Each different work requires different types of specific types of equipment. No doubt, when it comes to fencing, this sport also requires a lot of specific equipment. If you go through this article, you would surely be able to understand all about that. And certainly, you would be able to get to know all about the fencing equipment. Of course, we would suggest the best fencing equipment that you can buy as well. So, go on reading!
What is Fencing?
Most of you would know what fencing is. Yet, it would be worth giving you a bit of an idea about fencing before we get into the content of this article in particular. Fencing is one of the world’s oldest sports. It is a martial art. The basis of this sport is the classical skill of swordsmanship. Also, this is one of the very first sports that are there in the Summer Olympics. In addition, there are only five sports that have been there in every single Summer Olympic game. Fencing is one of those five sports.
What is the official governing body of Fencing?
All the same, you would like to know what the official governing body of fencing is. This kind of information would be valuable for anyone who has a keen interest in fencing. And that would be helpful if you are someone who wants to engage in this sport and wants to know more about it. Well, the official governing body of fencing is the International Fencing Federation or the FIE. The International Olympic Committee identifies it to be the governing body of fencing.
Is Fencing a dangerous sport?
Fencing being a combat sport, most of you would be having the question of whether fencing is a dangerous sport. However, as you would be using all the safety equipment and accessories, there is no reason to call this a dangerous sport. Of course, injuries can happen in every sport. But as a matter of fact, you would not have to worry about that as there are plenty of safety precautions for you to take in this sport. In fact, many fencing equipment are specifically for the safety side of the players.
What are the three divisions of Fencing?
On the basis of the type of sword used by the competitors, there are actually three divisions of the sport: fencing. Of course, although there is plenty of fencing equipment, the lifeblood of the sport depends on these types. Let us first get to know what those types are.
- Foil
- Epee
- Saber
No doubt, you would have a big interest to get to know about all these. Do not worry. We are going to tell you all about that. And
1. Foil
Foil is a lightweight weapon that may weigh up to 500 grams. This is to target the torso but not the head or arms. The hand is protected by a circular guard, and the weapon’s point is used to attack. Attacks with the sword’s blade do not count, but the game continues. Off-target hits cause the game to come to a halt. Only one of the fencers can receive a point from the referee. The referee applies the “right of way” rule if it occurs in a millisecond period. In the same circumstance, if the hit is invalid, the first fencer to contact may not earn the point as well.
American Fencing Gear Fencing Foil Electric Sword Weapon National Grade with 1 Guard, 1 Guard Pad and 1 Two-Prong Socket – Includes 1 Spare Blade – Size 5
For anyone willing to engage in the sport in this style, this National Grade size 5 sword is a suggestion from us. This foil is a perfect choice, actually. You will be getting a guard, a guard pad, and a two-prong socket if you choose to purchase this sword for yourself. Also, this includes one spare blade as well. All the same, this has received plenty of positive comments from its buyers. So, this would be a good one for you to go ahead and buy from Amazon.
2. Epee
This sword is slightly heavier. This can weigh up to 775 grams. It has a circular shield that protects the hands, just like aluminum foil, but it is bigger. But in the epee, the whole body is a target, unlike foil, so the hands get more protection. Obviously, the whole body is the target and there is no “right of way” rule in epee. So, there is actually no off-target touch in epee. Unless the final score is the same, you will get double points in the game at the same time. In this case, a double point is void.
American Fencing Gear Fencing Epee Electric Sword Weapon National Grade with 1 Guard, 1 Guard Pad and German Fitting Tip and Barrel – Includes 1 Spare Blade – Size 5
Here is a suggestion from us in terms of this weapon. This National Grade size 5 epee would actually be good for you for this division of the sport. This comes with a German fitting tip and barrel. All the same, this includes an epee guard and guard pad as well. Obviously, this is a lightweight and durable weapon. Also, this is high in flexibility which is an important factor that matters to engage in this sport. In addition, you will be getting a spare wired epee blade with a German fitting tip and barrel with this. Considering all these factors, this would surely be a good one for you to choose. We can recommend this epee.
3. Saber
This is the last type of sport that we have to talk about. Saber, unlike the other two, is a cutting and thrusting weapon. It is the most recent of all the weapons, weighing hardly more than 500 grams. The entire upper torso, including the arms, is the target in this scenario. During competitions, the guard of a saber faces outside to protect the sword-wielding arm. The regulations are essentially identical to those of foil, with the exception that off-guard hits do not end play. Furthermore, because it is a cutting weapon, strikes with a blade are also legitimate. So, this is pretty much what we can tell you about this.
American Fencing Gear Fencing Saber Electric Sword Weapon S2000 National/International Grade with 1 Guard, 1 Guard Pad, and 1 Two-Prong Socket – Includes 1 Spare Blade – Size 5 Olympic Length
Alright. Here is what we can recommend to you as a saber. This National Grade sword would be perfect for anyone who wants to go ahead in fencing. And this size 5 sword is durable and lightweight. Of course, that is of immense importance. Anyone who is engaged in this sport would know that for certain. “The Sabre looks beautiful, holds strong yet feels light. It came with an extra blade which is an excellent plus.” This is a review of this product on Amazon. Of course, that explains how good this is. We are not hesitant in recommending this product to you.
What are the Essential Fencing Equipment?
There are lots of fencing equipment that you may need except for the weapons that we discussed in the previous section. So, let us take a look at them as well.
- Clothing
- Electric lame
- Fencing shoes
- Body cord
- Fencing mask
- Underarm protector
- Chest protector
No doubt, you would be anxious to know a lot about these. Let us tell you all about that, You would be able to know lots of things.
1. Clothing
For fencing, you surely need to have specific clothing that helps you in this. Alright. Let us discuss that now. Normally, fencers wear light and athletic clothes. Nevertheless, fencers sweat big time with the fencing equipment that they have to use. So, when it comes to clothing, the best is to use breathable clothing. In this section, we can stress the importance of both the fencing jacket and the fencing pants. Having the right ones is obviously essential. Otherwise, that might do some damage to you or you may not be able to perform in the maximum possible way.
Fencing jackets are to protect the fencer’s torso and arms. It is critical to get a good jacket that will give enough protection. The major decision you’ll have to make is whether to use cotton or synthetic fabrics. Cotton is less expensive. But it is heavier and hotter. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, are lighter and less expensive. The third option is to choose between a back-zip and a front-zip jacket. Back-zip jackets are to be used by both right and left-handed fencers, although they are more difficult to wear since the back zip is difficult to use. Front-zip jackets are more convenient to wear, but you must first determine if you are a right-handed or left-handed fencer. Right-handed fencers are required to use a right-handed jacket by rule.
All the same, fencing pants protect the lower body of a fencer. In fencing, leg work is important. So, you need to be comfortable with your fencing pants all the time. Generally, fencing pants have suspensory straps that go over the shoulders of a fencer. Just the same, it is vitally important to have fencing gloves and long fencing socks as well.
LEONARK 350NW Fencing Uniform Suit – Pants Jacket Vest Set for Foil Epee Saber
This is a standard fencing suit that we can recommend to you. Of course, this is ideal for either practice sessions or competitions. With the newest technology and excellent craftsmanship, this item is sturdy and long-lasting. And this is abrasion-resistant and convenient to wear. To safeguard you in every detail, professional finishing with excellent workmanship and the skin-friendly fabric is what the manufacturers have used to manufacture this. Also, this has received excellent and positive reviews and comments from its customers. In general, almost all have admired this fencing suit. And it has got excellent ratings as well. So, this would surely be a good one for you to purchase.
2. Electric lame
Lame is an electrically conductive jacket that foil and saber fencers wear to designate the scoring area during competition. Although usually a metallic grey, foil lames are becoming increasingly fashionable in a variety of hues. The lame on the body in foil runs from the shoulders to the groin area, including the back. The lame that is for saber covers both arms, the body from the shoulders to the waist, and the back.
Sabre fencers also wear masks that allow them to detect head contacts and manchettes on their weapon hand, which are conductive glove coverings. A body cable connects the lames to a scoring machine by a body cable, allowing the other person’s weapon to register touches when their tips (or blades, in saber) come into contact with the lame.
LEONARK Fencing Lame Knickers Suit for Foil and Saber – Washable Electric Fencing Metal Jacket – Metallic Vest for Child and Adult Fencer
And here is a fencing lame that we can recommend to you. This is perfectly durable. So, you can use this without any problem for a very long time for sure. Also, this is actually super-comfortable. Its professional and perfect finish helps you be even more confident than you are when you are fencing. Considering all these factors, we probably think that this would be a good one for a fencer to buy.
3. Fencing shoes
Another typical issue is what shoes to wear during fencing. To begin fencing, virtually any sports-appropriate shoe will suffice. Inexpensive court shoes, such as tennis or volleyball, are ideal alternatives for your first pair of shoes as a novice. But as you advance, you can surely go for professional options that are specifically for fencers.
In fact, there is a lot of footwork for fencers. They have to move their legs pretty fast. And there are lots of changes in the direction of the legs. Considering all these factors, it is pretty essential that the shoes are comfortable. If you do not feel comfortable with your shoes, of course, you cannot excel in your sport. Because of this, you need to have a pair of shoes that fits you perfectly and is comfortable. So, obviously, having a good pair of fencing shoes is a mandatory item in terms of fencing equipment.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Rocket 9 Volleyball Shoes, 12, White/Black
As we told you earlier, it is perfectly fine for a beginner to start off with an appropriate type of pair of shoes. It is okay even if it is a pair of shoes designed specifically for another sport like volleyball. A lightweight mesh top with synthetic overlays provides support and comfort to the person who is wearing this. For the best fit, this has a traditional lacing closure. Also, these shoes allow you to change direction quickly without the danger of twisting. Its side support construction provides additional support as you make multi-directional movements. So, in general, this would be a perfect pair of shoes for you to choose from.
4. Body cord
You may sometimes call this a score cord as well. A body cable connects a fencer to a spool of wire that is part of a system for electrically sensing when the weapon has contacted the opponent in fencing. Epee body cords have two sets of three prongs, each with a wire connecting them. The fencer’s weapon is connected to one set, while the reel is connected to the other. On the weapon side, foil and saber body cords feature just two unevenly sized prongs (or a twist-lock bayonet connector), with the third wire attaching to the fencer’s lame instead. The requirement to distinguish between on-target and off-target touches in foil and saber necessitates a connected connection to the valid target region.
Of course, there is actually no need to know the technical information of body cords or how it works. Having an understanding of what it does is just enough. But to engage in fencing on a competitive level, it is indeed a must to have the body cord functioning well.
2-pin Body Cord (Sabre, Foil)
Here is a body cord that we can recommend to you for fencing. This is a set of two body cords or score cords that are suitable for saber or foil fencing. This is indeed an affordable set of body cords. However, this is a product that is really worth the price you pay. Considering a lot of factors like that, we thought that this would be a good one for saber and foil fencing.
5. Fencing mask
Next on our list of fencing equipment is fencing masks. Fencing masks are one of the most personal pieces of equipment a fencer buys. So, they are generally the first or second purchase a new fencer makes. Hence, it is something that you must consider to be of a lot of importance.
Because the mask is also for protection, make sure it has enough internal cushioning, does not push against the top of the head or chin, and fits comfortably. Fencing masks are available in both “standard” (non-FIE) and FIE versions. The FIE mask is designed for higher-level competition and has a better safety certification, although it is substantially more costly. Standard masks will do, but most fencers who continue with the sport for two or three years will ultimately upgrade to an FIE fencing mask. There are certain features that only FIE masks have.
For the three divisions of fencing, there are distinct types of masks. Each of them may look the very same in their shape and structure. But there are differences and adaptations to fit each type of fencing. So, it is basically dependent on the type of fencing that you are going ahead with.
American Fencing Gear Fencing Foil Mask CE350N Certified National Grade Including Head Wire (Mask Cord)
This is a foil mask that would be ideal for you. So, we thought of recommending this to you. This is lightweight and pretty durable. Also, this is a pretty comfortable fencing mask. And it gives you the proper protection, the main thing that you would expect from a fencing mask. To increase visibility and reduce glare, the interior of the mask is powder-coated with a black matte surface. Considering the overall specifications of this fencing mask, we thought that this would be a good one for you to go ahead buying this.
6. Underarm protector
Underarm protectors are essentially half-jackets that fencers wear below your primary arm’s jacket for further protection and cushioning. An underarm protector can protect your shoulder, chest, and under the arm specifically. They are necessary for most clubs and are essential for competition. But, more significantly, they assist to alleviate the pain of being struck, thus they are well worth the money.
7. Chest protector
Chest protection is essential for ladies. If you are a man, you can get a chest protector if you need one. Kids love to wear them because it helps them overcome their fear of being struck. Men, on the other hand, do not have the same anatomical difficulties as women and hence do not have the same requirements. However, it is best to wear a chest protector for both men and women considering the overall protection that you can receive from a chest protector.
Balaur Fencing Chest Protector for Women Plastic Chest Guard White
This chest protector is ideal for female fencers. With this, you can get the protection that you desire with this chest protector. As we told you, having a chest protector for competitive fencing is obviously mandatory, So, you can go ahead with purchasing this. This actually is a good choice.
Conclusion
Through this article, we discussed a lot about fencing equipment. You must surely be having a good understanding of these for yourself by now. All the same, you have the anxiousness to know about the equipment that other sports also use. So, you can read about the protective equipment used in volleyball, cricket, basketball, and soccer. Also, you can get to know about the equipment that you would need for rugger, hockey, and baseball. Hope you will enjoy fencing!
