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*
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!!!
). Most adults use a 5 however some people find that a slightly shorter blade (4) allows them greater control.
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