After a few weeks, most new fencers will grow tired of the sweaty, worn out equipment that their club would have kindly provided them. It is a moment of pride for any fencer when they buy their first fencing kit-it’s a like formal baptism into the game and, as I can relate, your first kit holds tremendous sentimental value (even if it doesn’t go the distance!) So without further delay, let’s enter the fencing armoury.
It’s worth enquiring at your local club if they do sell gear-this can work out a lot cheaper as clubs get bundle deals from major manufacturers. You can also go for premium brands such as Leon Paul, but you may not want to invest so much into equipment so early in your career.
Check out our gear galleries below-simply scroll over the piece of kit for more information, general costs and best places to purchase. I have combined foil and Epee as the equipment is similar and saber has a few distinct pieces of gear. There is also an honourable mention for HEMA fans, with a HEMA fencing armoury breakdown.
FOIL/ÉPÉE FENCING ARMORY
Fencing Shoes
It’s important to remember that fencing, of all sports, has the highest amount of pressure applied to the heel (up to seven times the average body weight). Fencing shoes have to have good cushioning around the heel area and a flexible sole for comfort. They also need good traction for negotiating surfaces such as wooden floors.
It’s important to remember that even quality shoes undergo plenty of wear and tear in fencing and generally last 12 months or so before needing to be replaced
Best Budget Shoes: Asics Gel Domain Indoor Court Shoes, these are sturdy shoes with decent grip and conducive sole shape RRP:£35/$40
Best pair for competitive fencing: Nike Air Zoom Fencer: Supremely comfortable and highly durable, these fencing shoes are wider and provide superb traction. Launched in 2008 and available in a variety of designs. RRP:£120/$160
Fencing Shoes
It’s important to remember that fencing, of all sports, has the highest amount of pressure applied to the heel (up to seven times the average body weight). Fencing shoes have to have good cushioning around the heel area and a flexible sole for comfort. They also need good traction for negotiating surfaces such as wooden floors.
It’s important to remember that even quality shoes undergo plenty of wear and tear in fencing and generally last 12 months or so before needing to be replaced
Best Budget Shoes: Asics Gel Domain Indoor Court Shoes, these are sturdy shoes with decent grip and conducive sole shape RRP:£35/$40
Best pair for competitive fencing: Nike Air Zoom Fencer: Supremely comfortable and highly durable, these fencing shoes are wider and provide superb traction. Launched in 2008 and available in a variety of designs. RRP:£120/$160
Fencing Socks
Specially designed fencing socks can be quite pricey, and many people prefer running or football socks as for comfort and economy. Again it’s about finding a pair of socks that provides good support on the heel and stretch well.
Best Budget Pair: Nike Dri Fit Running Socks: Comfortable and available in a variety of colours. RRP:£8
Best Competitive Pair: Leon Paul Advanced Fencing Socks: Featuring moisture management and anti microbial properties via thermacool, These are every pro fencer’s dream. RRP:£13
Breeches
Breeches (or knickers) are mandatory to wear in competitive fencing and must be white. They are designed with two braces which you pull over each shoulder and generally there is should be a 10cm minimum overlap between the bottom of the jacket and the breeches (at the waist) when in the en guard position. For practice purposes, jogger bottoms or long pants will suffice.
When choosing a brand, avoid cotton at all costs and it soaks up sweat and dirt and will result in you overheating-nylon is far more robust and the inner wicking material absorbs moisture.
Budget breeches for Women: Spartan Women’s stretch RRP:£68
Budget breeches for Men: Phoenix Men’s Breeches RRP:£76
Best Competitive Gear: Apex FIE Breeches (Women) RRP:£167, Uhlmann Olympia 800N FIE Breeches (Men) RRP:£191
Fencing Socks
Specially designed fencing socks can be quite pricey, and many people prefer running or football socks as for comfort and economy. Again it’s about finding a pair of socks that provides good support on the heel and stretch well.
Best Budget Pair: Nike Dri Fit Running Socks: Comfortable and available in a variety of colours. RRP:£8
Best Competitive Pair: Leon Paul Advanced Fencing Socks: Featuring moisture management and anti microbial properties via thermacool, These are every pro fencer’s dream. RRP:£13
Breeches
Breeches (or knickers) are mandatory to wear in competitive fencing and must be white. They are designed with two braces which you pull over each shoulder and generally there is should be a 10cm minimum overlap between the bottom of the jacket and the breeches (at the waist) when in the en guard position. For practice purposes, jogger bottoms or long pants will suffice.
When choosing a brand, avoid cotton at all costs and it soaks up sweat and dirt and will result in you overheating-nylon is far more robust and the inner wicking material absorbs moisture.
Budget breeches for Women: Spartan Women’s stretch RRP:£68
Budget breeches for Men: Phoenix Men’s Breeches RRP:£76
Best Competitive Gear: Apex FIE Breeches (Women) RRP:£167, Uhlmann Olympia 800N FIE Breeches (Men) RRP:£191
Jacket
In foil and épée, the jackets are near enough the same and designed to cover the torso and provide protection against hits and broken blades.
Jackets come in two forms, either rear fastening or front fastening: the front fastening jackets are much easier to put on. Remember that the zips are on the non fencing arm side of the body (left for a right handed fencer, right for a left handed fencer) so bear this in mind when purchasing a jacket.
Best Budget Jacket: 2020 Alpha 350N Stretch Jacket Front & Back zip, thefencingshop.co.uk, RRP £55
Best Competitive Jacket: Team Fie 800N Fencing Jacket, Leon Paul, RRP: £167
Fencing Gloves
Fencing Gloves are worn on the sword hand to provide protection from blows. Gloves are the most inexpensive piece of kit. In épée, gloves tend to have more padding than in foil fencing.
Best Budget Pair: Phoenix Foil/épée gloves, Leon Paul, RRP £20
Best Competitive Pair: Allstar 800N FIE Glove – Hyper X, All -Star Fencing, RRP: £46
Mask
Perhaps the most recognisable piece of fencing gear, the mask consists of a metal mesh which protects the face from hits while the neck is covered by a fabric bib. Most masks have a strap on the back which prevents the mask from loosening or falling off in a bout. Masks are a mandatory part of the fencing kit to be worn at all times in a bout and the mesh is available in an assortment of colours (though black is the most popular).
Best budget mask: Blue Gauntlet 3 weapon 400N Mask, Blue Gauntlet, RRP $50
Best Competitive mask: FIE X-Change original Foil/Épée Mask, Leon Paul, RRP £213
Plastron
The plastron is a under arm piece of clothing that is usually worn under the jacket as protection, and is a mandatory part of a fencing kit under FIE regulations. The plastron is worn on the fencer’s dominant side and is available in lightweight versions, which tend to be considerably more expensive. Plastrons are sorted by rating and as a rule of thumb for competitive fencing one should always look for a plastron with a rating of 350N or above, and a rating of 800N is required for electric fencing at all levels.
Best Budget Level Plastron: 2020 Alpha 350N Plastron-Good level of coverage and tailored from high quality stretch fabric. RRP:£20
Best Quality Plastron: Negrini FIE 800N high performance plastron-made with high quality dyneema material, providing optimal comfort and breathability. RRP:£82
Lamé (only in Foil)
A lamé is an electric jacket that is used to indicate the target areas of the body in foil and sabre fencing. In épée the whole body constitutes a valid target area, hence a lamé would be redundant and is not used in épée.
In foil fencing the lame covers the torso, chest and lower neck region and is generally metallic grey in colour, though alternative colours are becoming more popular.
When choosing a lamé, material is far more important than brand. Copper lamés are poor quality and erode very quickly, whereas nickel and steel possess great durability.
Best Budget Foil Lamé: Enlighten Foil Lamé, TheFencingShop.co.uk, Reduced from £50 to £20
Best Competitive Foil Lamé: Ulhman Men’s Foil Lamé, (double zip), All-Star Fencing.co.uk, RRP: £119
Jacket
In foil and épée, the jackets are near enough the same and designed to cover the torso and provide protection against hits and broken blades.
Jackets come in two forms, either rear fastening or front fastening: the front fastening jackets are much easier to put on. Remember that the zips are on the non fencing arm side of the body (left for a right handed fencer, right for a left handed fencer) so bear this in mind when purchasing a jacket.
Best Budget Jacket: 2020 Alpha 350N Stretch Jacket Front & Back zip, thefencingshop.co.uk, RRP £55
Best Competitive Jacket: Team Fie 800N Fencing Jacket, Leon Paul, RRP: £167
Foil
The Foil is the lightest of the 3 weapons used in traditional fencing. When selecting a blade for foil, it is important to consider if you intend to continue fencing long term. If so, a FIE grade weapon is a must-despite being more expensive than standard blades, they are more durable and made from quality maraging steel. Non electric standard foil blades are ideal for children and part time fencers. It is recommended to start with the classic French grip blade before progressing on to a pistol grip at a later stage.
Best Budget Foil Blade: Leon Paul Non Electric Blade (French Grip), RRP £45- Highly durable and light, ideal for a beginner at club level.
Best Competitive Foil Blade: PBT BF FIE Foil Blue (French Grip or Pistol Grip) PBT Fencing, RRP £141-Made with high quality maraging steel with an insulated grip.
Moving on….The Sabre Fencing Armoury
SABRE FENCING ARMORY
Fencing Shoes
Sabre is a very explosive form of fencing and generally requires greater stability of one’s back foot, hence shoes with broader width and greater durability are preferred in sabre.
Best Budget Pair: Asics Gel Venture 4: Very comfortable and compact. RRP $45, Runrepeat
Best Competitive Pair: Adidas D’Artagnan V: With a durable plastic coating around the inside heel and premium comfort. RRP: $169, Blue Gauntlet
Fencing Shoes
Sabre is a very explosive form of fencing and generally requires greater stability of one’s back foot, hence shoes with broader width and greater durability are preferred in sabre.
Best Budget Pair: Asics Gel Venture 4: Very comfortable and compact. RRP $45, Runrepeat
Best Competitive Pair: Adidas D’Artagnan V: With a durable plastic coating around the inside heel and premium comfort. RRP: $169, Blue Gauntlet
Sabre Blade
A light blade in Sabre makes a lot of difference as agility is vital with this style of fencing. They generally have a maximum length of 105 centimetres and the blade is flat and flexible, and the bell has a unique hemispherical shape. The blade is very narrow at the tip so it facilitates cutting and stabbing.
Best Budget Sabre Blade: S2000 Sabre Blade, Fencing Shop UK, RRP £45, Nice insulated guard and able to connect up for electric fencing.
Best Competitive Sabre Blade: Leon Paul Standard Sabre Blade, Leon Paul, RRP £97- Good quality blade used by many fencers at elite level.
fencing socks
Specially designed fencing socks can be quite pricey, and many people prefer running or football socks as for comfort and economy. Again it’s about finding a pair of socks that provides good support on the heel and stretch well.
Best Budget Pair: Nike Dri Fit Running Socks: Comfortable and available in a variety of colours. RRP:£8
Best Competitive Pair: Leon Paul Advanced Fencing Socks: Featuring moisture management and anti microbial properties via thermacool, These are every pro fencer’s dream. RRP:£13
fencing socks
Specially designed fencing socks can be quite pricey, and many people prefer running or football socks as for comfort and economy. Again it’s about finding a pair of socks that provides good support on the heel and stretch well.
Best Budget Pair: Nike Dri Fit Running Socks: Comfortable and available in a variety of colours. RRP:£8
Best Competitive Pair: Leon Paul Advanced Fencing Socks: Featuring moisture management and anti microbial properties via thermacool, These are every pro fencer’s dream. RRP:£13
Breeches
Breeches (or knickers) are mandatory to wear in competitive fencing and must be white. They are designed with two braces which you pull over each shoulder and generally there is should be a 10cm minimum overlap between the bottom of the jacket and the breeches (at the waist) when in the en guarde position. For practice purposes, jogger bottoms or long pants will suffice.
When choosing a brand, avoid cotton at all costs and it soaks up sweat and dirt and will result in you overheating-nylon is far more robust and the inner wicking material absorbs moisture.
Budget breeches for Women: Spartan Women’s stretch RRP:£68
Budget breeches for Men: Phoenix Men’s Breeches RRP:£76
Best Competitive Gear: Apex FIE Breeches (Women) RRP:£167, Uhlmann Olympia 800N FIE Breeches (Men) RRP:£191
Breeches
Breeches (or knickers) are mandatory to wear in competitive fencing and must be white. They are designed with two braces which you pull over each shoulder and generally there is should be a 10cm minimum overlap between the bottom of the jacket and the breeches (at the waist) when in the en guarde position. For practice purposes, jogger bottoms or long pants will suffice.
When choosing a brand, avoid cotton at all costs and it soaks up sweat and dirt and will result in you overheating-nylon is far more robust and the inner wicking material absorbs moisture.
Budget breeches for Women: Spartan Women’s stretch RRP:£68
Budget breeches for Men: Phoenix Men’s Breeches RRP:£76
Best Competitive Gear: Apex FIE Breeches (Women) RRP:£167, Uhlmann Olympia 800N FIE Breeches (Men) RRP:£191
Plastron
The plastron is a under arm piece of clothing that is usually worn under the jacket as protection, and is a mandatory part of a fencing kit under FIE regulations. The plastron is worn on the fencer’s dominant side and is available in lightweight versions, which tend to be considerably more expensive. Plastrons are sorted by rating and as a rule of thumb for competitive fencing one should always look for a plastron with a rating of 350N or above, and a rating of 800N is required for electric fencing at all levels.
Best Budget Level Plastron: 2020 Alpha 350N Plastron-Good level of coverage and tailored from high quality stretch fabric. RRP:£20
Best Quality Plastron: Negrini FIE 800N high performance plastron-made with high quality dyneema material, providing optimal comfort and breathability. RRP:£82
Sabre Lamé
the lamé is a crucial piece of gear in sabre fencing and it is worth investing a good quality or branded version of the kit. Run of the mill copper lamés despite being cheap absorb sweat a lot and get worn out after 1 or seasons, so the preferred option is a stainless steel washable lamé (particularly if you ae looking to fence for more than 3 years. In Sabre, lamés have long sleeves to match the target zone unlike foil. Another thing to bear in mind-always make sure the lamé is comfortable and fits perfectly over the jacket-once you put your name on the back, you’re stuck with it!
Best Budget Sabre Lamé: Copper Sabre Lamé, Knight Fencing Gear, RRP $80-Economical and decent made with decent material
Best Competitive Sabre Lamé: Allstar Sabre Lamé with lateral zip, Allstar Fencing UK, RRP £186-High quality stainless steel lamé that is highly durable.
Jacket
Jackets in sabre are generally the same as in foil and épée, although they have a more important role due the style of fencing in sabre and the need for more protection if the lamé is penetrated.
Best Budget Jacket: Spartan Men’s/Women’s Jacket, Leon Paul, RRP £70-Made with good material crafted from 400N material.
Best Competitive Jacket: Allstar Startex Super Light FIE Jacket 800N, All Star Fencing UK, RRP £299.50-Made with elastic fabric and with breathable fibre with optimal comfort.
Jacket
Jackets in sabre are generally the same as in foil and épée, although they have a more important role due the style of fencing in sabre and the need for more protection if the lamé is penetrated.
Best Budget Jacket: Spartan Men’s/Women’s Jacket, Leon Paul, RRP £70-Made with good material crafted from 400N material.
Best Competitive Jacket: Allstar Startex Super Light FIE Jacket 800N, All Star Fencing UK, RRP £299.50-Made with elastic fabric and with breathable fibre with optimal comfort.
Headgear
The mask in sabre fencing is a crucial component of safety- as the whole upper body including the head is a viable target in sabre, these masks are made to solid and heavy when compared to the other styles. Sabre masks like Foil also come with a wire to that connects the lamé jacket to the mask for scoring in electric fencing.
Best Budget Sabre Mask:2020 Alpha Electric Fencing Sabre Mask 350N, the Fencing Shop UK, RRP £65-Padded and water resistant with removable lining inside which can be washed.
Best Competitive Sabre Mask: X-change FIE Traditional Fit Sabre Mask Shell, Leon Paul, RRP:£134-Lightweight with removable components such as bib which can be washed, with optional ice padded upgrade for cooler results.
Sabre Cuff
A sabre cuff (or manchette) is required in electric sabre fencing and is worn over the sabre glove (which must be 800N) to make it compatible and conductive for competitive fencing. They are made of the same material as lamés and are used to identify when a touch is scored on the forearm. Cuffs come in a variety of colours.
Best Sabre Cuff: Sabre lamé fencing cuff, the Fencing Shop UK, RRP £12-elasticated and easy to slip over the wrist.
Best Sabre Gloves: PBT 800N washable Sabre Gloves, PBT Fencing, RRP:£48-Good grip and made with thin fabric for easy manoeuvrability.
ADDITIONAL PIECES OF KIT
BREAST PROTECTOR:
Made with plastic with a soft overlay and worn under the plastron. Now a compulsory for women competing in FIE competitions.
BODY WIRE:
This wire connects the sword with the lamé for scoring in electric fencing. The original bayonet style sockets are now banned from international competition and have been replaced by the two prong system. Leon Paul produces the best body cords.
EPEE BLADE:
In Epée, The weapon is an elastic triangular thrusting weapon. It is the heaviest weapon in the sport and is available in French grip and pistol grip. In competitive Epée, a touch is registered when the tip of the blade is depressed (usually requiring at least 7.4 N of force).
Best Epée Blade: Electric Epée, The Fencing Shop UK, RRP £50-Available in French Grip and Pistol Grip
HEMA FENCING ARMORY
Shin Protectors
For duelling in HEMA, particularly with weapons such as longswords and rapiers, leg protection is vital. In HEMA sparring downward strikes are common and knees are vulnerable part of the body. Shin guards prevent abrasions and allow for good flexibility and agility.
Best budget Shin Protector: Shell Shin Protectors, histfenc.com, RRP £18.50-made of elastic and strong polypropylene 3mm thick.
Best quality Shin Protector: Red Dragon HEMA Knee and Shin Protectors, The HEMA Shop, RRP £40-Excellent design, protection and mobility.
Shin Protector
For duelling in HEMA, particularly with weapons such as longswords and rapiers, leg protection is vital. In HEMA sparring downward strikes are common and the shins are a vulnerable part of the body. Shin guards prevent abrasions and allow for good flexibility and agility.
Best budget Shin Protector: Shell Shin Protectors, histfenc.com, RRP £18.50-made of elastic and strong polypropylene 3mm thick.
Best quality Shin Protector: Red Dragon HEMA Knee and Shin Protectors, The HEMA Shop, RRP £40-Excellent design, protection and mobility.
Knee Protectors
The knees are a part of the body that are frequently prone to injury, and having good protection in that region is paramount in HEMA as two handed swords can do a lot of damage if they are off target.
Best Budget Knee Protectors: SPES HEMA Knee Protectors, The HEMA shop RRP £17-Mounted with Velcro fastener.
Best Quality Knee Protectors: Ultraflex III Kneepro Pads, Purple Heart Armoury, RRP $32-Made with hard plastic and with internal padding, these pads provide excellent coverage.
Knee Protectors
The knees are a part of the body that are frequently prone to injury, and having good protection in that region is paramount in HEMA as two handed swords can do a lot of damage if they are off target.
Best Budget Knee Protectors: SPES HEMA Knee Protectors, The HEMA shop RRP £17-Mounted with Velcro fastener.
Best Quality Knee Protectors: Ultraflex III Kneepro Pads, Purple Heart Armoury, RRP $32-Made with hard plastic and with internal padding, these pads provide excellent coverage.
HEMA Pants 800N
The most essential function of the pants in HEMA are to allow a good range of movement and be durable/breathable. Many HEMA fencers are happy to use old tracksuit bottoms or joggers, but if you are wanting to look the part, there are a few other options:
Best Budget HEMA pants: Scholar Padded HEMA Trousers, Hemasupplies.com, RRP $75-Made with 800 N fabric and breathable wicking material, also comes with pockets
Best Quality HEMA pants: SPES Dragonfly 800N Pants, The Hema Shop, RRP £127-Available in various colours and has adjustable straps and suspenders.
HEMA Pants 800N
The most essential function of the pants in HEMA are to allow a good range of movement and be durable/breathable. Many HEMA fencers are happy to use old tracksuit bottoms or joggers, but if you are wanting to look the part, there are a few other options:
Best Budget HEMA pants: Scholar Padded HEMA Trousers, Hemasupplies.com, RRP $75-Made with 800 N fabric and breathable wicking material, also comes with pockets
Best Quality HEMA pants: SPES Dragonfly 800N Pants, The Hema Shop, RRP £127-Available in various colours and has adjustable straps and suspenders.
HEMA Jacket 800N
When choosing a jacket in HEMA, always look for one with good padding and a high newton rating (800N). In thrusting bouts such as rapier good protection is vital. HEMA jackets tend to cut short around the waist region to allow for greater mobility at the hip when turning in a duel.
Best Budget HEMA jacket: Red Dragon HEMA 350N Jacket, The HEMA Shop, RRP £155-Perfect for normal sparring sessions and training.
Best Quality HEMA jacket: SPES Officer’s Jacket, Purple Heart Armoury, RRP $299-High Puncture resistance and high air permeability and easy heat removal. Suited for long sword, rapier and sabre.
Gloves
With gloves, as shown in this article comparing different types of gloves for longsword fencing, there are so many different options. Again, the options range from very cheap to very expensive; and, as with masks, the best gloves that offer the best protection tend to be further down the list and typically cost more. How much do you value your hands? Can you work or study without a thumb for a few months? Can you enjoy your hobbies without an index finger for a few months? Of course, you needn’t buy the most expensive set of gloves immediately, as you can always restrict the intensity and scope of the practice to be appropriate for the type and quantity of protective gear that you are wearing.
However, there is very little point in buying a £30 pair of gloves, only to take a severe bruise and realise that they are not good enough; then spend £50 on another pair of gloves, only to receive a broken finger; then spend £150 on a pair of Sparring Gloves anyway. It is better to make one of two choices: buy on a budget and ONLY practise gently, or extend your budget in order to get the RIGHT item so that you can practise at any intensity.
Best Budget HEMA Gloves: Red Dragon HEMA sparring gloves, The Hema Shop, RRP £45-Good cheap gloves and ideal for sparring
Best Quality HEMA Gloves: SPES Heavy Lobster Gloves, the HEMA shop, RRP £150-These gloves have a 11cm thick cuff and specially designed protection around the palm and thumb areas.
Gloves
With gloves, as shown in this article comparing different types of gloves for longsword fencing, there are so many different options. Again, the options range from very cheap to very expensive; and, as with masks, the best gloves that offer the best protection tend to be further down the list and typically cost more. How much do you value your hands? Can you work or study without a thumb for a few months? Can you enjoy your hobbies without an index finger for a few months? Of course, you needn’t buy the most expensive set of gloves immediately, as you can always restrict the intensity and scope of the practice to be appropriate for the type and quantity of protective gear that you are wearing.
However, there is very little point in buying a £30 pair of gloves, only to take a severe bruise and realise that they are not good enough; then spend £50 on another pair of gloves, only to receive a broken finger; then spend £150 on a pair of Sparring Gloves anyway. It is better to make one of two choices: buy on a budget and ONLY practise gently, or extend your budget in order to get the RIGHT item so that you can practise at any intensity.
Best Budget HEMA Gloves: Red Dragon HEMA sparring gloves, The Hema Shop, RRP £45-Good cheap gloves and ideal for sparring
Best Quality HEMA Gloves: SPES Heavy Lobster Gloves, the HEMA shop, RRP £150-These gloves have a 11cm thick cuff and specially designed protection around the palm and thumb areas.
Longsword
The most common weapon of choice in HEMA is the longsword, a weapon popularised by television series such as Game of Thrones and The Witcher. The longsword is primarily a thrusting weapon and is most modern techniques are inspired by the German art of “Fiore Dei Liberi”. A longsword is a heavy, two handed sword (the hilt is designed in a way to be handled by both hands) that is a staple feature in HEMA tournaments around the world.
Best Budget HEMA Longsword: Red Dragon HEMA Synthetic Sparring Longsword, The Hema Shop, RRP £47- A light sparring sword that is suitable for a beginner to gain confidence wielding a longsword.
Best Quality HEMA Longsword: Mark V Feder, Castille Armory, RRP $413- A majestic steel longsword crafted to perfection, with a comfortable grip and easy handling, this longsword is an item of prestige and must have for a tournament HEMA fencer.
HEMA Mask
Most HEMA masks are Olympic fencing masks that have been modified. Any mask you decide to purchase should have a minimum 350 N rating, and if you intend to compete in tournaments look for the stronger designs-1600 N or CEN 2 rating, which is now mandatory in Europe for competing in tournaments. In the US, Absolute Force is one of the top suppliers of HEMA masks, while in Europe you may want to look at the masks made by Leon Paul or PBT.
Best Budget HEMA Mask: Absolute Force 350 N HEMA Mask, Purple Heart Armory, RRP $68- A good choice for beginners in HEMA and we are looking to practice for recreation or sparring.
Best Quality HEMA Mask: HEMA FIE Mask 1600 N, pbthistoricalfencing.com, RRP £110- Comes equipped with a stainless steel mesh and foam padding to absorb the most powerful strikes.
ADDITIONAL HEMA WEAPONS
THE RAPIER
The rapier is a single handed thrusting weapon also used in HEMA. It is effective due to it having a longer reach than a longsword and being less heavy it provides the wielder greater mobility. It is designed for multiple, stealthy and swift attacks on an opponent.
Best HEMA Rapier: Economy Hilt Rapier, Darkwood Armory, RRP $325
DON’T FORGET THE KIT BAG!
As your fencing career progresses, you will notice that you will need more pieces of kit and hence a larger bag to store it all in. Many competitive fencers carry their belongings in trolley bags, although if you are parsimonious and looking for flair Leon Paul has a stylish selection of kit bags for swords and other bits. It’s wise to store clothing in a separate compartment (if possible) to your weapons, as the salt and water from your sweat can hasten the rusting of the blades.
A customisable kit bag from ileisure, RRP £24
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