Acquiring your own kit
After completing your Beginners Course, you may be wondering about purchasing your own kit.
Firstly, as a recent beginner, you are welcome to use any kit available in the Club, when not required for use by new beginners. However, in the long run you will probably wish to acquire your own kit. This can be expensive, and you wish to earmark something as a “birthday present” from a relative, or friend.
In terms of prioritising what you buy, it is probably best to acquire a mask & jacket first, as these are essential, and a sword and breeches later. You will however also need a glove and plastron, as these are safety items, and if fencing electric, a body wire.
Fencing suppliers
Some well known suppliers are
Allstar Uhlmann UK
Blades Brand UK
Leon Paul
SwordPriceFighters
There is a longer list on the
BFA web site
Two other options worth mentioning are
i) Leon Paul invariably have a stand at the Welsh Open, each November, in the Welsh Institute of Sport, Sophia Gardens, and
ii) ebay, via the internet.
Buying second-hand
If buying second-hand, or using equipment passed on from family & friends, you must bear in mind that safety is paramount. Fortunately injury in fencing is rare - however as almost all serious fencing injuries are caused by broken blades, do not use any equipment which is damaged, or has visible signs of wear and tear, or rusting. Note that masks should have an elastic (or similar) back strap.
BFA standards *
Over the years the
standards for fencing equipment have tightened, and the BFA have stipulated the following, in terms of ability to withstand the force of an opponent’s blade, as measured in newtons (N), the international unit of force. Equipment from all reputable suppliers will have its strength in newtons clearly marked on it.
It is advisable only to use equipment of the correct standard, in order to obtain maximum protection.
|
Jackets
|
Plastrons
|
Breeches
|
Mask
|
Fencing /
practicing with non-electric weapons
|
350N
|
350N
|
Trousers with
openings / pockets zipped/ closed
|
350N
|
Fencing /
practicing with electric weapons
|
350N
|
800N
|
350N
|
350N
|
International
(etc) competitions
|
800N
|
800N
|
800N
|
800N
|
Download hard copy
* Information believed correct at time of writing – please see the
BFA web site for full details.
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