment (many of which will be cheaper than the options listed here) which you can find by browsing the internet or talking to other fencers / parents. If you would like to look at the available options, you can start by browsing some vendor websites that are listed on our links page.

You will see the label 'FIE' a lot on this page. 'FIE' equipment offers the highest level of protection as it has been tested to much higher standards than non-FIE equipment (an FIE mask is tested to withstand forces in excess of 1600N, whereas a regular mask may only have been tested to withstand 350N, if at all - some of the cheapest equipment has very little testing done on it). Of course, FIE equipment tends to be significantly more expensive. Whether it is worth the extra expense is a personal choice, though in some situations, the coaches will strongly recommend the use of FIE equipment. If in doubt, please talk to one of the coaches.

Glove (Priority 1):

For hygiene reasons, we recommend that fencers purchase their own gloves as early as possibe in their fencing careers. We find that gloves will typically last between 12 and 18 months.

We have found our foil and epeé fencers like the Leon Paul Advanced Glove, the Athos 3 weapon glove, or the Uhlmann Washable Glove. Many of our sabre fencers will use their foil glove and add a manchette to it for sabre. Other sabre fencers prefer the Leon Paul Advanced Sabre Glove and will use separate gloves for foil and sabre.

Notebook (Priority 1):

We strongly recommend all fencers bring a notebook to practice in which they can write down what they learn. This helps greatly with allowing lessons to sink in, and facilitates the retention of knowledge between practices. Keeping a training journal is a requirement for fencers in our competitive programs, and we have found that fencers in our intro and recreational classes who keep regular notes tend to progress at a faster rate than those who do not.  Coaches can help to show you how to make best use of a training journal - you only have to ask!

Mask (priority 1):

The mask is the piece of equipment that fits between your eyes and your opponent's blade. There are many cheap options, but we strongly recommend investing in a good quality mask. Growth spurts not withstanding, most masks will last at least 18 months, and good qualify masks can last considerably longer (we have fencers who are using masks that are over 5 years old). We suggest that the mask is an early purchase since many fencers find that they are much more comfortable in their own mask, rather than a shared one.

Our coaches and fencers seem to like the Leon Paul FIE Foil X-Change Mask, for foil fencers (make sure you order a regular practice (non-conductive) bib with it too), and the Leon Paul FIE Sabre X-Change Mask for sabre fencers. The AF FIE mask is a slightly cheaper option for foil fencers, as is the Leon Paul Horizon Mask. The AF Signature Series (Removable) mask is a cheaper option for sabre fencers. We strongly recommend purchasing an 'FIE' mask as it offers a far higher degree of protection.

Sabre fencers (and foil fencers with conductive bibs) will require a mask cord.

Sous-plastrons (Priority 1):

Sous-plastrons (also known as underarm protectors) sit under the jacket and offer an extra layer of protection to fencers. Many people seem to like the Leon Paul Lightweight FIE underarm protector, the AF FIE ultra underarm protector or the Junior Standard underarm protector depending on sizing and shape. We recommend purchasing an FI sous-plastron.

Chest Protector (Priority 1):

Plastic chest protectors are mandatory for girls, and are optional for boys. For competitions, boys are required to wear the chest protector against the skin (girls may wear them under the sous-plastron). We have found that fencers like the Econo, Maxi or Master Guard Protectors, or the  Leon Paul Chest Protectors (they are very similar).  Smaller fencers may find better success with the BG Chest Protectors. A few fencers (girls only) prefer Cup Guards which are an alternative to chest protectors.  Chest protectors typically have a long lifespan (people tend to outgrow them before they wear out).

Jacket (Priority 2):

Fencers spend a lot of time in their jackets, so it's important to buy something that feels comfortable. Our younger fencers seem to like the Leon Paul Phoenix Range or the Absolute Fencing FIE Signature Series. Our older fencers tend to like either the Leon Paul Pheonix Range, the Absolute Fencing FIE Signature Series or the Leon Paul Team 360 FIE Range. Smaller adults might like the Negrini High Performance or Evolution series (both are FIE). Like sous-plastrons, jackets tend to be outgrown before they wear out.

Shoes (Priority 2):

Having proper footwear for fencing is key. There are a few special fencing shoes out there, such as the Hi-Tec Blades, or Scimitars, and these work very well for some fencers, but most of our fencers seem to like using a good indoor soccer shoe, or trainers which are considerably cheaper. Generally it's good to look for something that is fairly low-profile. Coaches or fencers may have suggestions if you talk to them. Expect fencing shoes to last around 6 months - you may get more wear out of them, but fencing is typically very hard on shoes. Often our fencers will use their shoes for 6 months, and then cycle them into 'daily use' shoes for another 6 - 8 months before they fall apart entirely!

First Aid Kit (Priority 2):

It is a good idea to bring a small first aid kit containing plasters and some antiseptic wipes to practice since bumps and scrapes can occur during practices. Safety pins are also useful things to have on hand for a multitude of reasons! The club does have a well stocked first aid kit, and we have ice packs on hand, but if there are any special medications or precautions that you need, it's a good idea to be prepared. Also, please make sure that all fencers know to let a coach know if they are in need of first aid - whilst we try to keep a close eye on everybody, it's always a good idea to let us know!

Equipment listed below this point is required for people enrolled in one of our competitive programs only - intro, youth  and recreational fencers can stop reading here!

 

Bodywires (Priority 2):

Bodywires are essential for electric fencing. The only wires that are compatible with our club equipment are the Leon Paul Bayonet wires. Bodywires may need repair, but typically last for several years. Initially, you should purchase two body wires. Eventually, travelling fencers may want four or five.

Weapons (Priority 2):

We have put together some suggestions for weapons here. Please be aware that weapons can have very short life spans, and this is normal for our sport (the average life expentancy is around 12 - 24 months for an FIE blade, and 3 - 6 months for a non-FIE blade). Initially, fencers require two weapons. Eventually, travelling fencers will want at least three. Once you have purchased enough weapons, you may be able to recycle some parts when things break. However, please also be aware that as fencers grow within the sport, the blade configurations they need may well change. We strongly recommend against weapons being used for practice at home.

Lamé Jackets (Priority 2):

Lamé jackets are the metal jackets which fit over the regular fencing uniform and connect people to the electric scoring systems. They are used regularly in the club for our competitive programs, and are required for all competitions. Lamé jackets tend to have fairly short life spans (around 12 months) so we recommend staying away from the most expensive options. However, beware of very cheap jackets as the metal fibres tend to be made of copper which often has a very short lifespan. Many of our fencers seem to like the AF Signature Series or the Leon Paul standard weight lamés (stay away from the lightweight jackets as they don't tend to last as long).

Bags (Priority 2):

Now that you've bought all this equipment, you need somewhere to put it! Westdale Fencing Club has a branded bag that is available through the club - please talk to Terri if this is of interest. There are a wide number of options for bags, which vary in price dramatically. We have had very good success with the Leon Paul Freewheeler Pro bag (which is the same as the WFC bags, just without our screen printing), the Leon Paul Freewheeler bag, and mixed success with the AF Competition Roll Bag. Some people use golf bags with varying degrees of success. The Leon Paul FreeRunner Bag looks interesting, but we haven't much experience with it. It is possible to get bags without wheels, but they can be very hard on the back. We have had bags last from as short as 3 months to 6+ years depending on the amount of usage, the care taken with the bags, and the amount of travel involved (flying is very hard on bags).

Toolkit (Priority 2):

It's a good idea to start to piece together a basic toolkit which will allow you to start to do your own basic repairs. A good guide to what you might want is available here. A needle and thread are also very useful things to have on hand for quick fixes (as is a bottle of nail polish). Instructions on how to make basic repairs (including excellent guides to how much of the equipment works) are available here. Armoury can be very fiddly, so it's a good idea to take an OFA Weapon Technician Course if you want to repair your own equipment, or to make friends with one of the more experienced fencers or parents who might be able to help you out (for a fee!).

Fencing Socks (Priority 3):

Fencing socks are longer than regular socks, and often have extra padding along the shin. They are required when fencing breeches are worn. Many of our fencers seem to like the AF breathable fencing socks. Leon Paul Advanced Fencing Socks are another popular choice. Any other long white sock that covers the entire lower leg will be fine. Some people like to wear coloured socks, but at higher levels of comeptition, they must be white. Some fencers like to wear shin pads under their socks, which is perfectly acceptable.

Breeches (Priority 3):

Breeches, also known as 'fencing pants' or 'knickers' replace track pants for competition and practice as they offer a little more protection for the legs. They are not required in the club, but they are required for many of the competitions. Youth fencers may like the Leon Paul Phoenix Range or the Absolute Fencing FIE Signature Series. Older fencers may like either the Leon Paul Phoenix Range, the AF FIE Signature Series or the Leon Paul Team 360 FI Range. Smaller adults might like the Negrini High Performance or Evolution FIE series. Like jackets, breeches tend to be outgrown before they wear out.