Buying Equipment - Practice Epee Equipment

PRACTICE EQUIPMENT
 
FENCING MASK
The fencing mask, of course, protects your head.  There are no “generic masks”, all fencing masks must be of certain quality.  What you want to look for in a fencing mask is it’s lifetime.  The cheaper end masks are good for club and will last maybe 3-5 years, they will get dents and bends from direct hits to the mask, which will eventually make them unqualified for tournaments.  The most expensive masks will last you a lifetime.  I use an Uhlman FIE mask, pretty expensive, but not a single dent in it for the past 5 years. The mask you use for practice can also be used for competition. 
$54 to $175
 
FENCING JACKET
The jacket will usually last you a long time, whatever one you buy.  A good jacket is one that you’re comfortable with.  I suggest getting cotton rather than denim, and a front zip rather than back zip.  This just makes it easier to take the jacket on and off.  The other thing I look for is breathability and moveability.  Fencing with all your equipment will get hot, I like jackets I can breath in, move in, and easily take off if I need to use the bathroom.  I’m also finicky about how I look in a jacket. If you are an epee fencer, it is required to have your last name printed on the back of the jacket.  Please see your coach for regulations regarding names on jackets.
$30 to $320
 
WEAPON (EPEE)
The epee (your weapon) is something that’s not the same for everyone.  It’s something that’s personalized.  With time, you’ll know what kind of blade you like, what kind of guard, what kind of grip and how “bendy” you like your weapon.  It’s all personal taste.  More expensive weapons tend to last longer, but are more stiff.  Lesser expensive weapons may last a year or two, but are usually more “bendy”.  For practice weapons, I’d go for the lower end.  Their pretty easy to fix if the blade breaks.

However, the cheapest weapons from Fencesmart.com have very flimsy guards, which isn’t an issue for safety, it’s just inconvenience because they lose their shape easily. 
$40 to $115
 
FENCING GLOVE
The glove is another piece of your uniform where it doesn’t matter what you buy, just as long as you’re comfortable with it.  For practice, the leather gloves that tend to come with sets work fine, but they usually aren’t washable, and in time, they get to a point where they’ll get so old and dirty that they can walk away themselves.  I suggest Velcro close gloves.  You can wash them, put them on and take them off easy, and also very usable for electric competitions, making it easier to insert and remove body cords. 
$8 to $48
 
TOTAL PRICE
$132 to $658
 

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
 
PLASTRON/UNDERARM
The underarm protector, also known as the plastron, is additional protection underneath the jacket.  Though not required for practice, the plastron is required for competition.  There are different models or brands, it doesn’t matter which one you get unless you start doing high level competitions.
$15 to $95
 
KNICKERS
These are fencing pants, for local competitions, you can use baseball pants.  But for Regional and National competitions, they will require fencing knickers.  You will also need your name printed on one leg of your pants (opposite leg of the arm with which you fence).
$32 to $225
 
KNEE HIGH SOCKS
There is no “fencing specific socks”.  Yeah, there are socks with fencing designs on them, but their socks nonetheless.  Any knee high socks (like soccer socks) will do.  People like to personalize their socks (different colors, stripes, etc.)  You can get this at any sports store.  Knee high socks are required for competition. 
$5 to $20

Fencing Shoes
When fencing, any gym shoes can be used.  However there are fencing specific shoes which help reduce the wear and tear found in regular shoes and aid fencing movements.  Some type of gym shoe is required for competition. 
$50 to $150
 
FENCING BAG
Again, there are fencing specific bags, but you can also buy golf travel bags.  Fencing bags usually have more space to accommodate you weapons, mask, uniforms and pockets for body cords and other tools.  Some people like bags with wheels on them to help with travel. 
$22 to $230
 
FENCING SHOES
When fencing, any gym shoes can be used.  However there are fencing specific shoes which help reduce the wear and tear found in regular shoes and aid fencing movements.  Some type of gym shoe is required for competition. 
$50 to $150
 
CHEST PROTECTOR
This is for the women only.  It’s additional protection for the women and is required for competitions.  There are two types of models, there’s the two disc model (breast plates – the are usually inserted underneath a sports bra), and there’s the full chest model (which is molded plastic that covers the entire chest area).
$8 to $60