Another new fencer

[st599]

New to fencing (having tried it in the Scouts years ago).

Having fun on a training course - looking to join a club that specialises in Epee.

Looking to become a bit fitter and have fun.

Any pointers to look out for on equipment? I've been offered a Blue Gauntlet plastron and Blades brand jacket (both new) - they any good?


Simon

[DoomPig]

Hello and welcome to the sport/forum.

Equipment quality is pretty variable even from the same manufacturer. I think my first jacket was from Blade Fencing and it survived for a while before wearing out/getting turned pink by washing it with a shirt with improperly set silkscreening ink. Blue Gauntlet is pretty middle of the road for the most part. Some of their stuff is decent and some is not so great. If the items are being offered free of charge, no reason to not snap them up as long as they fit and conform to safety standards. If money is involved, look on Blade Fencing's and Blue Gauntlet's websites and see if you're getting a good deal or not.

Once you decide if you want to continue in the sport the first two things I'd suggest getting for your own are a mask and a glove, since club masks and gloves tend to get a bit manky.




edit: logged in as my sock-puppet account. Accidentally offered advice rather than snark. D'oh.

[jacksraging]

DoomPig: I love gir...in fact I have a picture of him on my equipment bag.

St599- as a beginner if someone is offering you free equipment I would take it. You will likely be pretty hard on equipment while you learn and free equipment will help save money (I know, as just started fencing sabre several months ago). I wouldn't worry too much about buying the best equipment when you start but I wouldn't buy the cheapest either. Several people at my club have the beginning sets from this site and are pretty happy with them. I pieced my set together from several different companies to see what I like and what works for me.

[Lady Quindecim]

Oh, wow, if only I knew what that insightful DoomPig was. Such helpful advice. Haha...

Anyhoo, The above is good advice. You will grow to know what you like / look for out of your equipment. Until then, it does not matter much what you start with. I mean, there is not an armour class bonus for homogeneous branding. And things will need replacing over time, so you are certainly not locking yourself into any one product.

Masks, gloves and chest protectors are a little more personal and intimate, so as mentioned above:

the first two things I'd suggest getting for your own are a mask and a glove, since club masks and gloves tend to get a bit manky.