Beginner Equipment

[JJMUR]

Hi guys. Now I know you all must have seen this topic, if not this exact thread title, many times, but I have went through most of the posts I could find concerning this topic. My real problem is this, I'm not completely sure which weapon i want to pursue quite yet. I have been fencing for a few months now, but know I am going to stick with the sport, and once I have my equipment, I will start doing all tournaments and competitions that I can. For cost issues, it is a moderate concern, which pretty much means I am able to spend some more money on equipment, but would rather hold back. What I was considering doing was getting the basic equipment that translates to all 3 weapons: the jacket, knickers, glove, plastron, and mask. I was looking at the Blue-Gauntlet SG website, mostly because of the discounts on the equipment there. I was looking at the stretch jackets, but read here that for price, the equipment is a plus, but the durability may or may not be great. Then I looked at the 350N competition jackets at Leon Paul. They appear to be exactly what I am looking for. What I'm really asking is should I go with the LP equipment, and be glad that I spent as much as I did on quality equipment, or be happy that I spent as little as I did on BG equipment? Thanks.

[noodle]

well, thats really the question that YOU need to be asking yourself. which means more to you, more quality for more money, or less quality for less money?

other factors could be: how long you plan on fencing for (will this be a permament sport for you?), if you plan on upgrading to an fie kit in the future, what weapon you end up fencing.

[D'Artag-NOT]

After considering how deeply committed you want to get to the sport, buy the best equipment you can afford. If you can afford only one piece of top-quality equipment and have to compromise elsewhere, then make your mask that top-quality piece, as it's the single most important piece of protective equipment.

[JJMUR]

What I was kind of getting at while asking a whole bunch of other questions is how long does this "beginner" equipment last in terms of both duration, and upgrading. I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment. Also, if it will be quite some time before I purchase FIE equipment, will it be better to go with higher-end "beginner" equipment, or just wing it with some lower quality stuff, so to speak.

[DHCJr]

Normally, I would agree whole-heartedly with the sentiment of DÁrtag-Not, but you indicated you were not sure of the weapon you would end up in. No mask is 3-weapon. If you don't know which weapon you will end up in, I would not get an FIE mask. There is one exception for this statement. If you end up in Sabre and you are willing to use the first FIE mask as a practice only mask for dry Sabre, then I would agree.

On the mask, I would go higher end. I have had some negative experience with BG masks, especially non-FIE. The fencers come up with dented masks and I am able to push out the dents with my thumb.

I don't deal with the rest of the equipment as much now, but with care, even low level jackets, breeches and plastrons can last for years.

[noodle]

What I was kind of getting at while asking a whole bunch of other questions is how long does this "beginner" equipment last in terms of both duration, and upgrading. I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment. Also, if it will be quite some time before I purchase FIE equipment, will it be better to go with higher-end "beginner" equipment, or just wing it with some lower quality stuff, so to speak.

it took me 2 years to go fie. i started out with nothing but BG stuff which lasted me for 1.5 years or so; i used club gear for the first little bit and i upgraded to FIE stuff because i felt like i needed new stuff and better protection not because the BG stuff was wearing out. beyond that, its a personal preference.

edited to add: if i were you, i'd consider purchasing equipment until after you pick a weapon unless you're on some type of specific program from your coach.

[achilleus]

What I was kind of getting at while asking a whole bunch of other questions is how long does this "beginner" equipment last in terms of both duration, and upgrading. I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment. Also, if it will be quite some time before I purchase FIE equipment, will it be better to go with higher-end "beginner" equipment, or just wing it with some lower quality stuff, so to speak.

JJMUR,

Fencing is an industry where, for the most part, you get what you pay for.

The top of the line stuff is expensive, but worth every penny.
The chinese stuff is worth the price, which is to say not much.

Occasionally, you'll pay top dollar for a lemon, or pay nothing and get that one piece of chinese equipment that lasts forever, but for the most part, you get what pay for.

When I first started out I purchased an AFS jacket which lasted for well over a year. I actually bought a new one not when I outgrew it. Same with the pants. I purchased an OK mask and it lasted a year...

One thing to note, is that equipment durability is dependent on how often one trains, and how hard one is on their equipment. When I first started fencing, I bought the adidas fencing shoes and they lasted me about 1 year of 4 days a week training. 2 years later, they lasted me about 6 months. My training changed, and the shoes couldn't hold up...

Others make the shoes last them years...

So, look around. Some US companies have some good equipment. Personally I like Santelli, American Fencers, and The Fencing Post for their house brands for quality, low priced equipment. They aren't as low priced as BG and Triplette, but the quality is better.

[fencinman89]

i have been fencing four goin on 4 years september and i have anly used BG stuff and all of it has lasted me till i out grew it. The only piece of FIE equipment i own is a Flikmaster from LP which i just got at nationals this year for my birthday. Also the stuff i outgrew i gave to my little brother and he has been using it for a few months now with no problems.
-Tre'

[prittieinpink]

i started by fencing with club gear. it wasnt bad, but it was smelly and different people sweated in it every day... so that was gross. i just went ahead and got fie allstar stuff right away. i havent regretted it ever. i mean, if you get the less expensive stuff, you are probably going to end up upgrading to fie eventually (for your safety or because the tournaments you go to require fie stuff (which isnt many)) so you might as well just spend the money once, right? well thats what i figured anyways. what i highly recommend however is that you try on a friends equipment or purchase stuff at a nac or national or other big tournaments where you can try on the stuff at the vendors. although allstar and uhlmann are the "same company", their sizing is NOT THE SAME. just make sure you try stuff on before you spend top dollar on stuff that wont fit you. anywho, good luck!!!

[glowstix]

What I was kind of getting at while asking a whole bunch of other questions is how long does this "beginner" equipment last in terms of both duration, and upgrading. I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment. Also, if it will be quite some time before I purchase FIE equipment, will it be better to go with higher-end "beginner" equipment, or just wing it with some lower quality stuff, so to speak.

i'd go with the BG or physical chess middle of the line stuff for the first couple years. by then you know whether or not you'll stay in the sport beyond that. now you just THINK you will but you never know. if you are absolutely sure, and you can afford it, get all FIE stuff.

having said that, i use the BG/physical chess brand stuff because i really can't afford the FIE stuff unless i want to starve for a month and not pay bills. the cheaper stuff does last a couple of years but after a while they tend not to fit right since the quality is inferior.

if you must go for something expensive now, get perhaps one good blade. i'm learning the hard way buying blade after blade every couple of months. knickers, jacket, mask can all be BG for now. they're good for tournaments. mine is fine for now and have lasted since i began over a year ago. my BG mask has been quite durable and has never seen a dent and i fence epee. hopefully i'll have a big payday someday and the first thing i'm doing is going all FIE!! ultimately, its the way to go.

also, be sure to call the vendor first and ask questions about stuff before you buy since you can't try anything on. when buying blades ask about stiffness, weight, balance, etc...

[Inquartata]

The top of the line stuff is expensive, but worth every penny.

Not always, ach. Case in point: FIE maraging sabre blades!

[D'Artag-NOT]

What I was kind of getting at while asking a whole bunch of other questions is how long does this "beginner" equipment last in terms of both duration, and upgrading.

One factor in how long your equipment lasts is how well you take care of it. Even a top-quality FIE mask is likely to suffer if you habitually jam it into an equipment bag right next to a sweat-soaked underarm protector and let it cook in the trunk of your car all the way home.

After every practice, I wipe down the interior of my mask and breastplate (I keep a small terrycloth towel for this purpose in my bag), stash my underarm protector in a Ziploc bag, keep my shoes in a plastic grocery bag to keep them from soiling my whites, etc. I try to be very conscientious about unpacking the bag and putting everything away neatly, laudering or at least airing all the clothing.

Proper care is especially important for lames (relatively frequent but gentle hand washing to keep sweat stains from interfering with conductivity). Body cords should be wound up and stowed away neatly.

I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment.

You'll find all sorts of opinions on these boards as the when one should shell out for FIE equipment. Strictly speaking, it's not required for many USFA competitions, though it's definitely needed for elite competition. Your coach might be able to advise you.

What kind of budget are you talking and who's actually paying?

[Peach]

Heresy alert: I shove my uniform in my bag and fling it across something to dry out when I get home, shove my breast protectors, shoes, glove, overglove, and Infinity lame (with the wires still in it) into my sabre mask and stuff it all into my bag and leave it there, and it all lasts about as long as it did when I was fiendishly meticulous, which is to say sometimes real long and sometimes not at all. Though it doesn't smell as good.

My FIE uniform is a couple of years old now and the velcro is the only thing that has failed (though the stenciling has faded). I wash it about once a week in warm water with a fragrance-free laundry detergent and non-chlorine bleach, and hang it rather than put it in the dryer.

[greenchick]

I do want quality equipment, but I don't want to find out 6 months from now that it would be beneficial to me to upgrade to FIE equipment.

You won't -- I kept my beginner kit for about 3 years, and upgraded only when it was worn out. I got FIE stuff for the second round, because I know I'll be sticking with the sport, and I've seen enough to have a good idea of my preferences for quality and fit, but I'm still years from the point where any FIE stuff would be required.

The starter kits from Triplette, BG, etc, are pretty bare-bones, and you do want to start with gear that'll be comfortable and usable for you -- so upgrade from a back-zip jacket to a front-zip, make sure you have a good padded glove, and get a plastron (I will never understand why they don't ever include those in starter kits!). But in terms of getting anything high-end, wait until you're more sure of what you want to get.

[glowstix]

so upgrade from a back-zip jacket to a front-zip, make sure you have a good padded glove, and get a plastron (I will never understand why they don't ever include those in starter kits!). But in terms of getting anything high-end, wait until you're more sure of what you want to get.

yes, PPLLEEEAAAASSEEEE get a front zip jacket!!!!!! its soooo worth the extra money. my zipper broke off my first back zip jacket and i said, "no way, this has to go!!!!"

[Flagrant da Nut]

please
i beg of you

[Inquartata]

Heresy alert: I shove my uniform in my bag and fling it across something to dry out when I get home, shove my breast protectors, shoes, glove, overglove, and Infinity lame (with the wires still in it) into my sabre mask and stuff it all into my bag and leave it there,.

Sounds as though you've a little epee blood in you...

[Zilverzmurfen]

I'd say go with FIE gear.

Will give good protection and cost a little extra - yes, but will also be easy to sell 2nd hand should you decide to leave the sport.
Or, buy 2nd hand FIE stuff if you don't want to spend a fortune. Just make sure it's still in good shape and not too old.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[Templar147]

As for just beginning, you won't need FIE equipment right away - in reality, it is more puncture resistant, so if you are concerned about safety, get FIE. However, I think that, on a budget, the starter sets (with a plastron) and an upgrade to a front zipper will make life less painful.

Inquartata, a saberist through and though! lol