Older and new

[CarlKnoch]

You'll find that fencing locally can become a home away from home as well. My wife and I started this a little over a year ago, and now I can't get enough of fencing. It's an addiction.

[Zelda]

You will also find that you will make friends from all over the world. You will also find that once you start, even if you didnt originally want to compete, you will start planning holidays with regards to WHERE there is fencing and how good it is. I never travel anywhere without my gear, unless I know I wont have time to fence.

[pkt]

Originally posted by Capt. Slo-mo
Two words for you:

Glue, Wires, Tips, Screws.

Methink the Capt has finally lost it.

---)-----------------

Artisan,

that was a great comparison.

==)==-------------

wpotere

Most fencers are, in spite of the posts in another thread, not snotty. they always want to share their knowledge if you ask properly, esp. after you lost to them.

If yo ucan afford it, at least get the best FIE clothes. If you want to donate blood, go to the Red Cross, don't do it on the piste. It can really ruin your week if not your life.

Just remember, fencing is a contact sport as well as a kind of martial art. It's pretend killing. Enjoy the sport, you'll get hooked for sure esp if your wife's doing it too.

PK

[Capt. Slo-mo]

I beg to differ.

I believe I began to lose it about Oct. 2002. Saaaay....(looks to the left) that's about when I signed on to this board.....

[Popper]

the reason I suggested FIE approved gear is that you will be certain that you will get top quality stuff that will last you for years. Dont buy cheap stuff.. you'll only regret it..

loaning stuff from the club as you are starting up is a good tip though.

[wpotere]

That makes two of us Captian!

pkt,

Thanks for the great input. I can imagine that there is a great difference between an 18 dollar plastron and a 80 dollar one. So far, I haven't seen any that fall in between. I'm all about donating blood, but not in that method.

Generally speaking, Fencers, seem to be a lot like martial artists. it was about winning, but also about sharing "how" you won. So, I will hopefully fit in with little problems. Making friends, having a good time and enjoying the speed of the sport is what intrigues me the most. Thanks again for everyones help and I will look towards better gear and hopefully have some of your blades pointing at me very soon.
.

[wpotere]

Originally posted by Popper
the reason I suggested FIE approved gear is that you will be certain that you will get top quality stuff that will last you for years. Dont buy cheap stuff.. you'll only regret it..

loaning stuff from the club as you are starting up is a good tip though.

Hey Popper...

Your post was noted. That was my whole concern, as I want to buy equipment that will not only last, but also protect us from physical harm. FIE approved gear is expensive, but I was wondering if it was worth the purchase for a beginner. I think that certain items are worth the purchase. Thanks for letting me know.

[veeco]

FIE items worth the purchase when you begin:

Mask
Plastron

FIE items worth buying later:
Jacket
Knickers
(You can get by with lower end 350 Newton resistance stuff to start with).

[Popper]

that sounds reasonable veeco