Starting off and equipment

[LUDICROUS]

This post is about a specific "situation." When one is just starting to fence, the genereal consensus seems to be "buy the cheap stuff first untill you are sure you are sticking with the sport." Then, when you are definitely sticking with the sport, move up to better quality/possibly FIE gear.

Now, I'm currently saving up for my own FIE uniform(which will be LP Sydney, if you must know! ). I've been fencing for all of a year and a bit. "Why FIE?" I hear you ask. The reason is this: If one wishes to take fencing to a high level in my country, it means travelling overseas to events like AFF's and the Aussie nationals, and then beyond. The australian nationals and AFF (australian fencing federation) cups are a magnet for fencers in oceania. The AFF, in all its wisdom decided to make FIE gear mandatory at their competitions.

I know it's different in the USA because FIE gear isn't needed, and one does not make it to FIE event level very quickly. But anyway, thats why situation, what do you think of the whole starting off equipment thing?


I know the poll sucks, so don't make your objections known. I just made a crappy poll to try to get the general "feeling."

[glowstix]

Originally Posted by LUDICROUS

This post is about a specific "situation." When one is just starting to fence, the genereal consensus seems to be "buy the cheap stuff first untill you are sure you are sticking with the sport." Then, when you are definitely sticking with the sport, move up to better quality/possibly FIE gear.

Now, I'm currently saving up for my own FIE uniform(which will be LP Sydney, if you must know! ). I've been fencing for all of a year and a bit. "Why FIE?" I hear you ask. The reason is this: If one wishes to take fencing to a high level in my country, it means travelling overseas to events like AFF's and the Aussie nationals, and then beyond. The australian nationals and AFF (australian fencing federation) cups are a magnet for fencers in oceania. The AFF, in all its wisdom decided to make FIE gear mandatory at their competitions.

I know it's different in the USA because FIE gear isn't needed, and one does not make it to FIE event level very quickly. But anyway, thats why situation, what do you think of the whole starting off equipment thing?


I know the poll sucks, so don't make your objections known. I just made a crappy poll to try to get the general "feeling."

hey, if you can afford FIE, go for it. they're more durable, last longer obviously, fit better, protects more, looks better and of course, gives you "status" among your fencing peers; funny how that works

if you can't afford it, then of course, you can get one FIE item at a time 'till you have a whole kit; i would go mask + 1 FIE blade ->jacket+1FIE blade->knickers+1 FIE blade.

[KD5MDK]

In your case, I'd say FIE gear is necessary, so you might as well buy it as soon as you can afford it, buying super cheap gear in the meantime.

I personally have all cheap gear, except an Allstar lame, and an old pair of Allstar knickers that were given to me. Once I do a bit of sewing on them they'll be great. I think I'll upgrade my mask next (most likely to fail, etc) but don't see any need for an FIE jacket, blades, etc.

[Nusy]

Myself I have PBT 350N, and I want to get FIE (Allstar/Adidas) gear... But just jacket&breeches, as I don't need plastron, mask, blades, etc. now.
But I liked having 350 - looks cool, truly comfy, cheap...

[Peach]

I'd say buy cheap to begin with. You don't know what you really need or whether to bother with fancy stuff until after you've been fencing for a while. When you are a regular competitor, however, there's no reason NOT to buy F.I.E. if you have the money.

Though my next purchase may be a cheapo practice uniform because when you train often, washing really wears out the expensive stuff fast.

[Point_Left]

I personally bought 350N stuff, with the exception of the FIE mask. That is what is recommended for competition in Alberta. I will probably never need 800N stuff, so I didn't bother looking for it (that and I kinda want to pay for university...). I also waited about 4 months before starting to buy stuff. (I was sure by that time that I wanted to stick around for a while, and was interested in competition.) I wouldn't recommend buying cheap stuff. Any "savings" are illusionary. In the long run, it isn't worth it.

My suggested order of equipment purchase is:
Glove
Electric weapon (if you often fence electric) and body cord
Mask (FIE if you can. Most fencers have a brain to protect)
Plastron (also, if sabre: mask cord)
Jacket, second body cord
Breeches (if you are competitive or many club members routinely wear them)
Cool socks
Second weapon
Lame
Spare blades (1 or 2)
Third weapon and body cord

Other stuff: additional weapons, body cords, copius amounts of spare blades and other bits, fencing shoes, etc

Incidentally, I didn't follow this pattern.

[Morion]

I hold with the principal of starting out slow. Buy the cheap gear until you are sure that you will use and need the good stuff. The only exception is the mask. Always go with top-o-the-line for the mask.

[DangerMouse]

Since you obviously plan to stay with the sport, I'd recommend buying the medium (decent 350 NW, not necessarily Uhlmann) uniform. Even though you'll eventually need 800 NW equipment, the decent 350 NW will be durable and using it for practice will save wear and tear on your good equipment.

[keith]

its always tempting to shell out the extra for the 'best' equipment. Next time you get this craving work out how many individual lessons you could pay for if you just bought the kit you need.

[Inquartata]

Originally Posted by LUDICROUS

I know the poll sucks, so don't make your objections known.

*Poll-criticism Blocker attempt failed*

No option for "I disagree with this poll for some stupid reason", hence---well, you know.

Anyway, I knew from the outset that I was going to be fencing sabre for a long, long time, but also knew that I wasn't a likely candidate for any Olympic teams. So I started out relatively cheap only because I didn't know what sort of stuff I was going to like. And I continued buying fairly cheap stuff for a long time. In fact, I only started buying things like Allstar masks and Uhlmann lames about ten years after I began fencing. Until then a Triplette jacket and lame sufficed. Never owned an expensive Adidas fencing shoe, started with raquetball shoes and later went on to Starfighters and now L-Nings. The mask was the first FIE item I bought, and only this year have I bought Uhlmann 800N jacket and knickers---the last Triplette jacket and the decrepit Santelli knickers have only just been retired. As for weapons and body cords, I have exactly one of the newer inside-hex plastic-sheathed pommels on a sabre ( out of 5 weapons ). The rest are composed of auncient parts and S+M or Fleche blades. Body cords too are old parts oft repaired...

[Teme]

Took me years to realize that I could have actually bought non-FIE crap from the start (if I had insisted). But then there was really no reason to degrade my kit... because here anything above club competitions is done by FIE safety regulations. No matter how 'small' the competition, if it's in The Calendar, you gotta wear the Newtons.

[WhipLash]

bought mid range right from the start. safety is impt. 350N uhlmann classic for jacket and breeches and mask, chinese lame(that is turning green around the collar after juz a month), stabil 5 shoes, uhlmann cords and glove. my foil is uhlmann stm maraging. for wpn i think the qual and durability makes the higher price worth it. dun think i will upgrade (except maybe glove and lame) unless i get into nationals (not even hoping yet)

[dilznik]

Buy quality and you buy once.

Why spend $50 on a cheapo mask, just to buy a nice mask a year later for $120? That was $170 for something that you should've just spent the $120 on in the first place.
When I moved to Germany, the club I joined wouldn't let anyone free fence without FIE gear, including the plastron. So I dumped my El Cheapo stuff and got the bling. Ever since then I was thinking about how I clearly liked the sport enough to get the clothes I had, why didn't I just get the good stuff right away? I was breaking cheapo blades in the US almost just by looking at them wrong. I've had three maraging blades here for 4 years and they're still going strong (although they'll probably all snap tonight...).
The point: if you like something enough to go out and buy the kit, get the good stuff. It'll last a long time.

[KD5MDK]

Well, in my opinion once I decide to get good gear, my old gear will be relegated to practice. Save wear and tear and all that. So it's not like it is useless, and it means I can spread out my gear purchases over time. How many people go into a store and say "I want a top of the line stereo system,"? Most assemble one bit by bit from components.

[Epee_Pox]

don't buy anything at first, just use club stuff until you know you want to stick with it.

then buy decent stuff, but not super expensive. Don't buy cheap, because you'll just wind up spending the money again sooner. Spend a little more once, instead of a little less lots of times.

leave the super expensive stuff until they offer it to you for free, as sponsors.

[MyraTrue]

I voted with my go cheap and move up option, but if you've already been fencing a year-and-some, then I think you're to the "move up" bit. I've been fencing 3 1/2, and I own FIE jacket and mask. I don't actually have any desire to move to FIE other than those two (an epeeist). I don't know if I'll ever fence competitively at a level I need FIE equipment.

On the other hand, if your chances of doing so actually are looking good, it'd be a pain to buy twice. I think you know if you'll stay in the sport at this point, and FIE stuff is more protective, so its not purely based on where you compete. If you WANT to fork over the cash, the equipment can be nice- ie, the mask is WONDERFUL. Hate to say, "up to you" but there's my suggestionless vote.

[rmyounis]

Originally Posted by MyraTrue

I voted with my go cheap and move up option, but if you've already been fencing a year-and-some, then I think you're to the "move up" bit. I've been fencing 3 1/2, and I own FIE jacket and mask. I don't actually have any desire to move to FIE other than those two (an epeeist). I don't know if I'll ever fence competitively at a level I need FIE equipment.

I got an FIE jacket when I got the security deposit on my last apartment back...it's nice, but I'm with you on the other stuff. I won't get FIE blades unless I'm competing internationally (yeah right ) - the cheap blades, besides the fact that they're cheap, just feel alot nicer to me.

[counter riposte]

Originally Posted by Peach

I'd say buy cheap to begin with. You don't know what you really need or whether to bother with fancy stuff until after you've been fencing for a while. When you are a regular competitor, however, there's no reason NOT to buy F.I.E. if you have the money.

Though my next purchase may be a cheapo practice uniform because when you train often, washing really wears out the expensive stuff fast.

Whoa! You mean to say that the FIE stuff wouldn't hold up in practice?

No seriously, I'm considering buying FIE for my next jacket and nickers, considering that my practice gear now has epee inflicted holes and visible signs of wear & tear (emphasis tear). For someone who fences recreationally, and has the modest occasion to go competitive would you recommend the FIE for durability (especially with all the washing it would supposedly go through) or denim for durability?

[dreamer90024]

I think a good mask is the most important thing. If you're not going to grow you should by a good jacket and pair of knickers, but any kid who starts should get somewhat cheap stuff, it'll probably be to small in a year. As far as weapon's go I don't think good stuff is important in the beginning, at least not until they begin to compete regularly. When you first start fencing you don't know what kind of blades or grip you like so you shouldn't buy something very expensive right away until you get a feel for the sport. Besides the mask a good pair of shoes is pretty important too, though they obviously don't have to be fencing shoes (we all have our preferences).

[JCL]

I've been fencing now for 3 months, and I waited until just recently before getting any gear. My club gives you a ultra-inexpensive foil and glove after the 1st 6 week session - both of which are more than adequate for just getting started. I then decided that I wasn't going to keep using the club masks & jackets, so those were my 1st purchases. I went with a cheap stretch jacket and a non-FIE LP mask with the countour fit system. I figured the jacket will last long enough for me to make decisions about where I want to go with this sport and the mask, well, it's a good mid-range mask that will last for a long time, given my newness to the sport and the amount of time I'm able to devote to it. (Which, incidentally, is nowhere near what I'd like to, but that's just one of those facts of life that comes with starting the sport in my 30's.)

Now I'm nowhere near a competitive level, but once I get closer, obviously I'm going to have to make decisions about more gear.