Things You'll Need:
- A Shopping Budget
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Step 1
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.
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Step 2
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.
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Step 3
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.
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Step 4
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.
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Step 5
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.
