Buying Fencing Kit

KNOWING WHAT TO BUY !

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

At club level fencing (most members in the club fall into this catagory)...you must wear equipment that meets the minimum standard of

CEN 1, 350N.

In the club you must fence with a mask, jacket, and under plastron, and glove. And your legs must be covered.

YOU MUST WEAR BREACHES if you are fencing with electric scoring equipment and using a size 5 weapon...... The club has breeches to use.

USING CLUB WEAPONS

All beginners can use club weapons for 3 months after a beginners course ends. After this we expect you to buy your own electric weapon and body wire.

IF IN DOUBT CONTACT COACH PAUL

BUYING NEW EQUIPMENT

If you are looking to buy new equipment there are a number suppliers listed below. The last 2 are more economical. When buying make sure you use that suppliers sizing chart. Most suppliers also do a starter kit. If you are buying and not sure contact Coach Paul,

https://www.leonpaul.com/

https://allstaruhlmann.com/

https://shop.pbtfencing.com/?lang=euro_foreign

https://gr8fencing.co.uk/

https://www.excalibursports.co.uk/

Buying second hand ?

DO NOT BUY ANY KIT UNTIL YOU HAVE CHECKED IT PROPERLY FOR SAFETY...........

ALL EQUPMENT MUST HAVE A LABEL SUCH AS ... CEN level 1 or 2 or Look for 350N or higher. IF YOU BUY EQUIPMENT THAT DOES NOT MEET THESE STANDARDS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT AND IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY...YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Use the sizing chart for that brand to check for your size. Make sure you get the correct handed kit, and that it is in good condition. If it says vintage it is probably not suitable.

Many masks are higher, but must have a strap at the rear and for foil an electric bib, https://www.leonpaul.com/horizon-foil-mask.html. Some sellers are selling full kit in one sale. Others may be selling each item separately. Do your home work.

There is a facebook 'second hand buying and selling page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1464468173792883

NOTE: UNDER PLASTRONS (this is a small 1/2 jacket that you wear under your jacket on the sword arm side). If you are considering competing at any point then I woul advise you to buy one with a minimum specification of 800N as this is a requirement in competition.

Buying weapons...

Parents... DO NOT BUY THE WRONG SIZE WEAPON. Weapons come in 3 sizes/lengths. 00. 03. 05

For aged 14 and older you need a SIZE 5 Weapon
For all juniors at this club you require a size 3
I would advise that the handle type should be "Pistol" which is what most of the club weapon are, and is the most common type...for a reason. Other grip types commonly found are 'French - Belgium - and others.

If you are buying a 2nd hand electric weapon, you need to find out if it works, and that the blade is not adversy bent. If it is not working or bent then all it is worth is the handle/grip, the guard and plug.

When buying NEW weapons, there is usually a choise of blade...such as:

a basic blade
or a Maraging blade. (These cost a lot more but you can expect them to last considerably longer and therefore in the long term it is a saving.
When buying electric weapons remeber you need a body wire/cord. Now days you should buy a 2 pin socket on you weapon and body wire.

IF YOU NEED ADVISE CONTACT Coach Paul. OR SPEAK TO THE SUPPLIERS WHO ARE USUALLY HAPPY TO HELP.