If you’re just starting out, our foil and epee programs have loaner equipment available for use. Please work with your coach to identify what equipment you need.
Foil Equipment
If you are looking to all equipment you need at once, we recommend this starter set. Work with our coaches can help size you for all of your equipment in class.
Recreational vs. Competitive
Recreational fencers who want their own gear can in general opt for inexpensive items and should buy in this order: mask/mask cord, foil(s) & body cord(s), lame, 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 for competing in tournaments are:
● minimum 2 weapons (Youth-10 must use the shorter #2 blade)
● minimum 2 body cords
● minimum 2 mask cords
● mask with electric bib; must pass conductivity and punch test (can be conducted at the club and in tournament)
● lame that fits properly and passes a conductivity test (can be conducted at the club and in tournament)
● glove; must be free of holes
● fencing knickers worn with tall socks that fully cover the leg
● fencing jacket
● underarm protector
● chest protector for females of any age; please note the new 2018 rule requirements noted below
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, and our coaches can provide advice on what to buy. Adult fencers who compete should buy the best equipment their budget allows.
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.
This connects your mask to your lame for electric scoring. Recreational fencers need one mask cord; competitive fencers must have at least two.
This connects your weapon to the scoring equipment. Foil fencers buy two-prong foil cords. Allstar/Uhlmann brand is recommended but not required.
There are many options with foils, so if you are in doubt, check with a coach or club representative 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: Visconti extra small or small depending on hand size. Most fencers (even adults) use a size small.
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.
Bags are extremely durable, so buy one for the long term. Keep your whites separate from electric components, especially when sweaty.
Gloves wear out quite fast. Pick an affordable option that provides comfort. Gloves with tactile ‘grip pads’ are nice, but not required.
Jacket ($35-300)
If you are buying your own online, try some club jackets at the club 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.
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. 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. More padding is nice for newer and younger fencers, otherwise picking an affordable option here is fine.
A Note About 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. Coach Nick personally recommends and uses Asics Gel Rockets.
Vendors