Question of $ of equipment

[Windrunner]

I am extremely new tro the sport of fencing, and im only 14 year old, so im kinda low on $. My parents said If I pay for the eq., they would pay for the lessons. I have around 75$ now, and will probably make about 75 more this week. Is 150$ enough to buy a "Starter Kit?" I would like to know the general price of fencing gear for epee, foil, and sabre (not sure which one I want to take yet, though I probably won't do sabre to start with since I am a beginner) I really have NO idea how much it costs. I would like to know how much a BRAND NEW kit would cost, and/or how much a used kit would cost, just to compare prices to quality. Also, how much shold I expect lessons to cost? I know that this sport is kinda expensive, but im not discouraged. Also, what kind of brand of eq should I get, and any specific place I shopuld get them (where i can find the same quality eq for cheaper of something?) (I live in Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, though i might buy the equipment of line) Thanx for your time.

P.S. totally off this subject.... is there any way to change my signature on the bottom of the messages I send?

[DHCJr]

$150 is enough for a new starter kit for Foil and possibly for Epee. This is for Standard/Non-electric with Full Jacket, Glove, Mask and weapon. In the initial stages Epee is more expensive. When you go to electric it evens out because of the extra cost of the lame. Check on the USFA web site USFencing.org for vendors by going to Internet Links and then to Equipment Vendors. Sword Masters is in Louisianna, which you have indicated you are located in. Being able to try things on is a plus.

Hopefully there are others who can give you a answer on cost of lessons.

To change your signature, click on above profile/user prefs and then edit profile.

I hope this was of use. It is good to have new fencers join.

[WoodsideDr]

Go for the starter foil kit. You'll generally want to master the basics of foil before trying your hand at epee and sabre. Have fun.

[azfencer]

Don't buy any equipment until you start lessons! Most beginner classes will provide basic equipment (mask, jacket, foil, sometimes gloves or more) so you may not need any equipment yet. That will give you time to save money and save you from wasting money buying something you may not use. If you buy an epee and then find out that none of the clubs in your area teach epee you have just wasted $$$. Your instructor may also be able to make recommendations for you.

When you do order, the starter kit is a great way to go but I also recommend doing slight upgrades to the kit. A front close jacket and competition legal mask will save you from having to buy a new one within a year or so. They'll usually just let you make switches and pay the price difference so you'll still save money by getting the kit.

[135711]

But, buy a new kit, there's tons of them out there, they're pretty competitive in cost. On the east coast you'll want to take a look at santelli and tca for comparison shopping. they come with equipment bags, so you'll get something to use for the long haul, then slowly replace stuff and add stuff as you improve and decide to stay with fencing. btw, i have a few items i tried to sell myself, but i took off the market as i felt the tang in one was too much for a beginner, and i felt there was too many other glitches in stuff to pass on..

the upgrade on the mask is a good idea.


good luck and happy shopping! spend spend spend!

[WoodsideDr]

Originally posted by azfencer


A front close jacket and competition legal mask will save you from having to buy a new one within a year or so. They'll usually just let you make switches and pay the price difference so you'll still save money by getting the kit.

Agree completely. No matter how flexible you are or helpful your fellow fencers might be, sure is easier to put on a front zip jacket.

[three_hundred_fifty_five]

Go to a fencing club to get more information. You may not need to get a complete set of fencing equipment until months later.