Tips for choosing the right fencing weapon

In the area of the fencing sport there are different types of fencing weapons. This is, for example, the epee, the foil and sabre. Each weapon has its special features and is used in their own way in sports contests.

The epee as a fencing weapon

Under an epee refers to an elastic triangular/three-sided thrusting weapon. He has a semi-shaped bell on the handle which protects the own hand against your opponent. The bell has a diameter of 13.5 cm. The handle is designed either as a French grip or pistol grip. While the pistol grip is adapted to the hand, the French grip has a long and smooth shape. The blade is constructed in cross-section in a V-shape. In sporting uses there are two different sizes of this fencing weapon. The small epee, the so-called children's epee, has a length up to 90 centimeters. The great sword, however, reached a size up to 110 centimeters. In order to count a hit electrically, the tip is bedded resilient. When a force is more than 750 grams, the hit will be registered.

The foil as a fencing weapon

The metal handle of the foil can be either coated or wrapped with fabric. A distinction is made between the orthopedic, the french and the italian grip. The orthopedic grip is hand adapted. With a french grip, the rod is bent inwardly and the italian grip has a straight rod. In the front the handles ending with a hand guard, a bell. It is about 9.5 to 12 inches tall. The blade is made of resilient steel and up to 90 centimeters long. It may have a maximum curvature of one centimeter. The curvature determines the force of the offence. The electric foil is also referred to as e-foil. The tip is axially slidable and mounted resilient. The dome has a diameter of approximately 8 millimeters. In appearance of shocks of at least 500 grams, the pen tip moves to a sufficient extent, so that the hit will be triggered. Near of the back of the hand is fixed a plug connection to the fencing weapon, which is connected to a wire. This leads over the arm to the back. The wire is combined here with the cable clamp on the contact vest for torso hits and runs now backwards across the piste. In many tournaments nowadays already fenced wireless, particularly in international tournaments.

The sabre as a fencing weapon

The sabre is equipped with a flexible and flat blade. It has a rectangular cross-section. Their maximum length is 88 to 105 centimeters. The weight is limited to 500 grams, in most cases the fencing weapon is much lighter. Towards the tip, the blade is narrow. The bell has a hemispherical shape and looks different from the other fencing weapons. Striking is the temple, which is an additional protection against blows. The handle has no indentations for the fingers, so you are more free to keep.

The wearing parts of a fencing weapon

Due to the stress can cause wear on the top of the fencing weapon. The foil top head, for example, is replaceable, so you can quickly provide high-quality products for replacement. Also the bells and the handles can be replaced.
There are different levels of quality of the bell. So this could be made of titanium or aluminum. Similarly, the body cord can be changed due to buckling, wear or damage. For epee and sabre also appropriate wear parts like tips, bells and handles are offered.

Tips for choosing the right fencing weapon

The foil is characterized by its light weight and easy handling. It is considered the ideal fencing weapon for beginners so you can familiarize yourself with the fencing. Experienced fencers benefit from the elegant shape of the foil. This fencing weapon is also suitable for demanding exercises and is a pure thrusting weapon. The bell is to protect your hand. The epee is an evolution of the sword. It has usually the highest weight of the three variants. To have some basic knowledge in the field of sporting fencing is beneficial for using.
Traditionally, the foil was used due to its lower weight as a training weapon for the epee in the past. Today, the difference is not as serious as in the beginning of fencing. A significant difference has the sabre. It is not purely a thrusting weapon, there are also blows allowed. The overall length is usually slightly lower than the other two variants.

The different strike areas of the fencing weapon

In sports tournaments there are different areas of the body to hit. This depends on the chosen fencing weapon. When selecting the weapon you should also refer to this point, because of the target surface the fighting behavior changes. Is fought with the foil, then the entire body and the crotch are admitted for valid results. On the other hand competitions with the epee have a maximum impact area. Here, the whole body counts as valid range.
Tournaments that take place with a sabre, give the torso, head and arms free as a hit area.

The care and maintenance of fencing weapon

Because the fencing weapon consists largely of metal or steel, you must make regular checks. It is important that no moisture can form on the fencing weapon. This would lead to damage in the form of rust. Clean the fencing weapon therefore after use or when longer not in use. The storage location for the sabre, the foil and the epee must also be protected and dry.

Left-handed and right-handed fencing

Approximately 10 percent of the population is left-handed, while 90 percent among the right-handers. In fencing, you can fight with the left as well as with the right hand. Therefore, the fencing weapons are widely available in various designs that meet the respective requirements. When purchasing you must pay attention to whether it is a fencing weapon for left-handed or right-handed.

Select the appropriate fencing weapon

If you start with the fencing, you should make initially familiar with the three different types of weapons in a fencing club. Often preferences are identified and a fencing weapon initially preferred. In general, the foil is regarded as a good entry weapon, but also suitable are the epee, and the sabre. Because the possibilities of a sabre are more extensive, beginners often prefer the epee.