New w/ Questions

[MNFoil]

I figured that I should give a shout out to the group, considering that I'll be looking for guidance as I learn the sport. I've taken 2 weeks of classes (2x/week) now and while I am having a blast, I am already sick of the wet, smelly equipment I have to put on each week (there are classes before mine). I picked up a glove last week (Linear Fencing Gear?...I can't find them anywhere on the www?) and will order a mask, jacket and plastron (either from the club or online...probably Absolute if I do it online).

I guess the only question I have is how long will "beginner" equipment last me? I hate buying things twice, so I'm willing to put some money up front for something that will last. However, I'm 31 and I am pretty sure I'll never be good enough for any national tournaments. Instead I figure I'll look for some local tournaments once I'm good enough. With that said, will the Absolute Non-FIE gear fit my needs, or will I be buying again next year at this time?

Second question (I know, I said I only had one), is how long does it usually take before an individual is bouting in the local gym, and then how long before they're set for tournaments? After 2 weeks I'm going to say that this is much harder than I expected, but I love the challenge. I'm not in a hurry at all to go to the tournaments, so don't bump it up just so I won't quit. I have no problem taking my time to get things right.

BTW, I could ask my coaches, but I'm not getting a warm fuzzy from them just yet. They don't really have time to chat with all the classes and so forth going on. A bit dissappointing, but maybe that will change.

So...thoughts?

Thanks!

[noodle]

1) you tend to get what you pay for. that said, you can live in the lower grade stuff for a long time, provided you care for it.

2) it really depends on your coach. some coaches won't let people touch a weapon for months. some coaches encourage people to bout the first day, just to give them an idea of how things work.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Ditto what Noodle sez...he's a smart young whipper-snapper. Most of the FIE gear is manufactured with very strong materials, and will thus last you a long, long time. Non-FIE gear varys GREATLY from manufacturer to manufacturer.

When it comes to bouting/tournaments, just be aware that once you start competing, if you don't have enough practice behind you, you will probably develop bad habits which will be hard to break (this is especially true, in my opinion, of foil).

Your coaches don't want to lose you. They want you to fence into your 70's. They MAY try to hold you back some, but it's just because of their experience with what works and what doesn't.

Welcome to the sport and welcome to the forum.

By the way...I went to my first competition within a week of beginning fencing because my college needed one more men's foil competitor. 18 years later, I'm STILL trying to break my bad habits!

[MNFoil]

Great advice so far! I'm not in any hurry in regards to bouting or tournaments. Our practices have been half leg work and half "put on the gear and try this, this, and this with a partner". It's all about technique and taking it slow, which supports preventing bad habits. I was just trying to get a feel for what to expect, and my interpretation is that it is going to depend. I can accept that :-)

My interpretation on the gear is that the "better" beginner's stuff should last me a couple years if taken care of. Would this be a proper statement?

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

My interpretation on the gear is that the "better" beginner's stuff should last me a couple years if taken care of. Would this be a proper statement?

yes. apparently my message must be at least five characters, so I could not submit a simple yes

[noodle]

Great advice so far! I'm not in any hurry in regards to bouting or tournaments. Our practices have been half leg work and half "put on the gear and try this, this, and this with a partner". It's all about technique and taking it slow, which supports preventing bad habits. I was just trying to get a feel for what to expect, and my interpretation is that it is going to depend. I can accept that :-)

My interpretation on the gear is that the "better" beginner's stuff should last me a couple years if taken care of. Would this be a proper statement?

barring accidents, yes.
since its not quite as high quality, they do occasionally take holes and such. but it'll be just fine if you wash it properly, don't shrink it, etc..

[Zilverzmurfen]

I guess the only question I have is how long will "beginner" equipment last me? I hate buying things twice, so I'm willing to put some money up front for something that will last. However, I'm 31 and I am pretty sure I'll never be good enough for any national tournaments. Instead I figure I'll look for some local tournaments once I'm good enough.

Noodle and Beloit have both given good advice, I think. Bear in mind that security may be an issue regardless of the level of competitions you plan to attend. That said, go for FIE if you can afford it.

If you take good care of it it will last you many years. Also, should you want to quit the sport -- unlike non-FIE kits -- an FIE kit has a second hand value (if in good condition, of course).

Welcome to the sport and the forum!

[daveappr]

All of the previous posters have given you sound advice, let me add my 2 cents. My recommendation for you is to spend the extra money and get an FIE mask. I can't think of a more valuable asset than one's head. The review section provides good commentary on a variety of issues that you may find helpful. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your fencing experience.

[lindajdunn]

I second the recommendation for an FIE mask.

[magic_moose]

Make sure to consider the condition you are currently in. Many folks find they lose several inches around the waist after the first year of fencing. No point in buying really expensive stuff that you will want to replace with something that looks better in a year or so.

[WordRider]

Welcome!

WordRider