Do I need expensive FIE-rated gear, or is 350N fine?

For club fencing and local tournaments in the US: standard 350-newton gear is fine, legal, and what almost everyone wears. Save your money. FIE-rated gear (800N jackets/breeches, 1600N masks, maraging blades) is required only at international events, and by some clubs' internal rules for competitive squads.

What the numbers mean: the newton rating is puncture resistance tested in a lab. 350N stops a broken blade in essentially every club scenario; 800N adds margin for elite-speed fencing. US domestic events, including NACs and Summer Nationals for most age groups, run on 350N clothing plus a 350N underlayer (the plastron), check current USA Fencing rules for your specific event, but that's the long-standing baseline.

Where NOT to economize, in order: the mask (buy new, never used, and replace if the mesh dents), the plastron (that underarm layer is the one doing quiet safety work), and the glove (cheap gloves wear through at the palm in months). Where used or entry-level gear is completely fine: jackets, breeches, body cords, and practice weapons.

The one 'expensive' upgrade that pays for itself isn't safety-rated at all: a second body cord and a second weapon, so a mid-tournament failure doesn't end your day.