EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MODERN ELECTRIC FENCING

 

Epee

 

Epee is simpler its approach to scoring a touch. Since the entire body is target area, there is no need for a separate garment to define where you can and can't score a point. From the top of the head to the toes, a touch may be scored. So for Epee, there are only two components: the epee bodycord and the electric/competitive weapon. The competitive Epee has a spring-loaded tip, a dual-wired V-shaped blade, and a 3-hole socket inside the guard that matches either end of the epee bodycord.

 

So for Epee, there are two pieces necessary for modern fencing:

• competitive weapon
• the epee bodycord
• mask
• glove
• jacket
• fencing pants
• arm protector
• chest protector (for female students/athletes)
• long socks
• non-marking running/fencing shoes

 

Sabre

 

Sabre, like foil, has a defined target area: everything from the waist up. This means everything: the body, arms, and the head. For practical purposes, the hands are not included. In addition to the sabre bodycord, a sabre lamé and the competitive sabre itself are two more pieces of gear: a conductive glove or oversleeve and a fully conductive mask. Sabre is therefore the most expensive of the three weapons for which to purchase a full electric set. Foil and sabre can, however, share the same bodycord.

 

For Sabre then, there are five pieces of equipment necessary for modern fencing:

• the competitive weapon
• sabre bodycord
• sabre mask clip
• scoring/conductive sabre jacket
• conductive glove or oversleeve
• conductive mask designed for modern sabre
• jacket
• fencing pants
• arm protector
• chest protector (for female students/athletes)
• long socks
• non-marking running/fencing shoes

 

Foil

 

To competitively fence Foil you will need some extra equipment beyond your basic practice gear. There are three components required for the competition: the bodycord, the electric/competitive weapon, and the scoring lamé/vest. The bodycord is what connects the sword to the scoring system. The competitive Foil has a spring-loaded tip, a single-wired rectangular-blade, and a two-hole socket inside the guard that matches one end of the foil bodycord. The lamé (pronounced lah-MAY) is a conductive vest worn over the fencer's jacket to define the target area: the torso (no head, no arms, and no legs). Usually this vest is made from metallic thread so that a low-current electric signal will properly conduct to the bodycord that is alligator-clipped onto it, thus completing a physical connection from the fencer to the scoring system.

Thus, the three pieces necessary for modern, electric Foil fencing are:

• competitive weapon
• foil bodycord
• scoring/conductive lamé
• mask
• glove
• jacket
• fencing pants
• arm protector
• chest protector (for female students/athletes)
• long socks
• non-marking running/fencing shoes

 

Where to buy

 

For the last several years, I have spent many thousands of dollars at Blue Gauntlet Gear. They have access to every level of fencing gear: from economy to world-cup level quality.

 

I 100% recommend blue Gauntlet. First, because of the great costumer service, second for the great quality of their products, and thrid because you get what you pay for. No games, no tricks when it comes to fencing merchandise with them.

 

You can purchase your equipment through us at any moment. Just let us know and we can help you to pick up the best deal for you.

If their website initially confuses you with all the options, please email me and I can help advise or order it for you.

 

For new competitive fencers, I recommend you get the two-weapon starter set. It should come with two electric competitive weapons with bodycords (2) and a Lame (if Foil) or Jacket (if sabre) and Mask (if sabre).

 

If you do not already have a plastron, go ahead and get one now.

Good luck to you in your fencing endeavors!!