My son is 8 years old, but very small for his age - about 43 inches tall and maybe 45 pounds soaking wet. Yes, we've been to the endocrinologist, but that's another story.
He just started taking classes, and is having a really good time thus far. It's clear to me from watching, though, that the club weapon he has been using is a bit difficult for him to control in terms of weight, and possibly length as well. I'd like him to have as positive an experience as possible, so he has a better chance of sticking with it, so I'd like to buy him his own weapon that he can use it at home to get more used to the weight.
I do intend to speak to his instructor, but thought I would call upon the collective wisdom of the forum for additional advice. Clearly, I am not looking to break the bank on his first foil, but I do want to get something that is as lightweight as possible and reasonably easy for a small guy to learn to control. I guess it's obvious that I should go with a #0 blade, but what do people think about a pistol grip for a child this young? Would that be easier for him to control? It looks like the french grip on the club weapon goes halfway up his arm.
I have done my research on the various beginner sets - and if he stays interested that's likely the route we'll go, but for now, I think a foil and a glove is where we will start.
First off, talk to his coach. He knows the boy better than we do.
That being said, I think you are on the right track looking at a #0 blade. Most club weapons have #5 blades, so they are practically as large as he is.
I'm not certain that I rush to get a pistol grip just yet - given the size of his hand even the smallest pistol grip may prove large enough to facilitate the use of a death grip. Plus pistol grips tend to be very personal - what works for one person can be worse than useless for another. I have seen some shorter French grips, presumably sized for shorter blades so you may want to speak with the vendor and see what they can do. It also may help to go with a smaller diameter guard and lighter pommel. The reduction in weight probably won't be significant but proper balance can a foil feel a lot lighter.
Another thing I would recommend is to stick with a dry (practice) weapon for now. Not only do they tend to be lighter, they are also less expensive and there is no need for electric unless he is preparing to compete (and at his age the opportunities to compete are probably going to be limited).
I know that leon paul makes a tennis racket grip for epee, theres probably a foil adaptation. Although it is french, it should be fine for him. It is very light weight and weighs virutally nothing but I believe the cost is rather high. However; as already stated ask the coach first. He knows your kid more than we do.
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I know that leon paul makes a tennis racket grip for epee, theres probably a foil adaptation. Although it is french, it should be fine for him. It is very light weight and weighs virutally nothing but I believe the cost is rather high. However; as already stated ask the coach first. He knows your kid more than we do.
They are quite a bit fatter than a normal French grip - even the smallest size. Because of their construction there is a limit to how narrow they can get. So for very small hands it's probably not an option. They also have no shape, unlike a normal French grip, as they are designed for pommeling rather than being held conventionally.
For smaller hands I use Absolute brand leather French grips. They are narrower than the usual LP, Uhlmann, etc. grips. It might be good to rough up the leather with some coarse sandpaper for an easier grip; if the leather is too slick, the student will grip too hard when trying to control the foil. You can also moisten the leather with a few drops of water before use (to simulate sweat).
For young students (4 to 7 or 8 years old) with very small hands, I use the inner plastic core of old Blue Gauntlet rubber grips. I sand off any burs and flatten some surfaces, but the dimensions are great for very small hands.
At least up to about a year ago, Blue Gauntlet had the best (lightest and best balanced) #0 and#2 non-electric (learning) blades. The short Absolute blades I've had are a little on the heavy side, at least for skill acquisition.
(For adult electric blades I use at least 5 different brands that are all good.)
For young learners, the center-of-gravity should be closer to the bell-guard (0.5 to 1.5 cm.) than for older/larger fencers. A full sized pommel might be necessary accomplish this, even though it adds more total weight and makes full arm extensions more difficult. With a lighter pommel, adding washers between the grip and pommel to move the c.g. back might be sufficient.
Ensure that there is a proper cant at the tang.
Anyway, some thoughts to add to your search for a foil. As above, though, check with the coach and take your time.
You could try calling Leon Paul and ask them if they can costum make a foil for your son. here is their website: www.leonpaul.com
If they do not you can always learn to disassemble a sword and costumize it to your son's measurements or have someone do it for you. Or you could buy the size closest to your son's and let him grow into it.
Definately no on the LP grip idea. I use one, they are best for people with large hands.
My 6 year old daughter (about the same height as your son) is OK with a #2 using the Absolute small handle (made for the smaller blades). A pistol is probably not something to recommend for another year or two, although I know of one program (a very good one in NY) where the kids that young are all using pistols.
No matter what, it is going to take some time for him to get use to the blade. It will come. The ages we are talking about are still pretty young so there is a lot of time ahead of him. Having fun, in addition to not picking up bad habits, is the main thing.
Rick
__________________ "Some people are born great fencers, some people achieve fencing greatness, and some people have it thrust upon them."
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