Equipment FAQ
What size do I order?
Most retailers have clear sizing information which you need to be aware of as some deal in European sizes and others in American. In addition, some FIE manufacturers favour certain body types. You should carefully read sizing information. If in doubt, try to see whether another fencer wears that brand, and see how the sizing fits them.
Lames do not need to be a larger size than the jacket, as they are tailored to fit on top of the normal jacket size.
What does 350N, 1000N or 1600N mean?
Fencing equipment is manufactured with a resistance to puncture, and the higher the number is the higher level of force the equipment is designed to resist. N is short for 'newton', which is the amount of force required to move one Kg at a speed of 1m/s squared. Most FIE equipment has a higher level of puncture resistance.
What is an FIE weapon?
Weapons tested by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) labs are given a serial number unique to that weapon which guarantees its conformity to the highest standards of quality and durability. Most are made from maraging steel, which reduces rough shards on breakage, resists rust and is generally more durable. FIE standard compliancy, whether uniforms or weapons, is also necessary at the national and international level. Testing and higher standards of production make these weapons more expensive.
Do I need fencing sneakers?
No, it is not necessary to have fencing specific footwear. However, fencing specific sneakers do address unique wear and stresses in the course of fencing and most find them more comfortable. Some sneakers cannot be used because they have rolled or elongated tread patterns which can impede or injure fencers. Best matches: court shoes, such as volleyball or tennis
Non-marking, clean, indoor shoes are required for training at SFO.
Do I need to wear a chest protector?
Women are required to wear chest protection, and younger fencers may choose to wear one. Adults can wear one, but they must be worn directly on the skin with a miminum layer of t-shirt, plastron and jacket/lame on top.
What kind of lame should I buy?
Lames can be made out of copper or stainless steel. The copper is much less expensive but naturally corrodes quicker than stainless steel. As sweat is a by product of fencing, copper often only lasts one or two years. Heavy use, or not properly drying lames, also shortens lifespan.
Can I wash my gear?
Yes, you can wash fencing gear but only in gentle cycle with non-bleaching detergent. You should never put fencing gear into the dryer. Some lames are washable with non-detergent based cleaners such as Woolite.
Can I buy used gear?
Fencing gear can be bought used, but it should always be carefully inspected by the head coach to make sure it is safe and current to regulations. Masks should never have rust or dents. It should also not have patches on it, or be more than 5 years old. Shoes, due to foot uniqueness, should never be previously loved unless lightly worn. SFO has annual parent-to-parent equipment sales.
Where can I buy Fencing equipment? Vendors
Most fencing equipment comes from a few manufacturers in Europe and Asia, with some factories making house brands and name brands. Most is exactly as advertised, or intimated in price, so consult with our coaches to ask about a specific vendor or line. Find more information about vendors here.
Most retailers have clear sizing information which you need to be aware of as some deal in European sizes and others in American. In addition, some FIE manufacturers favour certain body types. You should carefully read sizing information. If in doubt, try to see whether another fencer wears that brand, and see how the sizing fits them.
Lames do not need to be a larger size than the jacket, as they are tailored to fit on top of the normal jacket size.
What does 350N, 1000N or 1600N mean?
Fencing equipment is manufactured with a resistance to puncture, and the higher the number is the higher level of force the equipment is designed to resist. N is short for 'newton', which is the amount of force required to move one Kg at a speed of 1m/s squared. Most FIE equipment has a higher level of puncture resistance.
What is an FIE weapon?
Weapons tested by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) labs are given a serial number unique to that weapon which guarantees its conformity to the highest standards of quality and durability. Most are made from maraging steel, which reduces rough shards on breakage, resists rust and is generally more durable. FIE standard compliancy, whether uniforms or weapons, is also necessary at the national and international level. Testing and higher standards of production make these weapons more expensive.
Do I need fencing sneakers?
No, it is not necessary to have fencing specific footwear. However, fencing specific sneakers do address unique wear and stresses in the course of fencing and most find them more comfortable. Some sneakers cannot be used because they have rolled or elongated tread patterns which can impede or injure fencers. Best matches: court shoes, such as volleyball or tennis
Non-marking, clean, indoor shoes are required for training at SFO.
Do I need to wear a chest protector?
Women are required to wear chest protection, and younger fencers may choose to wear one. Adults can wear one, but they must be worn directly on the skin with a miminum layer of t-shirt, plastron and jacket/lame on top.
What kind of lame should I buy?
Lames can be made out of copper or stainless steel. The copper is much less expensive but naturally corrodes quicker than stainless steel. As sweat is a by product of fencing, copper often only lasts one or two years. Heavy use, or not properly drying lames, also shortens lifespan.
Can I wash my gear?
Yes, you can wash fencing gear but only in gentle cycle with non-bleaching detergent. You should never put fencing gear into the dryer. Some lames are washable with non-detergent based cleaners such as Woolite.
Can I buy used gear?
Fencing gear can be bought used, but it should always be carefully inspected by the head coach to make sure it is safe and current to regulations. Masks should never have rust or dents. It should also not have patches on it, or be more than 5 years old. Shoes, due to foot uniqueness, should never be previously loved unless lightly worn. SFO has annual parent-to-parent equipment sales.
Where can I buy Fencing equipment? Vendors
Most fencing equipment comes from a few manufacturers in Europe and Asia, with some factories making house brands and name brands. Most is exactly as advertised, or intimated in price, so consult with our coaches to ask about a specific vendor or line. Find more information about vendors here.
