We have an agreement with Blue Gauntlet and Absolute Fencing gear to supply our fencers with an 8-piece electric foil set for approximately $185 (bag, body cord, jacket, lamé, underarm protector, foil, glove, and mask). Electric epee sets are less expensive because there is no lamé; saber sets are a little more expensive. Women must add an additional $25 or so for a breast protector. Many vendors offer an electric beginner set (blade, body cord, etc.) for around $100-150. Currently,
Electric weapons -

Competing at the national level, a fencer must have at least two working weapons when they report to the strip. Electric weapons run from $65 to $150. For novice competitors, the less expensive weapons are just as good as the expensive ones. We recommend bayonet connectors on the weapons simply because more fencers use this type of connector and it is easier to borrow equipment in an emergency on strip.

Body cords -

A body cord connects the fencer’s blade to the scoring equipment. The body cords are not interchangeable between foil and epee; you will need a foil and an epee body cord to compete with both weapons. Body cords are $15 – 35.
Underarm protector or plastron -

Every fencer must have an underarm protector (plastron) to compete. There is a wide variety of materials and quality involved with these, but you are looking for a piece of clothing that will cushion a blow to the soft armpit. Underarm protectors range from $16 to $100. Chest protectors for women are available at the club for use. Women must have protectors during competition. These are available as a solid plastic sheet or as protective discs that fit into pockets in the jacket, and range $16-30. Young boys may choose to wear a solid plastic chest protector when first learning. All men should wear athletic cups.
Glove -

Gloves come in a variety of material from cotton to the Uhlman washable leather, and range $10-45. Look at some of the gloves the other competitive fencers wear and ask questions about their choice.
Lame -

The lame is an outer conducting garment which defines the target area in foil and saber. Foil lames will run $40-135; saber lames, $85-255.
Mask -

A good competition mask for foil and epee will run around $50. Three weapon masks, and the stronger FIE masks, will range from $95 to $275. It has been our experience that a little extra invested in a stronger test mask is worth it. Novice competitors may use FIT masks.
Jacket -

Jackets, $50-230, may be borrowed from FIT by the novice competitors. We recommend women to sew a piece of heavy cotton material (like blue jeans material) on the inside arm of the lead arm of the jacket to give a little extra protection. Women’s skin is physiologically thinner because of and has a tendency to bruise easier than men’s skin.
Knickers -

knickers may be purchased for $50-230. However, growing youth should consider wearing baseball pants for competition instead of purchasing the more expensive knickers. Again, women should sew a piece of heavy cotton material on the inside pant of the lead leg.
Shoes and socks -

The fencer’s legs must be completely covered. Long soccer socks, preferably white, under baseball pants or knickers are perfect ($10-15). Fencing shoes may be purchased for $45-190.00, Adidas high-tops being the most expensive. Any flat soled deck shoe (Keds) with a light or white flexible sole will work. There is a lot of heel-to-toe movement in fencing and thinner soles work best for giving the fencer a sense of where the floor is.
Fencing bags -

Used to carry weapons and equipment, bags run $25-300 for single weapon bags to wheeled bags. Many fencers purchase PVC tubing to put their blades in while transporting.