Fencing Gear Guide
Everything you need to know about foil fencing equipment for beginners
Starting Your Fencing Journey
Don't worry about buying everything at once! Tampa Bay Fencers has loaner gear available for beginners. Start with our club equipment and gradually build your own kit as you develop your passion for the sport.
Below you'll find information about each piece of equipment you'll eventually need, along with buying tips and links to trusted suppliers.
Essential Foil Fencing Equipment
Fencing Mask
Essential protective headgear with a metal mesh front that protects your face and head from weapon strikes.
Buying Tips:
Look for masks that meet FIE safety standards. Ensure proper fit - the mask should be snug but not tight. Consider removable padding for easy washing.
Fencing Jacket
Protective white jacket that covers your torso, arms, and upper thighs. Made from puncture-resistant fabric.
Buying Tips:
Choose a jacket sized for movement - it should be roomy enough to extend your arm fully. Look for 350N or 800N rating depending on your level.
Fencing Glove
Protective glove for your weapon hand, featuring a gauntlet that extends up the forearm.
Buying Tips:
Only worn on weapon hand (right for right-handed fencers). Should be snug but allow finger flexibility. Leather or synthetic materials both work well.
Plastron (Underarm Protection)
Additional protection worn under the jacket to protect the weapon-arm side of the chest.
Buying Tips:
Essential safety gear - never fence without one. Should cover the entire weapon-side chest and underarm area. Usually worn under the jacket.
Foil Weapon
Lightweight thrusting weapon with a small circular guard. The target area is the torso only.
Buying Tips:
Start with a basic, French grip practice foil. Blades come in different, numbered lengths with #5 being recommended by our coaches. Electric foils are only needed for sport fencing tournaments. Blade flexibility affects touch sensitivity - beginners often prefer stiffer blades.
Chest Protector (Women)
Required protective gear for women fencers, worn under the jacket to protect the chest area.
Buying Tips:
Must meet safety standards and fit properly. Hard cup style offers better protection than soft versions. Usually required for all female fencers.
Recommended Beginner Sets
When you're ready to purchase your own equipment, these trusted suppliers offer complete foil starter sets that include everything you need to begin fencing.
Absolute Fencing
Complete beginner foil sets with everything needed to start fencing
Known for quality starter equipment and excellent customer service
Blue Gauntlet
Affordable foil starter packages perfect for new fencers
Competitive pricing with good quality equipment for beginners
Ready to Start Fencing?
First Steps
- • Join us at any Monday or Thursday session
- • Use our club equipment to get started
- • Learn the basics before investing in gear
- • Ask our experienced members for advice
When to Buy Your Own Gear
- • After 4-6 sessions when you're committed
- • When you want consistent fit and comfort
- • Before attending tournaments or competitions
- • We'll help you choose the right equipment