pick out some equip for a beginner

[Dclax07]

thanks for the advice

So its better to buy separatly than to buy a "beginners" set?

[Templar147]

I don't think it is necessarily better to buy individually than a starter set. There are many reasons why:

1)although you want your equipment to last 1+ years, the reality is, you are going to be learning, and whatever you buy will take a beating. Since you live in the USA and have to conform to the USFA rules, you don't FIE equipment until you are going to major, bigtime events.

2) as a beginner, you and other beginners will probably use a lot of your equipment incorrectly, upping the chances of weapon breaks and foils being bent in the wrong direction (weakening the weapon and causing a dangerous S curve).

3) You can get a deal when you buy a package, saving you some bucks so that, when the time comes, you can buy all that fancy smancy stuff you need to compete electrically (a lame, 2 electric weapons, 2 body cords, etc).

The only plus I see to ordering individually would be to get very specific equipment - ie, a better mask, different grip, etc. And on top of that, most distributors are MORE than willing to upgrade equipment in their starters sets. Just ask em!

Some sites to looks for starter sets include Allstar, Triplette, Blue Gauntlet, and Physical chess.

[geezer]

"Let me tell you what to do...yada yada...." How many times have you heard that one? There are so many ways to go with this. Deep pockets? Then buy the best. I couldn't afford to, so I had to deal in "trade-offs" of value. I went with a "beginners" set of equipment online at an economy supplier, but, BUT...I was on the phone asking questions and by being one-on-one, I got to "trade-up" on /to the gear I wanted. Meaning that I talked myself into a better one time deal (discounts) on better equipment (FIE Mask, uniform, glove, bag, etc.) than I could have ever done on regular discount sales specials!!! See where this is going? They're going to give you a "starter set" deal, so make them give you an even better discount to substitue-up to better stuff. You've got to go into this prepared with catalogs and list prices in hand so you can calculate as you speak. Good luck.

Oh, yes, sad but true...the blades arn't going to last very long, and gloves wear out fast. A fact of fencing life, so make them discount extras.

non iligitimi carborundum

[Dclax07]

will do, but the only thing is, when i say i dont know anything, i dont know
ANYTHING...

didnt even know what a lame was until now.
Ill call them and ask for suggestions

[geezer]

Get online and demand a catalog, ask a club member for a catalog, MAKE someone tell you about equipment differences,..."squeaky wheels" and all that.

[Dclax07]

thanks

im deciding between the blue gaunlet starter or bladefencing.com's starter.

Fencing post has 20% off everything though