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Featured Fencing
Question
I'd like
to buy my own gear, where should I go? Well there are two questions I
usually ask after someone approaches me about gear. The first question
is always how much do you want to compete in the next 12 months and the
second question is how much do you want to spend. For fencers who are
really jazzed about fencing and want to compete in local and possibly
out of state tournaments where money isn't an issue I usually suggest
getting the Leon Paul USA competition starter set. These sets include
all that a new fencer will need for the first competitions. However,
they aren't cheap running around $500 (free shipping) for a complete set
you get your money's worth when the set lasts several years (barring a
youth student out growing it). For those fencers under 15 years old I
usually recommend going to Absolute Fencing. They have a 7 piece foil
set that provides the new fencer with ALL of the required gear for
competition (minus the electrical stuff). They offer a quality product
for about $200 +shipping. It is cost effective with the quality that I
expect from competitive fencing gear. Here are the links for you to view
the suggested sets:
Leon Paul USA
- Advanced Non Electric Foil Starter Set with the upgrade for
knickers and a contour fit the cost is $479 (additional upgrades will
increase the price, but shipping is included). Leon Paul is great for
students who are finished growing. The equipment quality is superb,
lasting students a long time.
Absolute Fencing-
Absolute offer's two good deals on starter set. The first is a 7
piece non-electric starter set that features all the basics for a
beginning fencer including a bag to put it in. Cost $209 +Shipping. They
also offer a 9 piece set that includes electric features (lame, body
cord & electric weapon) to the 7 piece practice set. Cost is $295 +
Shipping. These sets are recommended for growing students who are
excited about fencing and look forward to competing in tournaments
either local or outside the state. This company offers a great deal for
the quality and quantity you get with the purchase.
Jacquie's Fencing Equipment Mantra...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
So if you decide
to go to Ebay and by your gear, remember that the cheapest gear is
really just that. Used equipment can be purchased but you don't know how
much it's been used and you risk safety and warranty.
Fencers who plan on competing in USFA or FCA events MUST HAVE:
| Mask |
Must have no defects in the mesh and
the bib must come up over the frame of the mask. The mask must
pass a 12K punch test. Saber masks must pass the electrical
resistance test for the bib. |
| Jacket |
Must not have any holes or defects,
must extend down both arms and have a flap on the neck to
prevent blades going up under the bib of the mask. Finally the
jacket must come to the top of the hips and overlap the knickers
by at least 4". |
| Under arm protector |
Must cover to the elbow of the weapon
arm and cover half way across the front and back of the torso.
There must be a panel of material that extends from the
underside off the elbow down the length of the under arm
protector, to prevent points, that pierce through the jacket's
seam, from going further. |
| Knickers |
Knickers must be free of defects
(holes and such). The knickers must extend under the jacket by
4" and below the knees. If there are straps to go over the
shoulders they must be worn appropriately, they can not hang
past the bottom of the jacket. |
| Glove |
Gloves must have a gauntlet that
extends half way up the fore arm. The glove can not have any
holes or defects with the exception of where the cord comes out
to attach to the weapon. Saber fencers must have either a
conductive gauntlet or a manchett (over glove), both must pass
an electric resistance test. |
| Socks |
Socks must extend under the knickers
at least 2". No skin can be showing or the fencer will receive a
yellow card. Soccer socks work well and can be significantly
cheaper to obtain than "fencing" socks. |
| Weapons |
Fencers must come to the strip with at
least two weapons for the event you are fencing. They must pass
appropriate tests when brought to the strip. It is recommended
that fencers come to all tournaments with a minimum of three
weapons, however those traveling out of state should take no
less than 4 weapons in each type (i.e. foils, epees, or sabers)
fenced. |
| Body cords |
Fencers must come to the
strip with at least two checked (tested by the armorer for
resistance) body cords. It is recommended that a fencer come to
any tournament with at least three body cords to avoid possible
carding. Foil & saber cords are the same cord. |
| Shoes |
Fencers must wear some type of
footwear that will stay on the fencers feet during competition
and be non-marking in nature. There is no specific rule on what
type of shoe to wear however it is recommended that you have
shoes with rounded heels that do not have a significant tread,
they should tie up and not be slip on type shoes. |
| Lame's |
For those events that require lame's
they must be tested by the tournament armorer for resistance,
those tested will be marked and are the only ones used during
the tournament. A good lame will be free of any and all holes,
will extend to the hip and include a strap that holds the front
of the lame in place (also called a cuissard). Saber lame's must
cover both arms all the way to the wrist. All lame's will have a
flap over on the neck to protect against points going under the
mask. |
| Names/Printing |
Fencers competing in national level
tournaments (NAC's & Summer Nationals) must have their names
written either on their backs or legs. The letters must not
exceed 4 cm in height and be in blue. Fencers can not have any
other writing on their uniforms. The USFA Athlete handbooks
(www.usfencing.org for a copy) has specific dimensions. Or you
can have it done at the tournament you are attending. |
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