Older and new

[wpotere]

My wife and I are considering taking up fencing as a recreational sport. I have been in martial arts for years and I also play hockey, so I am in pretty good shape. I was just wondering what you all thought of doing this intriguing sport as a recreation as opposed to competition. Neither of us really have a desire to compete outside of the school. Also, any advice is welcome to a beginner.

P.S. Are the starter sets worth the money or should we purchase individual items?

[cowpaste]

In my opinion, starter sets ARE worth the money. I myself got one when I first started fencing, and I do not regret it. At the time, I was not sure at all if I liked fencing or not. In fact, there were numerous times about two or three months after my start where I just wanted to quit. Luckily I did not. However, if I had indeed decided to quit, I would have probably really regreted it if I had gotten all that nice expensive equipment.

[wpotere]

Thanks for the reply!

If there is anything I have learned from hockey is that certain equipment is worth the upgrade. I had cheaper gloves and had my hand smashed into the boards breaking two fingers. This is why I asked as I wanted to make sure that it is decent quality equipment. Do you have any recommendations as to the vendor I should purchase from? Once I return from Iraq, we are going to visit a school in Austin Texas but I thought that this was such a great forum for information that I would ask here and gain a little knowledge ahead of time.

[Wizardly]

It's definitely worth doing at all levels of participation. Recreational fencing is still a lot of fun. Also don't be overly worried about being competetive. There are a lot of levels at which you can involve yourself competetively. Of course there are the national tournaments (NACs, Nationals, etc...) and the enormous regional events, but there are also a lot of local tournaments where people go to fence for fun in a semi-organized competition. "Competetive" really isn't a binary distinction in the sport. If ever you feel like fencing beyond fellow fencers in the club, don't think the world is expected of you and that winning is a necessary goal - basically, you can pick your level of extra-club competition. But even if you don't make it out of the club, you'll most likely find it a lot of fun.

[wpotere]

That is always great to know. Recreation is our goal right now, but you never know what the future holds. I am really excited to get involved in this sport and think that it really will be a lot of fun.

[i'mnottelling]

The starter sets that you inquired about are great for getting started. If you wish to continue as a recreational fencer who fences once or twice a week then the starter set will work. A seperate item such as a plastron usually is not included in the starter sets. I suggest purchasing one as that it provides an extra layer of protection under the jacket.

Blue Guantlet has some of the best deals on the sets and their equipment has seen many improvements over the years. I have had good experiences with their customer service too.

There are some good fencing clubs in the Austin/ San Marcos area. I attend many competitions there each year. Enjoy the sport of fencing and have fun!

i'mnt

[Popper]

About the equipment: just see that it is marked with the FIE logo, this means that it has good enough quality for competition.

[Capt. Slo-mo]

If you're like a lot of us, you start off thinking you'll do it for recreation, not competition. Then once you've gone to your first meet--usually at the club where you're learning--you'll be hooked!

I would suggest holding off for just a bit on the gear if the club where you try out the sport has some practice equipment. Most new fencers progress fairly quickly, and you might outgrow a "beginner set" before you get all the use from it.

You also may want to fence for a while to see which weapon you like best. See the thread on the board about whether you should begin in foil. A lot of people do, many don't. I would at least try all three before you buy a lot of gear. If you end up making do with one of the pointy weapons, (foil, epee) instead of the king of weapons (sabre), you don't want to have to buy a whole new set of equipment.

If you do start with foil or epee, and force yourself to stick with them, you'll also be faced with the "french grip/orthopedic grip" dilemma. Again, a little experience beforehand will save money in the long run.

If you do decide to get a "set" after experimenting for a while, get the best set they offer. Usually there are a least two or three levels of packages available. Get a front zip, not a back zip jacket, the best mask you can afford, and never buy the cheap body cords. Unless you're an electrical engineer, budget body cords are a breakage-prone pain in the a$$.

Good luck and wlecome to the sport!

[Peach]

Since they pointed out they're not presently planning to compete, and since FIE clothing isn't required for most competitions they are likely to enter in the next few years, they don't really need FIE uniforms. Comfort and price are probably the first considerations.

[Artisan]

Wpotere,

I too came to fencing after playing hockey. If you are a strong skater, then your legs will adapt well to fencing. Hockey is also quite one sided - so your domininant side will continue to be even more so.

You can think of a fencing bout as a series of 1 on 0 breakaways. You are always the center. No need to pass the puck or take shifts. Just you and your opponent, and immediate payoff or punishment for your performance.

As for starter sets... I bought one from Santelli, and a few months later use none of it...The Canvass Cotton jacket was well made but way too hot for me. The inside of the mask was about as plush as a 66 Chevy pick up. Check first with the club where you will be learning - if they provide equipment its good to try out different brands - ask around what people like and why.

Like your desire for good Hockey gloves, I'd say the same thing goes for a good fencing mask. If you are reasonably sure that your gonna stick with it, get a good one that fits well and works for you. The bib should be thick and well padded - if the "class use" ones have held up well without the padding becoming thin and ineffective, then thats an indicator of a good design. Better masks use Stainless mesh, and will hold up to sweat and washing without rusting.

Remember the smell of your hockey gloves? Same thing for your fencing glove... buy your own and get one thats washable. Doubtless, you bought the best skates you could afford, and when they started to get old and loose, it affected your performance. A good fencing shoe is critical. They are light, fit snugly, and reinforced in all the right places. It took me three tries to find the right ones for me. I used my own insoles in all of them.

Fencing weapons are like hockey sticks. About the same price range $40-$175, and never last forever. They need to break in, have a period of time when they are really sweet, then wear out and go dead. You'll either notice this and replace it, or use it until it breaks. You can't put endless balls of tape on a tired blade in hopes of getting it through opne more game. There are an infinite number of combinations of blade, grip and guard. For dry fencing, probably with a french grip, almost anything will do. Get the equivalent of an all wood Koho for $39.00. When you get into electric (and you will want to...otherwise its like shooting at a goal with a make believe net - did it go in?) expect the blade & tip alone to be $50 - $110.
Lots of ideas info and opinions on this board regarding blades, so browse around. Have Fun!

[Artisan]

edit to remove duplicate post

[wpotere]

Thank you all for the responses and wonderful tips!

Artisan,

Your post was a great help. The comparison to hockey really helped to clarify a few things. I will more than likely go and try before I buy if it is available and I figured that the quality and safety factor increase was great with the more money you spend. I don't mind spending the money if safety is increased as not only will I be in this, but my wife as well. Much like a hockey stick, I like to hold it and flex it a few times to make sure that it will suit me on the ice before I buy it. I am certain that choosing a weapon will be much the same. I will continue to frequent these forums as you all have been a tremendous help to me. Thanks again for everything.

[wpotere]

Originally posted by Peach
Since they pointed out they're not presently planning to compete, and since FIE clothing isn't required for most competitions they are likely to enter in the next few years, they don't really need FIE uniforms. Comfort and price are probably the first considerations.

This is correct. Comfort, safety and price are the key factors right now.

[OCTAVIA]

Maybe you can also buy some used stuff from your club, I just put together a kit for sale; womens glove, three electric foils; lame and duck cloth jacket - the duck cloth jacket is good for beginners as it absorbs a lot of the hits, so your wife won't get hurt when she starts fencing.

American on the West Coast has a very good selection of stuff to choose from. I hope you are okay from the middle east and that things weren't too bad. We met alot of military men in our fencing salle - they were good fencers and neat guys. We also had a hockey player, who broke his knee. [for good luck, I hope he married the girl with the glitter sandels, she was the best one].

[zeidolon]

I started fencing in mid-july. After a few weeks, I got tired of using the club gear and purchased a starter set from Triplette (.com). I added a few extra things (extra foil, gear bag, etc.) so I have a full outfit (mask, glove, plastron, jacket, knickers, socks, foil). I am very happy with the gear and the quality, as well as the rapid filling of my order.

I'll probably be ordering another starter set (electrics...body cord, lame, electric foil) next week. I fenced in my first competition today (club sponsored, foil, 11 fencers) and had a total blast. The starter set I ordered has been fine and I am quite happy with it.

I agree with other posters, get a jacket with a front zip! The mask I got with the starter kit from triplette was very nice as well...very very comfortable and fits great.

Side note: I was seeded #8 in the pool (bleh, I got a little nervous). I won first direct elimination match 15-4 against someone that has been fencing for a year (yay!). Lost next match against #1 seed 15-12 (doh). I still had a total blast. Most of the people there were from my club, with 3 or 4 from surrounding areas. So, it was low key (not stressful like a regional competition might be) and very friendly. Even from a recreational perspective, it is a lot of fun to compete in a local competition, and very satisfying to fence outside of a class oriented session and apply what I have learned. Even more fun to surprise the people that thought I was going to be an easy win due to my "newbieness" heheheh.

And yes, fencing is highly addictive. Be warned hehe.

Anyway, yes, go for a starter set. It is cheaper than ordering piece by piece, and you won't outgrow it so fast you will regret going "starter".

I hope you and your wife enjoy it!

Robert/Zeidolon

[wpotere]

Congrats on your accomplishment Zeidolon....

Being in martial arts in the past, I can tell you that anytime you perform well in your first tournament it is a HUGE accomplishment. The not knowing of what is to come is the hardest part of any competition especially the first. So, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

As for your advice, the more I look at sites, the more I see everyones valid points. There are a few sites that have an upgraded starter set that have caught my attention. However, I am going to wait until I have a better understanding of what we want to do. Since we are doing this together, we will probably start with the same weapon (I like epee) so that we can better help each other. Maybe in the future there will be a spot for competition. Who knows.....

Thanks again for your help, it is highly appreciated!

[zeidolon]

: ) Thanks!


Keep us posted on what you eventually decide to do. There are a lot of friendly people here and tons of good advice.

Best of luck!

Robert

[Capt. Slo-mo]

Originally posted by wpotere
(I like epee)

Two words for you:

Glue, Wires, Tips, Screws.

[wpotere]

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

Glue, Wires, Tips, Screws.

Uhhh ok!

[wpotere]

This is truly a great forum! Thanks for all the advice. I may have found a new home.