Fencing gear is expensive stuff and as the long list of Manufacturers is testament to the fact that there is a bewildering range of manufacturers to choose from. This section gives some suggestions as what to look for when purchasing goods. As fencers become more experienced the style in which they fence becomes more personalised and thus what they look for in a particular piece of equipment will vary, thus this guide is aimed at the less experienced fencer (although not exclusively). Also we’d like to make clear that we don’t want to produce a generation or clones all equipped alike, there are many manufacturers who we haven’t tried. So if you’ve got more/less cash or fancy something different you're welcome to try elsewhere, just let us know and we can pass your experiences on to others.

What should I buy first? As a general rule a glove is a good first purchase, probably followed by a blade (electric as the club has loads of steam ones). You would then probably appreciate a mask or jacket next!

What is FIE equipment? FIE stands for federation international d'ecrime (the international fencing body), kit marked with this is essential for international ‘A-Grade’ competitions (which none of us are ever likely to do). The kit is made from the best materials available therefore offering greater protection and longevity. It is a little more expensive but will last much longer and allow you to compete in any competition you wish!

How do current regulations effect what I should buy? Standards of safety in this potentially hazardous sport are constantly being updated and improved. The most recent amendment in the regulations, expected to come into effect in 2005, is that all protective clothing (jackets, plastrons and breeches) must be able to withstand 350N or more. For this reason most suppliers are discontinuing their cheaper, less resistant clothing. So make sure that what you are purchasing complies with this regulation or you could find yourself forking out again very soon.

Clothes

Glove
Look for: Three weapon washable gloves are essential to keep your fingers intact.
Novice: One that fits at a good price.
Advanced: One that fits at a good price.

Jacket
Look for:protection minimum 350n or 800n for FIE jackets. Look for one or two way stretch material or panels, weight & wicking linings.
Novice: Leon Paul Club/Comp range; Swordpricefighters; or thefencingshop.co.uk
Advanced:See what you like - these are the bees knees.

Breeches
Look for: A good fit as breeches must overlap with the jacket, material (see jacket) & level of protection.
Novice: can't really go wrong with www.thefencingshop.co.uk
Advanced: depends on your shape. Leon Paul & Allstar for a slimmer fitted look, Uhlmann for the more portly bavarian shape.

Plastron
Look for: Something that fits comfortably under your jacket, there must not be any seams under the arm, padding (some epee plastrons), full body (can be used left or right handed) or half, protection offered & material.
only buy 800N (350N can only be used for steam foil)
Novice: anything 800N
Advanced: as above (maybe consider full body or light weight)

Socks
Look for: Size as must overlap with breeches, padding & comfort.
Novice: Long (white!) rugby socks.
Advanced: If you want to get fancy fencing socks with a logo and padding and bells on then look at Allstar (Adidas). Better off going to Sports Direct in town and getting some rugby socks for a fraction of the price!

Shoes
Look for: Something with a flat sole & good grip on indoor surfaces.
Novice: Hi-tec squash shoe (just about everyone’s first pair of fencing shoes). Every fencer has some at some point because they are fantastic! £15, just as good as fancy shoes, last you longer!
Advanced: Either Adidas or Hi-tec dedicated fencing shoes.

Bag
Look for: Size, material, colour & roll-bag.
Novice: A standard guitar shaped sack or straight bag. See Allstar's Ecostar.
Advanced: Anything so big you can sleep in it at competitions. Wheels will save you ripping your arm out of its socket while walking around trying to find an obscure venue in a town you've never been to before!

Mask (Foil & Epee)
Look for: Level of protection (again in Newton’s), insulation (don’t bother buying non-insulated masks as they can’t be used in competition), removable/washable padding (often referred to as comfort plus) comfort & adjustability.
The foil target area has recently changed to include a section of the bib! BEWARE OF 2ND HAND MASKS!
Novice:  The Leon Paul F100C contour fit.
Advanced: Leon Paul x-change mask or Allstar/Uhlmann FIE.

Mask (Sabre)
Look for: As above, but not insulated (obviously).
Novice: The fencing shop/Swordprice fighters
Advanced: Leon Paul x-change

Foil Lame
Look for: Cut (as it’s the target area), washable or not and colour. Really there isn’t much difference in lames so just get the best deal you can. Fit must be as follows; the sides of the lame must sit on or below your hips when standing, when en guard and when on a full lunge.
Novice: PBT
Advanced: Allstar/Uhlmann / Leon Paul lightweight

Sabre Lame
Look for: As above. Fit must be as follows. The lame must be in line with the top of the crease where ones leg meets ones torso when standing, when en guard and when on the full lunge i.e., it is below the waist and it is below the hips
Novice: Jiang/Swordpricefighters
Advanced: Allstar/Uhlmann / Leon Paul lightweight

Blades And Body Wires

If you are going to buy a blade you might as well buy a decent one which will last more than 5 minutes, which you like and which suits your style of fencing. Shop around and ask experienced fencers for their advice.

Foil
Look for: Size 5, flexibility, type of handle, blade weight, guard weight, balance & type of tip.
Novice: Allstar/Uhlmann EF23 or Leon Paul Paul France.
Advanced: matter of preference really, but any FIE maraging blades, especially Allstar/Uhlmann BF blades or Leon Paul maraging.

Epee
Look for: As for foil.
Novice: Leon Paul v section blade or Allstar/Uhlmann eco-star
Advanced: BF FIE maraging (probably the best), or SM FIE maraging (slightly lighter)

Sabre
Look for: S2000 blades, size 5, balance, blade weight, & guard weight.
Novice: Allstar 2000
Advanced: Allstar 2000 or PBT

Body wires
Look for: Solid/flexible sockets & type of bayonet plug for sabre/foil.
Novice: Leon Paul undeniably make the best body wires, and I don't even like them!
Advanced: as above