Essex County Fencing Union | Start Fencing

Essex County Fencing Union

About Fencing

Fencing Courses

Essex Fencing Clubs

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Equipment

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When a person begins fencing, the only equipment they need is a pair of trainers, a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. Most clubs provide all the specialist fencing equipment including the appropriate safety clothing.

After completing a beginners course, clubs encourage fencers to begin buying their own equipment. The process of building up a complete set of fencing kit can be spread over two to three years.

Protective equipment is available in two levels, CEN 1 also known as 350 Newton and CEN 2 which is also known as 800 Newton or FIE. Both levels of equipment are safe for all types of electric fencing. CEN 2 or 800 Newton protective clothing is generally safer and more durable than regular 350 Newton clothing as it is able to withstand 800 Newtons of force as apposed to 350 Newtons. However it is only necessary at high level international competitions. Many people that fence regularly buy CEN 2 or 800 Newton equipment because of the higher quality but this a personal preference.

The blades in weapons are also divided into two categories. They are FIE or Maraging and Non-FIE or non-Maraging blades. FIE or Maraging blades are made from maraging steel and last much longer than standard blades, they are about twice the price of standard blade but last 3-5 times longer. Their other advantage is that because they are made of tougher steel they need much less straightening. FIE or Maraging regulations only apply to Foil and Epee blades, there is no such requirement for sabre blades. I

Below is a guide to the order in which items may be bought, together with the approximate cost.

Breeches £30

Knee length trousers made of robust material. They must be worn in combination with long white socks. Breeches have a high waist ensuring a minimum 10 cm (4") overlap between the jacket and breaches.

Long White Socks £10

Must be worn with breaches and cover the lower leg up to the knee.

Glove £25

The glove protects the weapon hand (the rear hand doesn't need a glove). The glove also gives a firm, non-slipping grip on the weapon.

Plastron £30

A protective half-jacket with no underarm seam, worn for extra protection on the sword arm under the fencing jacket.

Chest Protector £25

A moulded plastic plate designed to protect the chest from heavy blows. Mandatory in female fencing.

Mask £60

A wire-mesh protective helmet. The wire mesh is darkened on the inside, to allow the eyes to focus past the grill.

Kit Bag £50

A long bag capable of safely storing and transporting weapons and other fencing equipment.

Jacket £45

A protective garment that covers the torso. Jackets are made from robust material, the front of the jacket dips into a v-shaped groin protector, with a strap that runs between the legs to hold the groin protector in place.

Fencing Shoes £60

Specifically designed for fencing, with a high traction sole and low heel. These shoes allow faster more accurate fencing movements. Squash or badminton shoes are a good alternative.

Bodywire £15

Worn under the protective clothing to connect the weapon to the retractable spool cable, when using the electrical scoring apparatus

Weapon £40

The general term used to describe either a foil, epee or sabre.

Lamé £80

Pronounced La-may not lame (as in duck). Worn over a jacket covering the target area and used for electric fencing. Only used in foil and sabre fencing.

Spare Weapon and Bodywire £55

Advisable when competing, for use in the even of a breakage or malfunction.

What is Fencing?
Weapons and Types of Fencing	How Fencing Is Fenced
Rules	Equipment

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