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Beginner fencing equipment: what you actually need
The honest version. You do not need to buy a full kit to start , most clubs lend beginners a mask, jacket and weapon for the first several classes. Here's the order to buy things in, what each costs, and where to get it cheaper.
Rule #1: ask your coach before you buy. Weapon choice (foil/épée/sabre), whether you need
an electric setup yet, and sizing all depend on your club. A wrong-size mask or the wrong weapon is wasted money.
The beginner list (in buying order)
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Fencing mask The one thing you never cheap out on. FIE/CE-rated, correct size. | $60-110 |
| Jacket + plastron Jacket plus an underarm protector (plastron). Front-zip is easiest for kids. | $70-130 |
| Glove Weapon-hand glove. Buy this first, it's the one thing clubs rarely lend. | $15-30 |
| Weapon Foil, épée or sabre, ask your coach which, and start with a practice (dry) blade. | $30-70 |
| Knickers + socks Fencing knickers and long socks. Sweatpants are fine for the first month. | $35-70 |
| Chest protector Required for girls/women, recommended for everyone. | $25-45 |
A basic practice set runs about $120-180; a competition-legal electric setup for one weapon is $300+, but that comes later, once your fencer is committed and competing.
Where to buy
Reputable US suppliers. Starter bundles are almost always cheaper than buying piece by piece.
1
ShopUSAFencing (official USA Fencing kits)
Official beginner starter kits by weapon, built with Absolute Fencing Gear. The safe default.
2
Absolute Fencing Gear
The biggest US supplier. Deep starter-set range from basic practice to competition-legal.
3
Morehouse Fencing Gear
One-stop shop with discounted starter bundles for foil, epee and sabre.
4
Blue Gauntlet
Discounted beginner sets for kids and adults.
5
Leon Paul USA
Premium end, worth it later, once your fencer is committed.
Also on Amazon
Handy for beginner accessories, spares and starter kits. For competition gear (electric blades, lamés, FIE masks), the specialist suppliers above are the better bet.
🎭 Fencing masks
🧤 Fencing gloves
🤺 Beginner foil sets
🎒 Fencing gear bags
🦺 Chest protectors
🧵 Grip tape & repair
Buying guides by item
What to look for (and where to buy) for each piece of kit.