Need Equipment?
We provide practice equipment for group classes and private lessons, but we do not provide electrical gear for Sparring. Therefore, at some point you'll probably want to buy your own equipment. This is especially true if you are interested in trying some tournaments (see below for equipment lists). Most people start buying their gear after they have been fencing for two or three months. While we try to stock some of the more essential equipment for weapon maintenance, including wires and blades, we encourage our fencers to use one of the vendors shown below.
Suggested Equipment Vendors on the Internet
Although there are a lot of vendors online, we tend to use these four. If their catalogues seem confusing, we will be happy to make recommendations on brands and types of equipment according to your needs. Please note that children aged 8-10 use a Size 2 weapon; Ages 11-12 use a Size 4; Ages 13+ use a Size 5.
- The Fencing Post - www.thefencingpost.com
- The Fencing Post is located in Escondido, CA. If you need something fast, they can usually get it to you the next day, without additional shipping charges
- Leon Paul - www.leonpaulusa.com
- Leon Paul is very innovative when it comes to fencing equipment, especially their blades and their clothing. Consider Leon Paul if you want to get the top-of-the-line. In our opinioin, their Xchange masks are the best you can get; and their "Phoenix" line of jackets and pants are the best non-FIE clothing on the market. Note: since their goods are made in London, you are going to pay British Pounds, and there will be a foreign exchange fee.
- Triplette Competition Arms -- www.triplette.com
- The great thing about Triplette is that all their house brand equipment is made in the good old U-S-of-A. Their prices may be a little higher than Absolute, but the clothing is good quality.
What to buy (and estimated costs)
Most fencers tend to pick up their equipment and assemble their arsenal one or two items at a time. For that reason, I tried to list equipment in order of importance. I put an electrical weapon first because owning one is necessary to participate at Advanced Sparring classes. Please contact us for specifications on what type of weapon to buy. Prices shown are estimates and reflect both the low and the high-end of what is available at the sites listed above. Obviously, those new to the sport should consider the cheaper equipment (especially those younger fencers who seem to outgrow their clothes every other month). In most cases, though, the more expensive items do last longer.
- Electric Weapon: $45 -- $150
- Mask: $60 -- $200
- Jacket: $70 -- $200
- Glove for weapon-hand: $12 -- $20
- Underarm protector and Chest Plate: $25/each
- Body cords: $30 - $40
- Electrical Jacket (Lamé): $40 -- $150
- Fencing Shoes (or indoor court shoes): $50 -- $200
- Fencing Pants (Knickers): $45 -- $200
- A bag to carry everything: $20 -- $80
- More weapons and body cords (most fencers have at least 3 of each)
- A toolkit (see below)
Toolkits
Every competitive fencer needs to know how to work on his or her weapons. Below is a list of some tools you will need. Many of these items can be bought at local hardware stores.
- set of small screwdrivers (find at any hardware store)
- foil or epee weight
- test box
- 6mm hex wrench
- 7mm and 8mm open face wrenches for sockets
- slightly larger flat-head screwdriver
- small crescent wrench
- needle nose pliers
- wire strippers
- small Vise Grip or locking pliers
- super glue for wires (I suggest the Office Works glue that you buy at grocery stores. Look for a 2-pack)
- miscellaneous parts: extra wires, lock washers, tip tape, tips, barrels, screws, springs, etc.
