Fencing Equipment For The Beginner
In addition to a good attitude and a dose of patience, there are several things a fencer needs to actually fence. While equipping oneself for a competition is a little more involved, to get started one just needs fencing jacket, mask, glove and fencing equipment or practice weapon. Foil, sabre or epee are the main fencing weapons.
Many clubs will help beginners by lending them fencing gear when they are just starting out. Once you complete a beginner course, you will be hooked, and will want to get your own fencing gear. There are a couple of different options for beginners.
The first is to procure individual items one at a time until you have a full set and the second solution is to buy a starter kit. These fencing starter kits have all the basic requirements items pre-assembled and sold as a bundle. Kits will often include the fencing mask, glove, jacket, and practice foil. You have the list of equipments that you require, but now what? Before you really purchase anything or start using your new equipment, it’s a good plan to have a basic understanding of the capability and purpose of each.
The fencing jacket is to assist protect the fencer. It’s important to choose a jacket that is well made and that will give adequate protection. The US does not have a set standard minimum constraint, though Europe requires a particular standard of protection. For international tournaments like Olympic fencing, the requirement is greater.
When you are beginning, the standard costume will be more than sufficient. Your primary decision will be whether you want it in cotton or synthetic fabric. Cotton will probably be less expensive but it is heavier and warmer. Synthetic fabric is lightweight but it will cost a bit more.
The mask is used for safety so make sure you choose a mask that is equipped with enough padding, fits well and doesn’t bear down on the top of your head or your chin. Although you can buy non-electric gloves, it really is worthwhile to get a glove equipped with a cuff that you can wear for electric fencing.
To easily attach the body cord to an electric weapon, use a cuff like this one. They come in all standard sizes and can also be obtained as gloves. This will give you an enhanced fit, but the cost will be higher. In order to thrust, the foil is used. It has an extremely slender blade and a round or foiled edge. When striking your adversary, the blade of the foil bows so that you do not hurt anyone.
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