n00b picks up a foil..

[reciprocator]

hi everyone, complete n00bie here.. my mom suggested that i take up fencing with her and my father. i've always been interested, but until now there's never been any training facility nearby.. a fellow just moved to the area and started teaching a class at the local YMCA, where we're already members, so the class is free. we just have to find our own equipment.

so far the best prices i've found are at www.thefencingpost.com where they offer a 20% discount on web-based orders.. a beginner set (foil, mask, jacket, glove) looks like somewhere around $130.. is there a better/cheaper place that i've overlooked? right now we're just using dowels and working on stance and basics. the instructor quickly made it apparent that he will be teaching us a classical french style.. can anyone point be someplace where i can read up on classical styles?

thanks in advance

-adam

[noodle]

sets from blue gauntlet are 100ish, i believe

[Pelle]

but are they better or worse, i think our friend here would rather spend an extra $30 and get a decent begginer set? i my self have no idea which is better lol

[reciprocator]

thanks for the replies.. blue gauntlet seems to be a pretty good site, and shipping is reasonable too.. i think i'll order there. i get the impression that this stuff is simple enough that the difference between beginner and intermediate equipment is marginal at best. i'm sure once you start paying $300 for a mask and $250 for a foil, you're getting your money's worth, but it seems that for the first couple years, you are not limited by the quality of your equipment but instead limited by the breadth of your knowledge and experience..

[Zilverzmurfen]

Welcome to the sport, I'm SO envious (?) that your parents fence too!

[davtsung]

Yep, you're parents are SO COOL you don't even know the half of it! My parents deny all knowledge of me fencing in front of company.

[Westley]

you fence in front of company?

[glowstix]

Originally Posted by Westley

you fence in front of company?

, LOL...he means that his parents denies all knowledge of him being a fencer when they are in the company of other people/friends.

[Vol_907]

Originally Posted by reciprocator

so far the best prices i've found are at www.thefencingpost.com where they offer a 20% discount on web-based orders.. a beginner set (foil, mask, jacket, glove) looks like somewhere around $130.. is there a better/cheaper place that i've overlooked?

I got my equipment from a guy who works with Physical Chess in NJ. I think he handles used or closeout equipment, but his prices are very reasonable. If you want contact information (I'm sure the guy wouldn't mind the extra advertising, but I'll respect his privacy by not posting his email address on the boards), send me an email or PM.

jth