Newb buying first equipment

[Sevinkei]

Hey all,

I'm looking into buying my first gear (although I've already got a weapon -- epee ). I'm on quite a budget but don't want to just get some random beginner set simply because it's cheap... I want to at least get something of decent quality. But, newb that I am, I'm not entirely sure what it is I'm looking at when I browse about various vendors' sites. Here are a few things that looked good to me; I wonder if I could get some opinions on them, or perhaps some suggestions?

I ended up with lists from Fencing.net's store and Blue Gauntlet, and altogether they're practically the same price but I don't know how they compare quality-wise, or where I should upgrade or where I could afford to get something cheaper.

FENCING.NET
http://shop.fencing.net/Standard_Fen.../fdn-99108.htm
http://shop.fencing.net/product_p/fdn-66500.htm

BLUE-GAUNTLET.COM
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/products/257
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/products/268
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/products/306
http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/products/369

Thanks so much!

[Pescados666]

You're going to be told to invest in an FIE mask. Prepare yourself.

[IvorDarcy]

True Pescados. Why buy a cheap mask? You only have one head, protect it well.
There have been several similar threads to this one. The answer is simple. Buy the best you can afford. I started with an Allstar FIE mask, then an FIE jacket and then Soudet FIE breeches/knickers. I still have them and they still fit after 25 years and they show very little wear. You get what you pay for.

[Timberwolf_CY]

As far as the cloth uniform is concerned, I got mine from The Fencing Post (www.thefencingpost.com). Just the basic cotton w/stretch panels jacket (which has three layers in the front/sides), and the stretch knickers for pants. I haven't been fencing 25 years, so I can't speak to that point, but they have lasted for the last 5 years with virtually no wear. The one thing that has started to wear out is the elastic suspenders, but I don't care much about those, I would rather they didn't stretch. Anyway, they're cheap and durable. One plus for the jackets is that they aren't sized for supermen; there's a little slack, but not nearly as much as what I understand from other jackets. I have reviews up in the reviews section of the main site here at fencing.net. I believe I entered them as "PostSport" jackets or something like that.

[KD5MDK]

Fencing.net is a great place to deal with, and generally sells nice stuff. For your price range, that should be what you need to know.
You might also look at this mask:
http://www.leonpaulusa.com/fencing/a...ded_items.html

[Sevinkei]

Thanks for all the advice guys, it's great to know. <3

Before KD5MDK posted I'd been looking at this mask: http://www.blade-fencing.com/store/item.htm?itemid=643 How does it compare to the one KD5MDK linked to?

[Qbranch]

I have an inexpensive 350 mask from Blade. So far I've had no problems but in hindsight it was not my best purchase. The impact of the first hit to my mask (which left my jaw hurting for two days) made me realize that I'll be buying an FIE mask soon enough.

For my money I'll be going with a Leon Paul Contour Fit or X-Change next time around. The price tag will be much higher ($170+) than the Blade but, in the end, the money will be much better spent.

Note: If you are absolutely limited to a tight budget and must buy a mask now I would be inclined to go with KD5MDK's recommendation (undoubtedly a much safer bet).

[samster]

Remember:

"Buy cheap = Buy twice."