Need Help Getting Started

[NewFencerRMe]

Okay, here's my delema.

I'm very new to fencing. Like really, really new. My friend and I are very interested in the sport, and have done some other swordplay (Although very different from fencing).

I've heard foil is the best type for beginners, although I was thinking epee to start out, because it seems to need less of a judge (Correct me if I'm wrong, please.) I say this because there is less of a need to distinguish between right of way, and such.
We have both been doing some reading about fencing, so we are learning some moves, drills, etc.

Now, I have a couple of questions for you:

1) We're thinking this will be a pretty low-budget deal, at least at first. What equipment is absolutly nessicary? Can we just wear a lot of cloths instead of the white suite . . .? I would think the only real thing that is needed, is the sword. And the mask.

2) What brands should I steer clear from?

3) If I'm looking for a cheep foil, is it alright to use it for both
epee, and foil type fencing? As long as I don't get into a tournament or anything. Or, are there MAJOR differences between the swords used?

4) Any "Best sites to buy from"?

5) If not, what is a good price to look for? Considering that I am buying a poor quality foil.

6) How much should I look to spend to get the equivalant to a "Starter Kit"?

Well, I think that I will think up some more questions, later at least. Thanks in advance, and I hope to hear from all the people at Fencing.net.

[pammie003]

Most coaches do suggest you start with foil, as it's harder to learn right of way later on. Also, a dry (non-electric) foil is cheaper than an epee. The equipment you'll absolutely need to start with is a blade, jacket, glove and mask. Oh, and a chest protector if you're female! You don't need the pants right away, but I would suggest weraing a pair of shorts under regular pants to take away some of the sting of leg hits.
There is quite a difference between an epee and a foil. The bell or guard on an epee is bigger and the weapon weighs a lot more. If you are considering epee, I would say buy an epee.
As for equipment, I'm partial to Allstar myself, but there are lots out there. Where are you located? This makes a difference for ease of ordering.
Hope this helps.

[NewFencerRMe]

Thanks! Well, Bellingham, Washington is where I'm located. I think I will start with an Epee, because it just two guys screwing around. Jacket, gloves, mask, and foil/epee. Okay, any estimates on how much that would cost?

Thanks in advance.

[daeceg]

If you order from Triplette, a starter set with a jacket, mask, glove, and blade will run about $130 or so. And you can always 'upgrade' the package. Starter sets are the cheapest way to get into it.

If you're going to start with epee, you'll want fencing knickers as well. Since legs aren't a target in foil, you usually don't need quite as much protection....you may want a glove that has more padding than the foil glove, also.

[NewFencerRMe]

Wow. 130? Well, I guess that is expecatable. That's 130 for each of us . . . right? Well, that's little much, at least for my small minded budget. Any way you can think to cut that down? Or is it more of a mandatory down payment. Any chance of getting everything used? Ebay maybe . . .? Well, thanks in advance.

[daeceg]

Well...the problem is that when you're wailing on people with weapons, you want good protective gear....

You may be able to find cheaper starter sets out there. Check around on different websites. The problem is, with lesser equipment, you end up replacing it more often. Cheap blades can break, as can cheap handles. The cheaper protective gear may not meet current safety standards, and novices seem to be more likely to break blades in the first place.

If you're interested in used gear, there's a trading forum on here. I would trust these guys more than an anonymous seller on Ebay. But that's just my opinion.

$130 does seem a little steep up front for this hobby at first, but doing it right will save you money in the long run. And things just get more expensive going from there...

[KBayDog]

Buy the best you can afford. No, you probably do not need FIE gear just yet, but you have two options:

PAY now and PLAY later, or
PLAY now and PAY later

Ours is a relatively inexpensive sport (as a recovering hockey player, I know what expensive is), but the old saying is true: You only get what you pay for. If you throw cash down on a cheap blade, ESPECIALLY as a beginner (when your sense of touch is not as keen as it will be), you will be throwing more cash down very often. The cheap blades will break.

Take that broken cheap blade, and have it come into contact with that cheap jacket (or, worse yet, that cheap mask), and you will become a statistic. Is it worth risking your well-being?

Most clubs will allow you to use their gear while you decide if the sport is right for you. That should take some of the sting out. Also, check with more experienced fencers in your club - they most likely have some older, yet serviceable, gear floating around that they might be willing to part with. As daeceg said, you should try this forum, too...from what I have seen on eBay, most people are selling old junk they have found in their attics. The retailers are also suspect, often selling new, second-rate gear at bulk prices.

[Fencing Passion]

If u really want 2 keep going with this sport,
its not that cheap u have 2 have 2 turny blades for a turny they run pretty high(or at least in my opionin im 15 so i dont have much money) ull also need the jacket for turnys a mask 2 cords that will run at about 15$ each and a glove, o and if ure in epee ull need the paints right away...........

Dont let those epee fencers fool u sabre is were its at lol, the real action and speed is in sabre................ but there r many people who think diffrent but try everything and find out what u like.

[NewFencerRMe]

Fencing Passion

Although I understand that Sabre fencing is very exciting, I hear that it usually runs WILD with inexperienced fencers. And, considering that I will not be judged, just two people in the back yard . . . I think I will stay with Epee, for a while at least.

Thanks for the input from everyone, and I think you're right. Well-being is more important then a ten dollar difference.

It seems to be a pretty small community around here, and I'm glad that you trust each other with equipment and such. Anyone to look out for? If not, I might just end up getting two starter kits. I convinced my dad the same, and he said that 130 for a sport is just fine by him, as long as it gets me off this d*** computer.

I appreciate all your help in getting into fencing easier for me.

While buying, any brands that I should watch out for? I heard one of you say that things were beginning to be made with less of quality.

[lfortier]

Well, first off, I do suggest that you decide NOW which style of fencing you'll want to do in the future- fencing usually does NOT come cheap (The full set of equipment from head to toe costed around 400 bucks for me) and you don't want to waste money on lessons and then change your decision about taking up sabre, epee, or foil- which b.t.w. IS the most flexible to start on. But just pick up a book, or watch fencing lessons to decide what suits your taste and allows you to have the most fun/do well. Hope this helps some

[daeceg]

Most suppliers sell their own 'brand' as well as several others. Many get their blades from the same forge, but sell them under different labels. I've had good experiences with Triplette, but I only know foil.

Blades tend to break fairly quickly when fencing with novices (remember to keep that pommel tight!!!), so you may want to order a few spare blades with the set.

I've heard (no practical experience) that Frances-Lame is a brand to avoid. Also, a rumor that Santelli has been coasting on their reputation for a while. Once again, these are just rumors I've heard, and people's experiences may vary quite widely.