Buying your own kit & weapons
Once you have completed the Beginners Course and decided to take out club membership you will need to start buying your own kit. The Beginners Course always takes priority over club kit meaning it may not be available once you have completed the course. Any kit that is left over may be borrowed by club members, but we cannot guarantee you will have access to it at all times.
Have a read through this comprehensive guide to help buying kit and if you require any extra help or advice our coaches and club members will be happy to help.
The Basic Essentials
As you will know by now fencing is split into two types, Steam and Electric. Steam means you aren’t plugged into the electric scoring equipment on the piste, electric, you are. Steam kit differs from electric, beginners start on steam but progress fairly quickly onto electric, we recommend you buy electric kit from the off, to save you replacing it later.
The essential basics you need for ‘electric’ fencing are: Jacket (350 Newtons), Under-Plastron (800 Newtons), Breeches (350/800 Newtons), Socks, Insulated Mask CEN 1, Electric Glove, Lame and Body Wire, Shoes and if female a Chest Protector and males have the option for one also. (Theres nothing wrong with buying kit with higher Newtons). And finally a bag to put it all in!
Before making your first purchase there is lots to consider. Just what do you need? How much fencing will you be doing? Are you wanting to compete? What should you get first? This list is fairly comprehensive but the essential bits are the clothing that must conform with the FIE/BF (governing bodies) regulations. We recommend you don’t buy kit from e-bay and similar sources as it probably wont meet the latest safety regulations, unless its the Leon Paul Ebay shop. Check you are buying kit with the correct 'Newtons' for fencing in competitions outside the club, it will state what the kit is suitable for in the product listing. This could be inter-club, region or national competitions.
Kit Manufacturers
There are a few kit manufacturers ranging in price and quality. At the high quality end take a look at Leon Paul . If you order from Leon Paul though our club you will take advantage of the clubs 10% discount and shared delivery prices, have a look at the other manufacturers too.
Newtons?
Newtons refer to the thickness of the fabric which is intended to stop any broken blades penetrating through the fabric into our bodies! In the UK garments with a rating of 350 Newtons are satisfactory and safe for club use and some regional competition use, however, all Plastrons must be 800 Newtons and Sabre gloves also. As you start competing in higher level competitions like National Opens and overseas you will need a higher level of Newtons which is classed as FIE kit, which means it meets with the International Federation of Fencings standards.
Sizing
Fencing kit sizing is unique! It doesn’t bear any relation to ordinary clothing!! Use the manufacturers sizing charts, or ring them for help, sometimes Leon Paul will have a kit stand at a local competition, where you can also try kit on. They are usually very helpful. Alternatively see if you can try kit at the club for size.
Leon Paul Starter Kits
These kits are available for adults and juniors and are brilliant value, they have everything you need to get you going with electric fencing at club and UK competition level. They are a really helpful company, fencers themselves, and used to giving out good advice about buying kit. Starter Kits
Jackets
Jackets come in various sizes and are right or left handed, they can differ in size from company to company and for club and some competitions must be at least 350 Newtons but are also available at 800 Newtons for higher level competitions.
Under Plastron
Like the jackets, under-plastrons come in various sizes and left/right handed, however under BF and FIE regulations they must be 800 Newtons.
Breeches & Socks
Breeches and long socks are worn when fencing electric, like the jackets they must be at least 350 Newtons but are also available at 800 Newtons for higher level competitions.
Glove
You only need one glove for your sword hand, they come in various qualities and prices, so look for comfort and affordability. We advise getting an ‘electric’ glove from the off to avoid re purchase later. A special ‘lame’ glove is required for sabre and these must be 800 Newtons.
Chest Protectors
It is a BF/FIE safety regulation that women/girls wear a chest protector, as it is dangerous for women to get hit in the chest. There are also mens/boys versions too but they are not mandatory for men. The protectors come in various sizes and are worn over the top of your T shirt, underneath your jacket and plastron. Some of our female members don’t recommend using the individual ‘cup guards’ as they don’t give enough protection around the bust area, the full chest protectors provide much more coverage and don’t move when hit.
Masks
For starting out in Foil we advise going for a mask like the Leon Paul - Horizon mask, this is a great mask which will be great for club and competition use, you will not be needing an FIE mask at this stage. This mask also doubles up as an Epee mask but Sabre masks are very different so please ask the sabreurs for help with this if you intend to move to Sabre.
Shoes
You can buy special fencing shoes at a whole range of prices, its totally up to you! Many fencers still wear squash shoes which are perfect if you are on a tighter budget. The fencing manufacturers have all kinds of different designs with stability bars and extra shock absorbers and many are very lightweight. The only thing we would advise is to keep away from huge chunky trainers, they are cumbersome and hinder fencing and footwork as you can’t feel the floor properly, any shoes you buy must be non-marking.
Lames
Lames are the silver-shiny, tin-foil type jackets that conduct the electrical current form your sword to the electric scoring box. Foilists and Sabreurs need special lames but Epeeists don’t require them. Lames come in normal or lightweight versions, the latter tends to be more expensive but they are light, cooler and well worth the money, especially if you get hot easily! Don’t worry about the lame for now, we have a certain amount at the club that can be shared.
Body Wires
Body wires are pretty cheap and can be bought from all kit suppliers. Foil and Sabre wires are the same but you will need special Epee wires. Sabreurs will also need a short ‘mask to lame’ wire, it is a good idea to buy yourself a wire as we don’t carry them at the club.
Now for your weapons!!
After all that you will probably be desperate for your first weapon! We recommend you buy an electric weapon straight form the off and you have it assembled buy the manufacturer as a complete weapon. Weapons are right or left handed and there are a whole range of blades, grips and guards.
Foil & Epee
The main decision about buying foils and epees are which grips to buy. Most of the club foil and epees have a traditional french grips whilst most competitive fencers use orthopaedic/pistol grips as they are more comfortable in the hand, especially when fencing for long periods, however there are benefits from both. The pistol grips come in different sizes so you need to find the right size for you. Foil guards come in standard or lightweight, again its personal choice.
Sabre
With sabre there is only one handle shape but you will need to choose the material, there are plastic, rubber or leather versions, and again the guards are standard or lightweight. There are many sabre blades to choose from, some in lovely colours too!
Bag
Finally you need a bag to put it all in. Bags come in all shapes, sizes and colours, some with wheels and some over the shoulder. However if you have a bag that fits your kit now, you will need another later once you accumulate more kit! So its worth buying one with extra room now!
Branded Clubwear
We have a range of branded Chilwell Blades merchandise, T shirts, Hoodies and Jackets, at certain times throughout the year we place a club order and you will be advised when an order is being placed.
To Summerise
It is possible to spend a huge amount of money on the ‘top of the range’ blades, clothes and masks, when you are selected for the British team for the World or European Championships you might need them then, but not before! So buy what you need and yes you can upgrade some items if you wish, there is nothing wrong with buying higher grade kit.
Once you have kit of your own, you take a step up, you will feel like a fencer and the commitment you have shown in getting all kitted up will show in your performance. You will feel a part of the club and get greater enjoyment from fencing on the electric pistes and of course you will be able to attend our second fight night of fencing. If you have any further questions please see coaches or club members, don’t be afraid to ask for advice before you take the plunge!
Happy Shopping!