How to Choose Safety and Gear for Foil Fencing

Foil Fencing

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Although modern foil fencing has been refined to more of an art than an actual blood letting, the simple truth is that accidents will happen. People can and do get hurt unintentionally while foil fencing, making in imperative that appropriate safety gear be worn while practicing the sport. Here is how to choose safety equipment for foil fencing.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

A Shopping Budget

How to Choose Safety Equipment for Foil Fencing

Step1

Choose a mask. Aside from your foil (blade), the mask is the first piece of equipment you will acquire for fencing safety. The mask has a wire mesh face screen that will protect the wearer from accidental slashes.

Step2

Select a Plasteron. The plasteron is a piece of safety equipment for foil fencing that helps provide protection from being punctured under the arm. The Plasteron looks somewhat like half a shirt, being warn on the side that you hold your foil with.

Step3

Choose a jacket. Some jackets are thin and mobile, while others are thick and durable. The jacket will help provide an additional layer of protection against being accidentally cut by slashing motions.

Step4

Choose a set of gloves. Gloves are important safety equipment because they will help keep your hands and wrists safe from cuts, should your opponent’s foil slip over your guard. As a general rule of thumb, tight fitting gloves are preferred. The gloves will stretch as they are used, and you do not want to end up with a loose fitting glove when that happens.

Step5

Select your body armor. Hard shell body armor can also be used in fencing. In competitive foil fencing, chest armor is required for females, although many males opt to wear the chest armor as well. Cups are required by men in competitive fencing. Generally speaking, and armor or padding that does not prohibit you range of motion is good to have. Wear your armor under your plasteron, which is worn under your jacket.

Tips & Warnings

You can often choose a starter kit, rather than purchasing all of the equipment individually. This is much easier than shopping for every item, and is usually less expensive.