Types of Fencing Pistes

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What is a Fencing Piste?

A fencing piste is the designated area on which fencing bouts take place. Internationally, the term “Piste” is used. In German-speaking countries, it is also known as a “Planche”.

Dimensions and Markings

Standard Dimensions

Length: 14 m (46 ft)

Width: 1.50 – 2 m (5 ft)

Markings

A fencing piste includes the following markings:

Dotted center line
Two starting lines, each 2 m (6.56 ft) from the center
Two rear boundary lines, each 7 m (23 ft) from the center
The last 2 m before each rear boundary line are marked in color
A run-off zone of 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) behind each end line (not part of the piste)

Rules Related to the Piste

Start and Restart

Fencers begin the bout at their respective starting lines and return to these lines after each valid or off-target hit.

Boundary Violations

Rear boundary line: If a fencer crosses the last 2 m (6.56 ft) of their side with both feet, the opponent is awarded a point.

Side line: If one foot crosses a side line, the opponent gains one meter of piste, and the offending fencer must retreat.

This can quickly lead to the end of the piste being crossed, which will inevitably result in a penalty hit.

Note: If a fencer repeatedly crosses the side line of the piste, the referee may ask them to fence in the middle of the piste.

Raised Pistes at Major Events

At major international competitions, semi-finals and finals are fenced on a raised piste:

Platform height: 50 cm
Safety zone: 25 cm on each side

Materials and Types of Pistes

Basic Principle

A fencing piste must be made of conductive material so that hits to the floor are not registered as valid by the scoring system. Several materials are used today, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.

Copper Alloy Pistes

Properties:

Traditional and widely used
Approximate weight: 70 kg

Disadvantages:

High weight
Poor environmental footprint
Health concerns due to copper oxide
High abrasion on shoe soles

Aluminum and Steel Pistes

These systems are commonly used for permanent indoor installations.

Advantages of the Aluminum Piste

Lighter than copper alloy pistes
Anti-glare surface
Segmented design for easier installation
High durability
With careful maintenance, many years of use
Resistant to holes and conductivity issues

Non-Slip Surface

Developed to provide optimal friction and maximum protection for fencing shoes.

Self-Locking System

The segments lock together securely, allowing full assembly in under 20 minutes.

Floor-Friendly Construction

The underside of each segment is covered with a soft, high-friction material:

No additional fastening required
Protects the floor from damage
Suitable for almost all indoor surfaces
No adhesive tape or fixing devices needed
Cable ducts allow storage of cable reels beneath the piste

Disadvantages:

High total weight
Poor environmental footprint
Health concerns due to aluminum oxide
Low surface conductivity
High abrasion on shoe soles

Textile Fencing Pistes – The Most Advanced Solution

Textile fencing pistes represent the most modern and innovative category of piste technology. They are woven with a fine wire mesh or with ARTOS SILVER textile threads made from 100% natural silver. These threads are extremely durable and provide excellent electrical conductivity.

Advantages

Very low weight starting at 24 kg (53 lb)
Significantly easier handling for tournaments and competitions
Ideal for mobile use
Fast setup in as little as 5 minutes
Minimal use of adhesive tape
Cost-efficient and environmentally friendly
Supports the “Fencing for the Planet” initiative
Customizable with full color printed logos

Installation on Different Surfaces

Sports Floors

Roll out the textile piste.
Align it precisely.
Secure one end with adhesive tape.
Tension the piste at the opposite end until smooth.
Secure the second end with adhesive tape.

Stone Floors

Lay down a soft underlayer (e.g., fleece) slightly smaller than the piste.
Roll the piste out on top of the underlayer.
Align and secure as described for sports floors.

Uneven Surfaces

Create a level base using 18 panels (1 m × 2 m / 3.3 ft × 6.6 ft) of pressed cardboard or wood.
Place the panels edge-to-edge and tape them together crosswise.
Tape the panels lengthwise for stability.
Roll out the piste and secure both ends with adhesive tape.

Care and Maintenance of Textile Fencing Pistes

To ensure long-lasting performance, textile pistes should be cleaned and maintained regularly.

Cleaning Based on the Degree of Soiling

Light Soiling

A broom or vacuum cleaner is sufficient after normal use.

Moderate Soiling (Small Stains)

Use a steam cleaner with:

At least two 1000-watt heating coils
Steam pressure of 5 bar

Heavy Soiling

Use a steam cleaner together with a citrus-based cleaning additive.

Repairing Damage

Method 1 – Repair Pen:

Use a conductive repair pen such as PELCO® Conductive Silver Paint.

Method 2 – Heat and Iron Method:

Heat the damaged area.
The fabric contracts.
The adhesive softens.
The mesh fibers expand.
The damaged area closes.
The adhesive cools and hardens.
The defect is sealed.

Removing Chewing Gum

Use a freezing spray commonly used in sports medicine.

Important: The gum must harden before removal.

Alternative: Scrape it off carefully.

Summary – Comparison of Piste Types

COPPER ALLOY

+ Traditional and widely used

+ Stable, proven construction

– Very heavy (≈ 70 kg)

– Difficult to transport

– Higher abrasion on shoes

ALUMINUM / STEEL

+ Lighter than copper

+ Durable and robust

+ Non-slip surface

+ Self-locking system

+ Ideal for long-term setups

+ Gentle on floors

– Still relatively heavy overall

– Poor environmental footprint

TEXTILE (MOST ADVANCED SOLUTION)

+ Extremely light (≈ 20 kg)

+ Perfect for mobile use

+ Very fast setup

+ Modern, innovative technology

+ Supports sustainability goals

– Requires regular maintenance

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