Want to start competing

[hobo386]

I've been fencing at a local club for a while, and I want to start competing.
I don't have much money, so I'm trying to figure out what things exactly I need to buy to compete in tournaments.
Currently, all the equipment I have is:
http://www.triplette.com/catalog.php...Fcategory%3D32

Could anyone provide with a quick list of whatever gear is mandatory (and I still need) and links to any items?

Also, I assume I need to get membership in the USFA.

Is there anything else I need to do afterwards? I don't want to go to any tournaments just to be kicked out.

[Fencergrl]

This guide will help you:

http://www.homfencing.com/Prep_Package.pdf

As will the Parent's Guide to Fencing offered on the right hand side of f-net's home page. http://www.fencing.net/

[Guided by Wire]

I've been fencing at a local club for a while, and I want to start competing.
I don't have much money, so I'm trying to figure out what things exactly I need to buy to compete in tournaments.
Currently, all the equipment I have is:
http://www.triplette.com/catalog.php...Fcategory%3D32

Could anyone provide with a quick list of whatever gear is mandatory (and I still need) and links to any items?

Also, I assume I need to get membership in the USFA.

Is there anything else I need to do afterwards? I don't want to go to any tournaments just to be kicked out.

Gear:
* Electric foil x 2
* Foil/sabre body cord x2
* Plastron (underarm protector)
* Foil lame`
* Knickers

You can get the foils, cords and lame` in a package from some vendors for about $140-170. Knickers and plastron together will set you back another $50. Those are budget prices, too. You can easily spend a LOT more.

[SJCFU#2]

Things you will need in addtion to what was in the beginners set referenced, along with links to the least expensive options TCA sells:

One underarm protector (I wish more vendors would include these in beginners sets);
One chest protector or set of BP's (required for females, optional for males);
One set of knickers/britches (sweatpants won't cut it)
One pair of long socks (just about any pair will do so long as no bare skin is exposed)
One pair of shoes (the ones you currently use should be fine, assuming you aren't fencing barefoot)
One working electric foil lame (although if cost is an overriding concern then you might want to consider a different vendor);
Two working electric foils (at a minimum);
Two working electric body cords (at a minimum).

This list is predicated on foil - epee is similar except there is no lame while saber requires a lot more specialized gear.

Also note that while I have included links to Tripplette's website you can probably get better quality equipment from other vendors (Absolute, Fencing.net) and it may even end up costing less.

[migopod]

Why on earth would the triplette "competition starter set" have a non-electric foil?


For other WTFness, why does the picture for the "competition starter sets" for epee and sabre have the same exact picture as foil?


In an effort to be helpful to the OP, other things you want to do is chat with your coach or other clubmates who have done some competing. There are some protocols you will want to familiarize yourself so that you don't get flustered trying to figure out things like which side of the strip you're supposed to be on and can focus on your fencing.

Additionally two tips, get used to attaching the reel end to your lame; it's easy, but awkward at first. Also figure out how to hold your foil by the blade so that your ref can do weight test without you kneeling.