Choosing a practice foil

[LaBelleCordiere]

I apologize in advance if this has been addressed elsewhere in the forum, but I have not been able to find it as of yet. I realize I am a new fencer and that I am basically ignorant of EVERYTHING!!! However, I would like to purchase a practice foil and need some guidance on how to choose one. Upon asking my instructor (who apparently operates with the assumption that everyone will drop out) I was told to use a dowel or stick..."Any old stick will do." Questions on choosing a weapon were answered with "Whatever feels good." HELP!!!

[Purple Fencer]

Actuallu, your coach is mkore or less correct. As a beginner you're probably not going to have the ability to "feel" the differances in blades just yet....takes a little while to develop that skill.

Having said that, you could decide on a stiff blade such as StM or a more flexible one from Blue Gauntlet (BG). A stiff blade will flop around less when you make a parry or a beat, thus hel,ping your point control....but a more flexible BG blade may be physically lighter and easier to handle...the BGs do tend to snap like toothpicks, tho.

The dry blades are very similar....it's when you get into electric blades that you start getting wide varieties.

[LaBelleCordiere]

thanks....I kindof thought that would be the case...however, since I will probably be having to order a weapon over the internet, I have no opportunity for "feeling" the weapon. So, can you give me a quick rundown on the difference between blade sizes? The ones listed are 0, 2, and 5 (I know I'm an idjit, but the only way to find out is to ask,no?)

[SJCFU#2]

The numbers refer to blade length. Really short blades (0 and 1) are often recommended for children, due to their lighter weight (of course there are no standards that define the length of a 0 or 1 blade ). Most adults use a 5 however some people find that a slightly shorter blade (4) allows them greater control.

[LaBelleCordiere]

Again, thanks....oddly, I found it....so I'll be ordering soon. I'm afraid I got a bug up my butt at my coach...he seemed suprised when I asked him for footwork practice that I could do at home between classes. It appears it is going to be difficult to convince him that I am serious about this.

[Mr Epee]

Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your instructor... have fun for now, and you can get serious later. You have time.

Can I suggest you skip buying a practice foil and go directly to the electric?

This will save you money in the long run.


These are catalogue numbers from www.thefencingpost.com. Good people + Excellent Service.

The do a good job particularly if you are on the west coast.

Dry Foil
FSM15 StM #2,5 $37.00
Electric Foil
FSM26 StM #2,5 $58.00

Note: if you email your order, they will give you a 20% discount from the prices listed. Oh, and I don't work for these people.

[esskreemr]

Mr. Epee is correct. If you are serios about continuing fencing, consider an 'electric' blade. The weight and balance varies considerably between a 'dry' foil and an 'electric' foil. Electric weapons tend to be a little heavier and 'tip-heavy'. Don't worry about breaking the 'electric' part of the weapon, the components can be replaced/repaired pretty easily when the need arises.

Considerations when choosing a new foil:

1) Electric or dry
2) Fie or non-FIE (get an non-FIE right now)
3) Grip - French or Pistol (Pistol grips have a bunch of different forms)
4) Length - Go with the 5, that's what you will be practicing with.

Shop around a little, familiarize yourself with what's available. You can get a full beginner's set for a little over $100.00 which usually includes a jacket, glove, mask and foil; very economical. I would recommend getting just the foil first, wait a few months, then you can start putting more money into it.

Online:

http://shop.fencing.net/Default.asp?Redirected=Y
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/ (East Coast)
http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/index.htm (East Coast)
http://www.amfence.com/ (East Coast)

[Purple Fencer]

Mr. Epee is correct. If you are serios about continuing fencing, consider an 'electric' blade. The weight and balance varies considerably between a 'dry' foil and an 'electric' foil. Electric weapons tend to be a little heavier and 'tip-heavy'. Don't worry about breaking the 'electric' part of the weapon, the components can be replaced/repaired pretty easily when the need arises.

Considerations when choosing a new foil:

1) Electric or dry
2) Fie or non-FIE (get an non-FIE right now)
3) Grip - French or Pistol (Pistol grips have a bunch of different forms)
4) Length - Go with the 5, that's what you will be practicing with.

Shop around a little, familiarize yourself with what's available. You can get a full beginner's set for a little over $100.00 which usually includes a jacket, glove, mask and foil; very economical. I would recommend getting just the foil first, wait a few months, then you can start putting more money into it.

Online:

http://shop.fencing.net/Default.asp?Redirected=Y
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/ (East Coast)
http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/index.htm (East Coast)
http://www.amfence.com/ (East Coast)

Lemme amend that...do NOT skimp in the mask...spend teh money on a good Uhlmann, Leon Paul, or Negrin...it's your face we're talking about!

And btw...AmFence is west coast...San Francisco...

[archon]

yeah, American Fencer's Supply in San Francisco is a great place to get equipment. I have an epee I bought from them that is 3 years old. Their equipment isn't very expensive and the service is decent.

here's a url to their website
http://www.amfence.com/

[Larrison]

You're in the Seattle area?

Check around, I know at least one of the clubs there has a small store/ armory at their sallee. If you can find one, go over and check out what they have -- that'll give you a baseline for ordering on line for the next set of equipment. (And by this, I don't mean try everything on and stiff 'em either -- they're doing you a valuable service, so make sure you pass some business their way.)

I use the Fencing Post for my mail orders -- they are the closest physically, and my experiences with them have all been very good.

In the past year, I just outfitted a beginner, while I restarted after being off for quite a few years. If you're looking for things to get as a beginner I'd recommend

- Practice "dry" (non electric) foil. I'd recommend a lower end (but not *low* end) blade -- STM #5 is a pretty good one for practice. I'd recommend a french grip, if you haven't had the chance to try out a specific pistol grip. Cost should be less than $50 ($37 at fencing post, no discount, plus shipping and etc.)

- Glove. Get a good practice glove. Should run you under $30. (Fencing post -- $22 for a stretch washable glove).

That's enough to let you practice at home in front of a mirror, and get your grip, stance, footwork, and extend/lunge right.

Next would be basic dry bouting equipment

- Mask. Get a reasonably good one. If you're going to be heavily using one, or are going to go into competition, go for the higher end. I'm using a JL foil/epee mask with a removable lining for washing, which is around $65 (fencing post) but I'm thinking of upgrading to a Negrini at around $95. High end masks can go $250 or more, so you want a good one -- but.. price may be a concern as well.

- Practice jacket. This will run you $50-75 for a good quality, but not high end competition quality jacket. I'm using a Santelli jacket, but I think I got one of the last ones before they went out of business . For practice I recommend a front zip, but some of the higher quality ones are back zip.

Consider a good pair of shoes for fencing -- there are some reasonably priced fencing shoes, but for example I'm using some $40/ pair racquet ball shoes, and I know other people who swear by volleyball shoes or other shoes. Just something that has a good grip on the floors you'll be using rather than the usual running shoes or cross trainers.

That's all you need for the first year, unless you want to get real stylish or start entering into competitions.

My recommendation (and accept it with a grain of salt...) is to buy one or two steps up from the low end for a first set of practice gear. You don't want the absolutely cheapest, low end stuff since it won't last long. But at the same time, if you like the sport and want to go on, you'll want to go for what you like the best and for better, high end stuff. But without trying some of these things and seeing what you like and don't like, and what works, and doesn't work for you, buying high end at first is a low probability of success.

So... buy lower end at first (but not lowest!), and plan on replacing with a second, higher quality set in a year or two if you like the sport and want to move up in quality. If you do, you'll be buying electric competition equipment anyway... (lame, 2 body cords, underarm protector, knickers, and 2 weapons for foil). This would be a good time to look at replacing to pistol grips if that is what you want, or getting a set for a second weapon (such as epee or saber, if that is what you want to continue in)

But since Christmas is coming up *grins* don't be afraid a leave a list of what you want either... You just have to be specific about what and where they can get it for you *looking innocent*

[LaBelleCordiere]

I am SO glad I joined Fencing.net...you guys are great!! I really appreciate all of the info, I feel much more confident about purchasing practice equipment now. *hugs everybody* Hubby's reading over my shoulder, positively GREEN with envy...he'll be starting as soon as we can afford it as well!!