Gear Requirements and Recommendations
Buying equipment for historic fencing can be a daunting task but if it’s your first time coming to training, just bring a positive attitude and a pair of gloves and that’s all you’ll need.
Gear Requirements
For beginners: bring gloves (riggers gloves from bunnings such as M-Pact gloves or better), groin or chest guard if you have one and headgear of any sort if you have it. Fencing masks are available as loaner gear if you do not have headgear.
For steel sparring:
Swords - blunt, historic fencing appropriate swords with edge >2mm thick, free of burrs and sharp edges or points. Must have a maximum flex reading via scale test of 12kg without concerns for breakage in deep flexing.
800N rated puncture proof fabric required from neck to knees with appropriate padding.
Mask with a bib of at least 350N, preferably 1600N and appropriate mesh sturdiness
Hard gorget, elbows, forearms, knees and shins required
Groin protector of suitable sturdiness if external genitals presents
Chest protector of suitable sturdiness for women
Hard gloves that are designed for historic fencing and in working condition. Steel gauntlets will not be allowed for risk to opponent
Mask overlay with suitable padding and hard back of head protection
No exposed skin. Long socks or long trousers required
Gear Recommendations (please check with the instructor as these recommendations may be out of date):
Mask - AF Club mask from JG Fencing
Mask Overlay - Supfen SF HEMA Full Fencing Mask Overlay
Gorget - DMZ Roughneck Gorget or Vytis Light
Jacket - SKHF Joseon Sparring Jacket (can be worn with light pants underneath to save money). Alternatively, Supfen Thermoventilated Jacket and HEMA pants or skirt are appropriate as well
Legs - Hockey shins and knee pros
Arms - Supfen SF HEMA Heavy Forearm Elbow Protector
Gloves - CHFG Raphael Gloves
Groin - Supfen SF Groin Protector (Mandatory for males)
Chest - Medieval Fight Club Chest Protector Women’s (Mandatory for females with breasts)
From here, gear will be a personal choice based on what you like. I tend to find the good recommendation is a great place to start if you have the funds, and then choose specific products as they tailor to your body and movements, or your particular preferences. New gear comes out all the time as well so as new gear comes out, the recommendations may change.
Please note, these are the minimum requirements for protective gear for full contact full speed sparring. If you feel you would like more protection, you are free to do so as long as it does not affect the safety of yourself or others.