Help with purchasing foil electric equipment

[cathyop]

Hi everyone in fencing land,
My son and I are new to the fencing world. I need help selecting all the electric foil equipment. I don't understand the abbreviations like "UH" and "BG". There's "VA2" point, French and German point. The choices are overwhelming. Any suggestions? We do know that we prefer the Belgium grip.
Is there one brand better than another?


Thanks for any input you can provide.

[TodG]

Is there a club in your area where you can try some gear? I keep a few dozen different grips on hand for new fencers who are transitioning to orthopedics.

Are you a serious competitor or just getting started? Have you spoken with any vendors. Just starting out, it's often easiest to buy a complete weapon until you have enough experience to decide what's important.

I'm sure others with more experience will chime in.

[D'Art]

If you're just starting out, an el cheapo weapon (buy them complete, unless you're friendly with an armourer) will do until you're better at controlling distance and learn how to hit properly. Trust me, you'll break a few blades while you're learning, so no point buying top of the range stuff there.

As for kit, an FIE underplastron and FIE mask should be among your first purchases (and I highly recommend you disregard anything which isn't FIE for both of those) along with a comfortable glove, which actually fits.

If either of you still have growing to do, or aren't sure if you're gonna be in the sport for long, budget kit should be ok for breeches and jacket, and lame, as long as you stick to the reputable companies such as Leon Paul and the FNet shop.

[DoNotWant]

For the record, UH is Uhlmann and BG is blue gauntlet, both are fencing distributors. Unless I'm missing something.

[oldguy]

I might be wrong, but it looks like you are just looking for direction with weapon and body cord only.
To start, an inexpensive assembled weapon will serve you well. You do want to pick an inside guard socket (two prong or bayonette) based on what your club uses the most. It makes borrowing weapons and body cords easier. Same for points, unless you will be your own armorer, get what your club uses. Buy a good quality body cord. Leon Pauls have served my kids well. After you both have been fencing a while, you will be able to appreciate differences in blade types and buy accordingly. Most of my experience buying equipment is with f.net and Absolute. They both carry good stuff at good prices, and are patient with beginners.

[DoNotWant]

In my opinion, your best bet would be an AF (Absolute Fencing) 5-piece competition kit. Two good beginner blades, two foil bodycords, and a lame for 141 USD. You can configure the grip, socket, and bodycord style if you wish. With regard to bodycord style, most of my club uses two-prong so Im inclined to think its better, but I really havent had any experience with bayonet.