What will I need to start fencing?
Just a pair of sneakers and sweat pants, t-shirt, water bottle, and men should have a protective cup. We can get you set up with basic fencing equipment. Eventually though, you'll want to buy your own gear.
Does fencing hurt?
Yes, sometimes it does. People wouldn't fence if it really hurt badly, now would they? Sometimes you might get poked a bit harder than you'd want and that can leave a bruise. Usually the pain from being hit is the last thing people are concerned with as they are more focused on the fun or the challenge of fencing. The protective equipment does work quite well.
Do I have to compete?
No. Competitions are an important part of fencing and it is strongly suggested that everyone participate in at least one. Many people compete simply for the opportunity to fence different opponents. But if competition just isn't your thing that's fine. Many fencers just fence recreationally at their clubs.
I'm not exactly athletic. Can I still fence?
Athleticism does help but it certainly isn't required to start. As with taking up any new sport seeing your doctor ahead of time if you have any concerns about your health is a good idea.
Foil, epee, saber...Which one is for me?
This is one of the most interesting topics in fencing. Some people fence only one weapon while others fence two or all three. The odd thing is the weapon usually chooses the person, instead of the other way around. Each of the three weapons has its own particular personality and to some extent favored body type.
Which one is the best?
If you ask a foilist they will say, "foil", a saber fencer will say, "saber", the epee fencer will say, "epee".
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. Absolute does offer a wide variety of Starter Sets that range from about $100 to about $200, depending on the number of pieces of equipment and quality. The starter sets are much less expensive than buying the individual items separately.
What is USA Fencing
USA Fencing, is the national governing body of fencing in the United States. Becoming a member is strongly suggested for all fencers. Members receive a quarterly magazine as well as insurance. Membership is also required to compete at USA Fencing sanctioned competitions. When filling out the membership application please select Connecticut Division or New England Division for the division choice.
Do I need any tools or spare parts?
In short, yes. It is a good idea to pick up a small toolbox for the following items: flathead screwdriver, hex wrench for tightening grips, pliers, pocketknife, fine sandpaper, eyeglass screwdriver (or precision screwdriver set) glue such as Cementit or Bostik, Ohm Meter, cloth tape for wrapping electric foil foibles, spare points, springs, and screws. Some fencing equipment companies offer premade repair kits. If you have a practice foil, you should have several spare rubber tips. 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. 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 German parts. If you chose to use French parts, be warned that the 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. As 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 epeeists use French grips and pistol grips at the highest levels of international competition, but it is rare to find competitive foilists using 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. 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.
FIE or Non-FIE equipment?
The short answer is: FIE equipment if you can afford it.
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.
Just a pair of sneakers and sweat pants, t-shirt, water bottle, and men should have a protective cup. We can get you set up with basic fencing equipment. Eventually though, you'll want to buy your own gear.
Does fencing hurt?
Yes, sometimes it does. People wouldn't fence if it really hurt badly, now would they? Sometimes you might get poked a bit harder than you'd want and that can leave a bruise. Usually the pain from being hit is the last thing people are concerned with as they are more focused on the fun or the challenge of fencing. The protective equipment does work quite well.
Do I have to compete?
No. Competitions are an important part of fencing and it is strongly suggested that everyone participate in at least one. Many people compete simply for the opportunity to fence different opponents. But if competition just isn't your thing that's fine. Many fencers just fence recreationally at their clubs.
I'm not exactly athletic. Can I still fence?
Athleticism does help but it certainly isn't required to start. As with taking up any new sport seeing your doctor ahead of time if you have any concerns about your health is a good idea.
Foil, epee, saber...Which one is for me?
This is one of the most interesting topics in fencing. Some people fence only one weapon while others fence two or all three. The odd thing is the weapon usually chooses the person, instead of the other way around. Each of the three weapons has its own particular personality and to some extent favored body type.
Which one is the best?
If you ask a foilist they will say, "foil", a saber fencer will say, "saber", the epee fencer will say, "epee".
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. Absolute does offer a wide variety of Starter Sets that range from about $100 to about $200, depending on the number of pieces of equipment and quality. The starter sets are much less expensive than buying the individual items separately.
What is USA Fencing
USA Fencing, is the national governing body of fencing in the United States. Becoming a member is strongly suggested for all fencers. Members receive a quarterly magazine as well as insurance. Membership is also required to compete at USA Fencing sanctioned competitions. When filling out the membership application please select Connecticut Division or New England Division for the division choice.
Do I need any tools or spare parts?
In short, yes. It is a good idea to pick up a small toolbox for the following items: flathead screwdriver, hex wrench for tightening grips, pliers, pocketknife, fine sandpaper, eyeglass screwdriver (or precision screwdriver set) glue such as Cementit or Bostik, Ohm Meter, cloth tape for wrapping electric foil foibles, spare points, springs, and screws. Some fencing equipment companies offer premade repair kits. If you have a practice foil, you should have several spare rubber tips. 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. 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 German parts. If you chose to use French parts, be warned that the 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. As 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 epeeists use French grips and pistol grips at the highest levels of international competition, but it is rare to find competitive foilists using 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. 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.
FIE or Non-FIE equipment?
The short answer is: FIE equipment if you can afford it.
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.