Walk into any fencing pro shop and you'll see two prices for the same thing: a 350N glove for $40 and an 800N FIE-rated glove for $60. The marketing implies you should buy the better one. The reality is more practical.
What 350N and 800N actually mean
The numbers refer to puncture resistance — how much force the fabric can absorb before a blade can break through. 350N is roughly the impact of a hard fall. 800N is roughly the impact of a snapped épée blade traveling at full speed. The latter is rare but it's why FIE-rated gear exists.
When 350N is fine
The vast majority of US fencing — local club practice, regional Y14 tournaments, school competitions, NCAA-level recreation — is rated to 350N. If your fencer is under 14, in club practice, or competing at the regional level, 350N is the right gear. Buying 800N at this stage is overkill and the gear is heavier, hotter, and more expensive.
When 800N matters
You need 800N gear when: your fencer is competing at FIE-sanctioned events (most international and some US national tournaments), when your club requires it for adult bouting, or when your fencer hits the level where they're driving touches at high speed. In practice, this kicks in around 16 years old for serious competitors.
Tim's rule of thumb
If your fencer is bouting more than three times a week and travels for tournaments, get 800N. If they're a club regular who competes locally, save your money and get the 350N — and put the difference toward a second weapon or a competition-grade body cord, which fails more often than the gear.