Fencing equipment list with all 20 items: foil, epee or sabre, mask, jacket, plastron, glove, breeches, chest protector, fencing shoes and body cord.
Those ten belong to the fencer. Five are club gear such as an electric scoring system and training weapons, and five describe the salle, from pistes and scoring machines to a repair station and locker rooms. The table below lists all twenty with the purpose of each one and who is expected to bring it.
- What equipment do you need for fencing?
- A weapon, a mask, a jacket, a plastron, a glove, breeches and a body cord, plus a chest protector for women. Most clubs lend the whole set for the first months, so beginners start by buying nothing.
- What are the names of fencing gear?
- Mask with bib, jacket, plastron (underarm protector), lame, breeches, glove, weapon and body cord. The strip you fence on is the piste.
- What weapon is used in fencing?
- Three: foil, epee and sabre. Each has its own target area and its own rules, and a fencer normally trains only one of them.
- What is a fencing jacket called?
- A jacket. The extra layer worn under it on the weapon arm side is the plastron, and the conductive overjacket used in foil and sabre is the lame.
Fencing Equipment at a Glance
Ten items are the fencer's own, five belong to the club, and five are part of the salle. Everything a beginner eventually has to buy sits in the first block.
| Item | What it does | Who supplies it |
|---|---|---|
| Foil, epee or sabredepending on the discipline | The weapon, each one with its own target area and rules | Player |
| Mask | Steel mesh and a bib that covers face, head and throat | Player |
| Fencing jacket | Puncture resistant torso and arm cover, certified to 350 or 800 newtons | Player |
| Plastronunderarm protector | Second layer under the jacket on the weapon arm side | Player |
| Glovefor the weapon hand | Padded back, cuff over the sleeve so no blade slips inside | Player |
| Breeches | Knee-length trousers in the same certified fabric as the jacket | Player |
| Chest protectorrequired for women | Rigid cup under the jacket against the thrust | Player |
| Electric scoring equipmentbody cord, lame if required | Carries the hit from the weapon to the box, lame marks the target in foil and sabre | Player |
| Fencing shoes | Reinforced inner edge for the lunge, flat sole for the strip | Player |
| Water bottle | A pool of bouts runs for hours with short breaks | Player |
| Electric scoring system | Registers valid and invalid touches and locks out the late hit | Coach |
| Training weapons and masks | Club loan set so a beginner starts without buying anything | Coach |
| First aid kit | Bruises, blisters and the occasional cut from a broken blade | Coach |
| Video analysis equipment | Slow motion review of the action, since a phrase lasts under a second | Coach |
| Team uniforms | Club colors on the back, name and country in competition | Coach |
| Fencing pistes | The strip, 14 meters by 1.5 to 2 meters, with a metallic surface | Facility |
| Electronic scoring machines | One box per piste, with lamps for both fencers | Facility |
| Observation area for spectators | Set back behind the end lines, clear of the reel cables | Facility |
| Locker rooms | Changing and secure storage for weapon bags | Facility |
| Equipment repair station | Vise, tester and spare tips, because points fail mid-competition | Facility |
Equipment for Fencers
#1 Foil, Épée, or Sabre
The choice of foil, épée, or sabre defines the fencing discipline and influences the rules and scoring. Each weapon has unique characteristics that affect technique and strategy, making the appropriate selection vital to the fencer's performance.
LEONARK Electric Epee
Complete national grade weapon
- Bladestainless steel, electric point
- Guardaluminum alloy with guard pad
- Sizesnumber 0 for children, number 5 for adults
- Handchoose right or left before ordering
- Includedhandle grip and a 600D oxford sword bag
#2 Mask
A fencing mask provides critical facial and head protection during bouts. Its sturdy mesh design allows visibility while preventing penetration by the weapon’s tip. Safety and visibility are important, making the mask a non-negotiable piece of fencing equipment.
LEONARK Fencing Mask
CE 350N certified
- CertificationCE level 1, 350 newtons
- Shellhigh strength mesh with waterproof inner lining
- Paddingforehead and chin
- Fittightening strap at the back
- Also suitable forlongsword and HEMA training
#3 Fencing Jacket
The fencing jacket protects the torso and arms against weapon strikes. It’s made of durable fabric to withstand punctures and designed for mobility. This garment is essential for safety and adhering to regulations during training or competition.
Fencing Club Novus Jacket
350N, club and national level
- CertificationCE level 1, 350 newtons
- Fabric50 percent Dyneema, 50 percent polyester
- ZipperYKK, four-way stretch panels
- Approvallegal at USA Fencing sanctioned events
- Caremachine washable, quick dry
- Handordered as right or left
#4 Plastron (underarm protector)
An underarm protector, or plastron, offers an additional layer of safety, especially in the vulnerable underarm area, which is exposed during arm movements. Its use is a standard safety protocol to prevent potential injuries.
LEONARK Fencing Plastron
350N underarm protector
- CertificationCE standard, 350 newtons
- Cuthalf vest covering the weapon arm side
- Closurezipper with a retractable strap
- Fitunisex, kids and adult sizes
- Wornunder the jacket
#5 Glove (for the weapon hand)
The fencing glove shields the weapon hand from hits and provides a better grip on the weapon. It is designed to be flexible yet protective, balancing dexterity with safety, and is mandatory for fencers.
LEONARK Padded Fencing Glove
Padded back, long cuff
- PalmPU dots on microfiber suede for grip with sweaty hands
- Backhigh-density sponge pad against blade impact
- Cuffone-piece sleeve over wrist and lower forearm
- Liningrib knit between the fingers, four-way stretch
- Closurehook and loop wrist strap
- Weaponsfoil, epee and sabre
#6 Breeches
Fencing breeches are knee-length trousers providing protection for the lower body. They are reinforced to prevent penetration from weapon tips and designed for maximum mobility. This specialized attire is an integral part of a fencer's protective gear.
FEFOSAEP Fencing Knickers
350N, buckled below the knee
- CertificationCE level 1, 350 newtons
- Fabric50 percent polyester, 50 percent Dyneema
- Weight17 percent lighter than standard spec material
- Waistadjustable with hook and loop closure
- Cutknee-length, worn over long socks
#7 Chest Protector (required for women)
Chest protectors are mandatory for female fencers, offering crucial protection for the chest area. They reduce the impact of thrusts or hits, increasing safety and allowing fencers to compete with confidence.
FEFOSAEP Chest Guard for Women
FIE, with soft outer layer
- CertificationFIE
- Shellimpact absorbing thermoplastic
- Outersoft rubber layer attached with hook and loop dots
- Strapsadjustable elastic over chest and sides
- Sizesadult and child
#8 Electric Scoring Equipment (body cord, lame if required)
For accurate scoring, fencers use electric scoring equipment. The body cord connects the weapon to the scoring system, while the lame (a conductive garment) is used in foil and sabre to register valid touches. Essential for modern fencing, they ensure fair and precise results.
Fencing Club Epee Body Cord
Three prong, two per pack
- Contents2 cords
- Weaponepee, three prong
- Wiretwin core twisted copper strands
- Pluganti-bend construction at the connector
- Casingclear, so a break is visible
- Usetraining and tournaments
#9 Fencing Shoes
Footwork is fundamental in fencing, making purpose-built fencing shoes essential. They provide grip, support, and flexibility, aiding in quick movements while helping to minimize the risk of foot and ankle injuries.
ROPHOO Fencing Shoes
Reinforced lunge protection
- Toe and siderubber protecting pad over the front outer upper
- Midsolehigh density, cushioned for the landing
- Outsolenatural rubber for flexibility and traction
- Uppermesh
- Fitunisex sizing
#10 Water Bottle
Hydration keeps fencers alert and agile. Having a water bottle at hand is crucial, especially during long tournaments or intensive training sessions. It is a simple yet essential item for maintaining good physical condition and focus.
Equipment for Coaches and Teams
#1 Electric Scoring System
The electric scoring system is crucial for accurately recording hits and touches in fencing bouts, providing immediate feedback to fencers and spectators. It ensures fair play and enhances the viewing experience by clearly displaying the scoring in real time.
#2 Training Weapons and Masks
Training weapons and masks are foundational to safely teach and practice fencing techniques. They allow fencers to hone their skills without the risk associated with competitive blades and ensure that both coaches and athletes can focus on skill development with proper protection.
#3 First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is imperative for any fencing team to manage minor injuries and emergencies. Stocked with essential supplies, it allows for prompt treatment of common fencing-related injuries like bruises, blisters, and cuts, promoting the well-being of all participants.
#4 Video Analysis Equipment
Video analysis equipment is invaluable for improving performance through visual feedback. It helps fencers and coaches analyze technique and bout strategy, enabling detailed review and advanced preparation against competitors, thus elevating the level of training and competition.
#5 Team Uniforms
Team uniforms are essential for fostering unity and professionalism among team members. They help identify athletes during competitions, promote team spirit, and contribute to a polished and organized appearance, reflecting dedication and pride in the sport of fencing.
Equipment for Facilities
#1 Fencing Piste(s)
The fencing piste is the designated stage for bouts, a critical component of the sport. Its specific dimensions and non-slip surface facilitate proper footwork and tactics, crucial for the safety and fairness of fencing competition. It's where all the action happens, emphasizing the duel's precision and skill.
#2 Electronic Scoring Machines
Electronic scoring machines are vital in recording touches accurately and swiftly in fencing. They provide instant, unbiased results, which are essential for the smooth operation of matches. This technology ensures fair play and enhances the spectator experience by allowing the audience to follow the score in real time.
#3 Observation Area for Spectators
An observation area allows spectators to view fencing matches comfortably and safely. It's essential for promoting the sport and providing an enjoyable experience for audiences, enabling them to appreciate the skill and finesse of fencers while supporting their favored athletes or teams.
#4 Locker Rooms
Locker rooms offer fencers a private space to prepare before matches and unwind afterward. They are an essential facility for storing personal and valuable equipment securely, allowing competitors to focus on their performance with peace of mind about the safety of their gear.
#5 Equipment Repair Station
An equipment repair station is crucial in a fencing facility to ensure all gear is in top condition for training and competition. Quick fixes and maintenance of weapons, masks, and body cords prevent delays in bouts and help uphold the safety and integrity of the sport.
Understanding the dimensions and space you'll be competing in can help you choose the right equipment, so consider learning about fencing piste dimensions.
FAQ
What is the equipment you need to play Fencing?
Fencing swords, masks, protective clothing, and a fencing piste are the equipment you need to play Fencing. These are essential for safe practice and competition.
What is the most important equipment in Fencing?
The mask is the most important equipment in Fencing as it protects the face and neck from potential injury during bouts.
What is a recommended list of Fencing equipment for beginners?
Here's a recommended list of Fencing equipment for beginners: a basic fencing foil (or epee/sabre), a fencing mask, a jacket, a glove, and a chest protector. This gear offers protection and allows practice of fundamental moves.
