The best fencing starter kit (and how to choose)

A starter bundle is almost always cheaper than buying mask, jacket, glove and weapon separately, and it guarantees the pieces work together. Here's what to look for and where to get one.

Buy by weapon. Kits come in foil, épée and sabre versions, get the one your coach recommends. And confirm the rating (350N for club, higher for competition) matches what your club needs.

What a good beginner kit includes

Mask, jacket + plastron, glove, and a practice (dry) weapon, the four essentials.
Often knickers, chest protector and a bag in the fuller sets.
A basic practice set runs ~$120-180; a competition-ready electric set for one weapon is $300+.

Where to buy a starter kit

Retailer	Shop	Notes
ShopUSAFencing (official USA Fencing kits)	Shop →	Official beginner starter kits by weapon, built with Absolute Fencing Gear. The safe default.
Absolute Fencing Gear	Shop →	The biggest US supplier. Deep starter-set range from basic practice to competition-legal.
Morehouse Fencing Gear	Shop →	One-stop shop with discounted starter bundles for foil, epee and sabre.
Blue Gauntlet	Shop →	Discounted beginner sets for kids and adults.

Want it cheaper? See how to find discount gear, or check what to own at each stage with our gear checklist by level.