Equipment for noob fencer

[RedDinosaur]

I just started fencing at college this semester (and LOVE it) and luckily they provide all equipment except for shoes. I've been thinking of getting a beginner set of my own since their things are a bit smelly and I'd like to fence during the summer.

I've been checking out sets like this http://www.blue-gauntlet.com/store/products/556

I read this New, female and cluess. Equip help please and just have a some more questions.

Should I get an electric set or just a regular practice set?
What's the difference between a UH and a BG sabre grip?
What are the differences between the grip sizes? Are certain ones better for certain hand sizes?
Is the underarm protect people mentioned the same as a plastron?
Do people wear a full chest protector (girl's) with a plastron too?

Thanks

[dharmaqueen]

Should I get an electric set or just a regular practice set?
What's the difference between a UH and a BG sabre grip?
What are the differences between the grip sizes? Are certain ones better for certain hand sizes?
Is the underarm protect people mentioned the same as a plastron?
Do people wear a full chest protector (girl's) with a plastron too?

Thanks

1. electric vs practice: if you plan on competing then go electric is my opinion, if you are not sure how much time you plan on investing then get a mask and a glove and borrow the rest during the year.

2. don't fence saber so cannot help you with this one

3. grip sizes are related to hand size and there should be a sizing chart on the site and how to measure your hand.

4. plastron is underarm protector

5, You need a hard chest protector if you are female along with the plastron, optional if you are male.

Hope this helps and welcome!

[SJCFU#2]

Beginners sets and electric sets are usually completely different animals.

Beginners sets are exactly what the name implies - a set of equipment for someone who is just getting started and has nothing. They usually include a mask, jacket, glove and dry weapon. Some also include a bag to keep everything in. Unfortunately almost none include an underarm protector (although they probably should - the purpose of the underarm protector is to back up the jacket were it tends to be weakest, which is generally seams such as where the sleeve joins the body). When most people say plastron they actually mean underarm protector however there are also sleeveless plastrons which are intended to provide a more padding for the chest so it's best to confirm which it is before buying.

Electric sets are for people who looking to move up into competition. It is generally assumed that they already have a mask, jacket, glove, underarm protector and knickers. Electric kits typically include whatever is needed to start fencing with electric scoring equipment, including an electric weapon, body cord and whatever lame might be required for that particular weapon. For saber they may also include the mask (since an electric saber mask is a slightly different beast from a standard mask), head cord and either a saber glove (with a conductive cuff) or a conductive overglove. Most do not include the second weapon and body cord which are required for USFA competitions.

Many grips are available in different sizes to fit various sized hands. With pistol grips many people recommend finding one that feels about right then going down a size. However I don't believe there is quite so much variation among saber grips (nor are they generally right or left-hand specific).

Women wear either full chest protectors (Barbie boobs, Xena breastplates, etc) or breast protectors (mini-frisbees, mini-hubcaps, battle yamikas. etc) in addition to the underarm protector. Which form of protection they choose is generally a matter of personal choice and fit.

[Inquartata]

One good thing about sabre: A "practice" sabre can be converted to an electric one pretty easily. You just add a socket, and maybe an insulated pommel and a sleeve for the tail of the guard. This is not so for foil or epee, which require wired blades...

[InFerrumVeritas]

One good thing about sabre: A "practice" sabre can be converted to an electric one pretty easily. You just add a socket, and maybe an insulated pommel and a sleeve for the tail of the guard. This is not so for foil or epee, which require wired blades...

Honestly, I'd never buy a practice saber. Unlike a foil or epee, there are no moving parts or tiny wires that you need to worry about breaking, and the cost difference is minimal.

[RedDinosaur]

Thanks for the replies everyone

I know this deviates from the equipment topic but what are some things that I would be able to practice on my own?

[Andrei]

1. Yes, especially if u can fence electric at your collage.
2. BG grips are generic and tend to be of a much lesser quality. Go UH.
3. In Sabre there is only 1 grip size so don't worry about it.
4. Yes. It is a Need for all.
5. Yes. It is a need FOR Girls, not guys.

[thekoby]

Thanks for the replies everyone

I know this deviates from the equipment topic but what are some things that I would be able to practice on my own?

Footwork is the biggest thing I would suggest working on. It is the easiest thing to work on without a partner and you can do it litterally anywhere (like on your way to class or to the kitchen to get something to drink). If you have a full-sized mirror you can work on guard position, extension, and fients (however you'll get the most benefit working with a coach or instructor).

[Inquartata]

The caveat is that if you are practicing it incorrectly, there's no one there to correct it and you will be ingraining bad habits. Assuming that you've already learned it right, practicing it alone can be OK ( albeit tedious as can be ).

You might also put in some time just manipulating the sabre with your fingers and thumb: making cuts, turning it to tierce and quarte guards, and so on.

And if you have a full-length mirror, practice your guard position. Look for anything which, if you saw it in an opponent, you would consider an exploitable flaw. At a minimum, get your guard closed. I recommend adjusting until you can see nothing of your hand or forearm behind the guard ( or as little as possible ). The close your eyes, do a parry and come back to guard. Open your eyes and see if you are still covered. Adjust and repeat until your muscle memory is bringing you back to a good guard automatically.