Fencing Equipment Recommended

Fencing is an odd sport. It does require some investment into equipment and tools. This article try to introduce some of the equipment but it is not a complete list. I plan to add to this over time.

Dec. 2019

updated July 2020

• Jacket
• Pants
• underarm protector
• Long socks
• mask
• glove
• shoes
• weapons
• body cords
• travel bag

• wrench
• screwdriver
• continuity tester
• sand paper
• gauge

• screws
• contact springs
• points

Fencing is a sport that requires a lot of equipment. Besides the needed uniforms for protection, the weapons and masks and shoes and accessories will need a large bag to carry them. If you travel to tournaments, you will need a good bag to carry all your stuff. A trick of the trade is to use a golf bag for this purpose. Airlines will allow you to check a golf bag for free where as other odd sized bags will require special fee and handling.

I recently discovered a good golf bag that is very reasonable in price and serves all the purpose. It just require a small enhancement to make it really useful. The bag is large enough to carry all the stuff you need and room for some accessories. It is strong and light weight and padded. It has wheels which makes mobility a snap. It costs under $60. This is considerably cheaper than most fencing bags that they sell in Fencing equipment companies. It is just as good.

This is another equipment that needs not be bought from fencing equipment companies. The fencing shoes is not that different from other sneakers that are used by runners or tennis players. What is important is the traction, the light weight, the ankle support and the fit and comfort. A good shoe should be all that and reasonably priced.

Here is a good shoe for beginners. It is made from recyclable material so it is also environment friendly. It is made by Allbirds.

With the current COVID-19 virus pandemic, new guidelines have been issued by USA Fencing for safe fencing conduct. One added practice is to wear a face mask under the regular fencing mask while bouting.

Here is a recommended improvement to the medical N95 face mask.

It is sold by Radical Fencing called a dome mask which is washable and reusable.

The dome mask is well made and comfortable to wear. It cost $16, not cheap. However, it is washable and reusable.

The main disadvantage is the difficulty in breathing due to the many layers of filtering.

When breathing hard, the inner fabric is sucked into the nose or mouth which is not ideal. I decided to experiment with an improvement by adding a plastic insert. This help to prevent the inner fabric from touching my mouth and allow for easy breathing.

See the photo below.

Fencing equipment is not cheap. Depending on your budget or goal, you can save some money by being selective in choosing your equipment. If you are just a beginner or not a competitive fencer, you can get away with equipment that is less rigorous.

The FIE has strict standards that is required for national or international competitions.