Equipment
For the new fencer
After taking out membership with us you will be entitled to weekly lessons (subject to availability of coaching staff), follow-up courses, use of the club's electrical equipment and to take part in internal and external competitions arranged by the Club. You may (for a short period of time) continue to use basic equipment such as jackets and masks but priority always has to go to the New Fencers courses. So now is the time to consider buying your own equipment.
NB. New regulations from 1st January 2006 include 800n plastron for electric equipment and 350n minimum for jackets and breeches. From 1st Jan 2004 all fencers not on a beginners course will be required to wear fencing breeches (min 350N). The club does not provide many pairs of breeches so you will need to buy these as son as you finish a course or before you fence at the club.
Weapons
Non-electric -'steam' -foils are fine for training but there are now very few competitions where they are used. The club is well provided with these for you to use on club nights, so if buying any weapons, consider going electric from the start. Electric foils cost from £36, compared with a 'steam' foil at about £25. Make sure you buy one with the normal UK standard bayonet (Leon Paul) type socket, not the two-pin continental type.
At present, the club has a few electric over jackets ('lames') for you to borrow, but you should buy your own as soon as possible. They cost about £70.
If you become interested in epee or sabre, start with the Club equipment. When you are ready to get your own, epees cost about £60; sabres about £40.
Even if you want to rely on club equipment for a while, do buy you own body wire, because those the club buys tend to disappear! This costs about £13 foil, £12 epee. Make sure the foil wire has a bayonet type plug, for reasons above.
Clothing
Jacket
This the important bit because the newest fencers have priority and it will not always be possible to get the right fit from the Club cupboard. We would not recommend a lower quality than the Leon Paul or Blades jackets that the Club buys. These cost £70. You will also need an under-jacket 'plastron' at about £15-20. Women, especially if they want to do Epee, should consider a one-piece chest protector at £25. All new equipment must now conform to new 350Newton regulations – this should not be a problem for purchasing new equipment but be aware.
Mask
This is the most critical item from the safety point of view. You should get an insulated one (black nylon-coated mesh). These cost about £50. If you feel like committing to fencing in the long-term, for £85 you can get one to full international (FIE) standard, with stainless steel mesh which will never rust, this being the biggest danger.
Breeches
Wellesbourne follows BFA guidelines to ensure the safety of club members and to meet the requirements for insurance cover. This means that all fencers MUST wear clothing which provides adequate protection, particularly breeches and knee-length socks. If you are unsure of whether your kit meets safety standards, please ask any member of the committee.
Socks
You will need these. When you wear breeches, your socks/stockings must cover the rest of your legs up to the knee.
Glove
Gloves cost between £12 and £20. Buy one which is washable. It must cover half your forearm.
Here then is the New Fencers budget...
Personal essentials:
- Jacket
- Plastron * You must have 800 Newton for electric foil
- Mask
- Glove
- Body wire(s)
Starter kit non electric £170 or electric £230
Options:
- Full chest protector (women) £25
- Electric Foil £36
- Jacket £60
- Epee £66
- Sabre £45
- Breeches £42
(Prices are approximate and early 2007)