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Step 1
Determine where the foil will be used. If used at a fencing club with electric scoring equipment, purchase a foil with electric components, as well as the body cords and other elements which connect the fencer and foil to the scoring system.
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Step 2
Check the local fencing club rules. Find out what style of foils are acceptable in the club's competitions. Avoid buying foils that can't be used in competition.
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Step 3
Decide on assembly. A foil may be pre-assembled, or the fencer may select components from a catalog and have a fencing foil assembled by the supplier. Components that may be customized include a blade, grip style and bell guard.
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Step 4
Choose the proper grip style. Most beginners use a French grip; other popular grips for competition are Visconti and Belgian grips. Right-handed fencers may need a different grip than left-handed fencers. Select accordingly. While hand usage is not as specific for Italian foils, some of the elaborate pistol grips are more specific.
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Step 5
Size the grip. Select a grip which fits the fencers hand when wearing the fencer's glove. The sizing chart determines the grip size based on the glove size. The general guidelines are that the thumb should be a maximum of 3/4 of an inch back from the guard and just touching the guard when relaxed. Pistol grips should not fill the entire hand and should leave enough space for a finger to fit between grip and the palm. A supplier should have specific details on sizing the grip. In general, depending on the style of the grip, a glove size 6 to 8 will use a small to medium grip; size 8 to 10 should use a medium size grip; and a size 10 to 11 will use a large grip.
