Tips for choosing the right fencing equipment

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About Fencing Equipment

A fencer’s equipment is very special: the clothing is white and form-fitting. It looks very elegant and gives the sport of fencing a certain status. However, the appearance of fencing equipment plays a secondary role. Its safety for the fencer is much more important.

Fencing equipment should therefore comply with DFB guidelines and FIE standards (safety certification mark) and be made from specific materials. For safety reasons, modern fencing clothing incorporates a special fabric similar to that used in bulletproof police vests.

Materials and Safety Standards

Particularly strong materials are used for pants and jackets. In the case of the jacket, the weapon arm, i.e., from the shoulder to the wrist, and the front of the jacket are made of a reinforced material.

Materials used:

Cotton
Dyneema
Nylon
Aramid (800 N) - for the under-plastron

The force in newtons indicates the minimum amount of force that the corresponding piece of fencing equipment must be able to withstand.

The Individual Pieces of Equipment

Chest Protector and Groin Guard

Fencing equipment also includes a chest protector, which must be worn by girls and women. Boys and men are recommended to wear a groin guard/athletic cup.

Under-Plastron

The under-plastron is also part of fencing equipment. In most cases, the plastron is made of Aramid (800 N) and should be tucked into the pants.

Electrical Equipment

For foil fencing:

Electric vest

For sabre fencing:

Electric jacket with sleeves
Electric cuff
Special sabre glove
Electric sabre mask with mask cable

Knee Socks

Another important requirement and an important note regarding fencing equipment is the correct knee socks.

Important requirements:

The legs must be covered by knee socks up to below the edge of the knee-length trousers
Breathable fabric that absorbs moisture

Glove

The glove should not be underestimated when it comes to fencing equipment. It serves to protect the weapon hand.

Features:

Made of leather or similar material
Long cuff
Padding on the back of the hand
May be lined

Fencing Shoes

Fencing shoes are another important part of safe fencing equipment. They should have soles with as much grip as possible to prevent slipping on the fencing piste and thus avoid injuries.

Mask

Last but not least, a mask is an essential part of safe fencing equipment.

Structure of the mask:

Steel mesh
Plastic or leather-covered wire frame
Padded lining
Bib made of special fabric (protection for the neck)

Important: The mask should fit securely and not fall off during combat.

Important Information and Obligations

FIE Testing Standards

Fencing equipment, such as jackets and pants, masks, and fencing weapon blades, must comply with FIE testing standards. This is then marked with the FIE certification mark.

Fencer’s Obligations

Important: It is the obligation of every fencer to fence only in complete and intact fencing equipment that complies with the regulations – both when participating in tournaments and when training in the club.

Summary – Fencing Equipment Checklist

A complete set of fencing equipment consists of:

1. Fencing jacket (with reinforced weapon arm)
2. Fencing pants
3. Under-plastron made of Aramid
4. Chest protector (for girls/women) or groin protector (recommended for boys/men)
5. Mask with bib
6. Glove with long cuff
7. Knee socks (reaching below the edge of the pants)
8. Fencing shoes with non-slip soles
9. Electrical equipment (depending on the weapon: electric vest for foil, electric jacket, etc. for sabre)
10. Fencing weapon with FIE certification mark

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