What equipment do I need for competition?

To compete, you will first need to be a member of the USFA. You can download a membership application from the US Fencing Association or pick one up at PVFA. You may also be allowed to join at the competition venue.

For all three weapons (foil, epee, saber) you will need:

Knickers/fencing pants, jacket, plastron/underarm protector, appropriate mask, glove, long socks, sneakers or fencing shoes. Women will need some form of breast protection (chestplate) and men will need a cup. You will also be required to have at least 2 working electrical weapons and 2 body cords. A fencing bag is also a must-have.

For competing in FOIL you will need at least 2 electrical foils, 2 foil/saber body cords, and a lame, which is a metalic vest which is worn over the white jacket. Notice that when you buy a new foil it has tape wrapped around the end of the blade. Do not remove that. Electric foils need 15 centimeters of tape to electrically insulate them.

For competing in EPEE you will need at least 2 electrical epees and 2 epee body cords. You do not need a lame for epee. All epee fencers should have a package of replacement tip screws and an eyeglass screwdriver.

For competing in SABER you will need at least 2 electrical sabers, 2 saber/foil body cords, a mask cord, an overglove, an electric saber mask, and a saber lame.

Many fencing supply companies offer starter kits which contain the necessary equipment to fence and compete.

Where can I purchase equipment?

There are many companies that you can purchase equipment from online or over the phone. If you are looking for a specific item, you can shop around for it at various places to find the best price. PVFA currently does most of its equipment orders from Absolute Fencing Gear. If you need advice on selecting equipment feel free to email a PVFA coach or talk to us at the club.

Do I need any tools or spare parts?

In short, yes. It is a good idea to pick up a small tookbox for the following items: flathead screwdriver, hex wrench for tightening grips, pliars, pocketknife, fine sandpaper, eyeglass screwdriver (or precision screwdriver set) glue such as "Cementit.," Ohm Meter, cloth tape for wrapping electric foil foibles, spare points, springs, and screws. Some fencing equipment companies offer premade repair kits. All epee fencers should have a package of replacement tip screws and an eyeglass screwdriver.

Which body cord do I buy?

Note that foil and saber can use the same type of body cord, while epee has its own type. Foil/saber body cords come in two styles. There is the bayonet style and the 2-prong style. Which is better? Well, they both work, but the 2 prong type seems to be more reliable and easier to repair. PVFA uses 2-prong equipment. Just be sure that your weapon and body cord match. All epee body cords are essentially the same design. Your only concern is finding one that fits your budget. Try to avoid buying the really cheap ones. You get what you pay for, remember. Two high quality cords may last you longer than five cheap ones. Matching the brand of body cord to the brand of socket can be a good idea to ensure an optimal fit, but that isn't required.

Blade number 2,4,5?

Blades come in different lengths. If you are an adult you would select #5. If the weapon is for a child, you'd pick a length appropriate to his or her age and size. An average 10 year old would take a size 2, an average 12 or 13 year old would take a size 4. A six foot tall 13 year old boy would be happy to have a size 5. A five foot tall, 110 pound adult female might be more comfortable with a size 4 than a 5.

German or French Components?

German components are more expensive but seem to work more reliably. In epee you can usually mix parts from different manufacturers and even mix French and German equipment. In foil though you would have to use only French or only Gernan parts. If you chose to use French parts, be warned that they specs for the small parts are not well regulated and you may have to select parts made from a particular year for them to fit with your other parts. A matter of personal preference; I switched over to German components many years ago with no regrets.

--Note that you have more than just French or German to choose from, but they are the most common. There are some excellent Italian made components as well, including screwless points and steel (not copper) wires.

French Grip or Pistol Grip? If pistol, which one?

A matter of personal preference. So long as you chose left or right handed correctly, there is no wrong answer. That being said, a properly sized pistol grip offers some advantages over the French grips. Many people start with a French grip and later when they are more experienced and have had the opportunity to sample various grips will move to a pistol grip of their liking. Visconti grips are very popular worldwide and come in many sizes. Do remember that a grip is to be held in the fingers, and not the palm, so the proper size grip is probably going to be smaller than you'd guess. A medium visconti grip will fit a majority of the adult fencing population. Russian grips are big and bulky, but are quite comfortable for adult men with XL hands. If a grip is the wrong size or shape for your hand you may find your fingers going numb after a few minutes of use. A company called American Fencers Supply has a good page on their website that has pictures of various grips as well as tips on selecting a grip. Fencing Grip Pictures by American Fencing Supply

FIE or Non-FIE?

This is mostly a matter of your budget for the majority of fencers. The FIE is the international governing body of fencing, and it has certain quality requirements for equipment used in international competition. If you are a recreational fencer or one who intends to compete locally, you'd be fine selecting high-quality NON-FIE gear. I always suggest that people buy the best protective equipment they can afford, so if you can afford to buy an FIE uniform it will be money well spent. Otherwise use your judgement when selecting non-FIE gear. FIE blades are usually made of a particular alloy called Maraging Steel. These blades tend to cost about twice as much as non-FIE blades, but they can last up to ten times longer. If you can afford them, they are good bang for the buck.