Newbie Here :D

[Wetmelon]

Hey all, my name is Paul and I hail from Asheville, NC. I just started fencing (foil) and am loving it! Unfortunately, seems my previously injured knee isn't as much of a fan as I am, so I'm working on switching to lefty :P

I had some "blade" experience with Amtgard - kinda like the SCA, but more like "boffing"... Turns out everything they tell you at Amtgard with respect to your weapon is identical to fighting sabre... Unfortunately, my instructor won't let me fence sabre until I am very familiar with foil, but that suits me just fine for now

Also, I'm looking for some equipment at this point. Any tips for me in that respect?

[kmwong]

Unfortunately, my instructor won't let me fence sabre until I am very familiar with foil, but that suits me just fine for now

I started on sabre, but I found that when I switched to foil temporarily and went back to sabre, my attacks started working (because I was correctly establishing right of way instead of just flailing around with a sword). While people can do perfectly well starting on sabre, I think the transition from foil to sabre will be easy.

As for equipment, I wouldn't spend a whole lot of money on expensive equipment for starters. Absolute is a very good company for beginners (like me) since it's affordable and if it breaks its affordable to replace. Try to find a good glove and try it on before you pick one though. I am not a fan of the AF glove I have right now (because I didn't try it on at a vendor...just ordered online). Same with masks. You want to be *sure* that it fits you.

Welcome to fencing. I'm 6 months into it and I love it. It's addicting.

[dharmaqueen]

Welcome to fencing and Fnet. I agree with kmwong about Absolute's equipment starter sets and I personally like my AF glove. Borrow what you can until you know what weapon you are going to finally decide on.
Enjoy!!

[thetortfeasor]

Welcome to the f.net boards!

[Wetmelon]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! I think (for now) I'm just goin to go ahead and go with some cheap F.net stuff ( i have a 5% off bday coupon still available ) and upgrade later... as any broke 18 yo would do haha

[ApAperture]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys! I think (for now) I'm just goin to go ahead and go with some cheap F.net stuff ( i have a 5% off bday coupon still available ) and upgrade later... as any broke 18 yo would do haha

Ugh.. get a mask, puh-lease. I hate communal masks.

[TBean]

Don't get an inexpensive mask. Buy the nicest one you can possibly afford - trust me it is worth the money.

[Wetmelon]

Don't get an inexpensive mask. Buy the nicest one you can possibly afford - trust me it is worth the money.

As much as I believe you, I don't see the problem with a cheap mask... the masks at the club are cheapies and they work just fine... What do you find the problem with cheap masks to be? P.s. I'll be fencing dry for a long time (at least 6 months from now) before going electric, so I don't need an electric/FIE one, negating any electrical issues resulting from cheap masks...

[Purple Fencer]

As much as I believe you, I don't see the problem with a cheap mask... the masks at the club are cheapies and they work just fine... What do you find the problem with cheap masks to be? P.s. I'll be fencing dry for a long time (at least 6 months from now) before going electric, so I don't need an electric/FIE one, negating any electrical issues resulting from cheap masks...

Like I said in response to your question about what "FIE" means re blades...look up Vladmir Smirnov...killed on the strip at the 1982 World Championships by a broken blade that penetrated his mask.

If you're going to stay in this sport...do not scrimp on the mask. There are ones out there that aren't overly expensive that will do the job well....but there are those at the same price level that wouldn't stop a good sneeze.

[bob46]

really, cheap masks are a lot less safe, and on a lesser note, less comfortable too.

I have the LP FIE contour fit mask and it's a great mask, though the padding on the sides are a little... on the light side. my ears hurt when i get a good whack. Some people like negrini fie masks, but ive never tried them.