Fencing Starter Sets

The Best Fencing Starter Sets for Olympic-style Competition

When you’re just starting out in the world of fencing, you may need to get used to all the various terms, including the clothing included in a fencing starter set.

Introduction to Fencing

Fencing is a vintage sport that goes back to some of the first Olympics (1896). Requiring very high levels of agility, physical strength, understanding, and intelligence, this sport asks you to perform well under pressure, and you must be able to work hard physically and mentally. It’s a great sport to get into if you're looking to get college scholarships or just want to have a unique sport to be a part of. It is so important to have the right equipment for fencing, as it can impact your ability to perform at a high level. Having a suitable Starter Set will set you up for success as you begin to learn the art of fencing.

Essential Equipment in a Fencing Starter Set

Depending on which form of fencing you will be competing in, you may need a few items to get started. Our fencing starter sets include a mask, jacket, underarm protector or under plastron, a chest protector for females, fencing knickers, a weapon glove, a practice weapon (sabre, foil, or epee), and a body cord. Let’s look a little closer at how these pieces function.

• Fencing Sabres, Epée, and Foil — With each of these weapon styles, you must choose the type you play by both the weapon elements and the rules of play. Foil fencing requires precision and planning skills. It’s a lighter weapon with a smaller target area, so you must be precise! With épée, you have a slightly heavier weapon and a larger target area. Foil and épée fencing only score by using the point of the blade. Sabres use thrusting and cutting with both the “sharp” and blunt back of the blade.
• Mask — Your mask provides essential safety during the fencing competition. It is made primarily of a metal mesh guard that protects the competitor’s face.
• Jacket (lamé) and Pants (knickers) — The jacket protects the torso, while the knickers protect to just below the knee.
• Glove — It covers the hand that holds the sword, helping to provide a good grip as well as protection from any mistaken hit.
• Body Cord — Connect the competitor’s clothes to the scoring gear.
• Underarm protector (plastron) and Chest protector (for women) — Provides additional protection and support to fencing competitors.

How to Choose the Right Equipment

Once you have decided that you love fencing, it's time to buy your first set of equipment! You can either buy it piece by piece or buy a fencing starter kit. We always recommend purchasing a kit, as you get a better deal in the long run and can start with a new set of gear altogether. Fencing starter sets range in price, But be sure to get something that will last long term. Because having the right fit is so important, we recommend that you measure yourself or have one of your coaching staff help you with your sizing guide. If, for any reason, your starter set does not fit properly, we provide a 90-day money-back guarantee so you can get the precise fit that you need.

Additional Equipment to Consider

For the sport of fencing, you will also need adequate fencing shoes and socks and a dedicated bag to store and transport equipment to your practices or competitions. In fencing, you may travel a lot to competitions, so you need something that will withstand increased use.

Because of this sport’s unique needs, having the right equipment for fencing is essential. Morehouse Fencing Gear proudly provides some of the premier fencing equipment curated by former Olympian Tim Morehouse! As you look through the various fencing starter sets, be sure to get advice from a coach or experienced fencer before purchasing your equipment. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fencing gear to get your new hobby started.