Looking for starter sets

[Heather]

My sweetheart and I are tired of fencing with found sticks (tedious as well as dangerous), but Alaska is virtually void of any used gear. I fenced in college and still have my grandmother's foil, so I've experienced decent gear. I'm afraid to buy off the net because I don't know brand name differneces, etc. and I can't see of FEEL the product. Obviously, I need a little "schoolin'" - Still, I'd love to get some affordable starter gear in the mean time. That way, I can catch him up to what I know and then we can go shopping and get schooled together! I'm convinced this would be an ideal Christmas gift for Darling. Anyone out there have any leads? I need a mask (23" = small) and a jacket (preferrably canvas = 39" chest) and he needs the works (Med mask, 46" jacket, 14" glove). Any ideas will be heartily appreciated - -h-

[Bladette]

well i don't now how much mine was but you can get a mask , foil , jacket and a glove. for prety cheap.

[counter riposte]

Start by checking out some fencing storesclose to your shipping zone. In this case, California. Otherwise any place you go, the shipping will be slightly more expensive. There are local clubs in Alaska, Anchorage and Juno come to mind, and you may want to look at some equip before you decide to purchase. If the club will allow you to order through them, then you may be able to see your equip before you purchase. If you do plan to purchase on-line, start by looking at the major dealers and avoid E-bay.

Here are some sites:

American Fencers Supply, San Francisco, CA: www.amfence.com
The Fencing Post, Escondido, CA: www.thefencingpost.com
Physical Chess, Union, NJ: www.physicalchess.com
Triplette Competition Arms, Elkin, NC: www.triplette.com
PBT Fencing, Hungary: www.pbtfencing.com

you may also check out some of the smaller dealers, one of which posts this board. AKA purple fencer.

HOM Fencing, Panorama City, CA: www.homfencing.com

The major suppliers all have starters and in reasonable price ranges. But if you are the physical type like I am, the best time to go see equipment would be at the NAC's. (I personally drove to San Francisco to get my equipment from AFS.)

Anyway, best of luck....

[Strydus]

You can also try to look up clubs/vendors in Canada. After all, the canadian/US dollar ratio is quite advantageous these days. Besides, there would be no tax (out of country order) and shipping is rather inexpensive, even to where I am (NY/NC depending on the month)...

http://www.fencingcanada.ca
These people come to mind. Othewise, look around and see what you can find.