Equipment Measurements

[Manethrin]

I am begging lessons after this Christmass. I have already talked to the instructor about equipment, and he reccomended that I buy all of my own equipment. unfortunately I had no chance to speak with him on measurements for equipment. I need to know how to measure for
1) Glove
2)Mask
3)Jacket
4)Lame
5)knickers
I am begging in foil and most of the equipment needs to be electric. Any and all info would be appreciated. Thanks

[achilleus]

Sizing varies by manufacturer. Most companies have a sizing chart on their webpage for the appropiate piece of equipment. Or when you call, you can ask the vendor. They know. That's the easy way to figure out what size to buy. It's even easier if you can head to a store, or a tournament, or borrow someone else's gear to try on equipment.

Here's Leon Pauls sizing chart.

[Mr Epee]

Fencing Suppliers should all have tons of experience dealing with folks who have no idea what they are doing.

Especially this time of year.

Don't worry, just give 'em a ring.

[esskreemr]

[QUOTE=Manethrin]

Most of the sites have guides. The sizes typically vary by manufacturer. For jackets you'll usually need your chest size at it's widest point (take a deep breath to allow for comfort). For lames, chest size plus 4 inches or so to allow for the fact that you will have a jacket and plastron. Knickers go by waist size. Masks circumf vary and can be adjusted within a reasonable amount.

Gloves vary with some going by the width of your palm and some going by the size of your wrist.

Here's a sample guide provided by Blade Fencing ( good supplier out of New York):

http://www.blade-fencing.com/sizing.shtml


Here are some other American suppliers:
http://www.allstar-usa.com/cgi-bin/s...build=1&page=1
http://www.amfence.com/
http://www.blade-fencing.com/
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/
http://www.birdnest.org/fencing/equipment_suppliers.htm
http://www.getphysicalsoftware.com/fencingsoft/
http://www.directory.net/Shopping/Sports/Fencing/
http://www.santelli.com/
http://www.gofence.com/catalogue/order.asp
http://www.fencepbt.com/pbthome3.nsf...6?OpenDocument
http://www.triplette.com/sport%20fencing/Default.htm

[Pancakes]

You're buying your gear before you even start fencing? Not very smart

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

get some stuff used.

[Purple Fencer]

Your instructor's STARTING you on electric?? That doesn't seem right...almost every one I've ever known starts dry and goes to electric later.

Also, there are 4 items new fencers typically buy when they're getting their own stuff: mask (measure around the head, from under the chin, up around the crownm and back to the bottom...a medium-sized adult will be somewhere in the mid-20 inches), jacket (measure all the way around the chest, in inches...then add 12 and you should have the Euro size...just make sure your vendor knows that you're providing the actual inch measurement or they may assime you're giving the Euro size (if the items you;re buying is IN euro size)), glove (around the palm, not including the thumb) and a weapon (no measurement...just need to know if you;re riight or left handed...will probably start with a French grip).

Many people don't get the knickers unless they're getting ready to actually compete...track oants are common.

if you get a lame, get one ONE size up from the jacket, or else it'll be too tight.

Don;t forget the body cord if you get an electric foil.

[davtsung]

Wow, you're electrifying really quickly! Are you sure you actually want to invest at least $200 so early? Most clubs have equiptment so beginners can get a feel for the sport before asking them to submit to the vampirism that is fencing commerce in the U.S. Try it out first! Believe me, we're all in love with the sport on this forum, but it isn't for everyone so be sure you 'like the milk' before you 'buy the cow'. Otherwise, welcome to the 'Big Show' and we look forward to your contributions in the future.

[Larrison]

After reading through the comments and the initial posting...

To save a couple of hundred bucks, you might want to just touch base with your instructor, and ask him about when you will need electric equipment. I'm figuring you will want it, but not need it immediately. You might want to start off with a dry (non-electric) set of practice equipment and wait to buy an electric set for a month or two, until you are both sure you will need it, and have a better feeling for what you want.

The club I fence through has the students buy a dry set for starter and intermediate lessons, with electric equipment for when they enter competition. (The club is set up for up to 8 electric strips, but the instruction is all dry until the advanced, competitive classes)..

It's very common for fencers to have both a dry set and an electric competition set. You don't need electric all of the time, and most folks find it's useful to have a dry set for practice.

Since Christmas is coming up, now's the time to ask for equipment! Check the vendors who are recommended to you, and buy a reasonable set of practice equipment. Then as you get a feel for what you like and don't like -- including different brands of higher quality equipment and things like pistol grip/ french grip -- then go for the electric equipment.

[Manethrin]

I have been fencing for a while in my fencing club and I really enjoy it. It is one of the few sports I excel at. Thanks for the advice everybody.