<p>My D is new to this, and I am confused as to equipment for meets. So far we have the sabre, mask and glove, and the school has supplied white uniforms. My D now says that we need the lame, body cord, etc. for electric. That is the confusing part the etc. It is snowing, so we can not visit the equipment store, and I would like to order on line. What if anything else is needed? A mask cord? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.</p>
<p>Check out the webiste at blade.com. They have electric packages for new fencers.</p>
<p>When we went through this, I got all of the info I needed by calling the instructor and the company that sells the equipment. The company will have good advice. Until you know if your daughter will remain serious about the sport, try to invest the minimum. That stuff adds up. You might also try Craig’s List. We sold ours there when outgrown.</p>
<p>Hi anothermom2,
My son is a foil fencer, but he says that the sabre fencers do need a lame, body cord and a cord for the mask. The mask cord “electrifies” it, attaching from the mask to the top of the back of the lame. I see your location and wonder if you are dealing with Absolute Fencing in Bridgewater, NJ, or Blue Gauntlet Fencing in Saddlebrook, NJ? Our fencing club recommends the products of Absolute Fencing. I agree with the poster above to check on equipment for beginner’s until you are absolutely sure that she is going to stick with it. It is a very expensive sport.</p>
<p>Sabre fencers need: sabre mask (very expensive), at least 2 electric sabres, 2 body cords, 2 head cords, lame, and either a specialized sabre glove or regular glove and an over glove. I recommend the regular glove and over glove since it is likely to get many holes in it, especially if your D is new to fencing. </p>
<p>In addition to the uniform, your D will need a plastron (under arm protector), and a breast/chest protector (required for women), long socks (soccer socks ok) that stay up.</p>
<p>See if you can borrow any or all of the equipment before investing in all this gear. Thankfully, the sabre blades do not break as quickly/easily as foils and epees. </p>
<p>Where is your D fencing?</p>
<p>Thanks to you all. We will probably use absolute fencing gear in Bridgewater. Her school says that they will supply the electric equipment for meets, but D says she wants her own. I suppose we can wing it for the first meet, and see how that goes before we buy anything else. She will be involved for at least this season, and so far she is very enthusiastic.</p>
<p>Yes, the cost of athletic outfitting does add up.</p>
<p>My D got the white uniform, but she “embellished” it with socks striped with the school colors. She looked quite striking - metal mask, all white uniform, and blazingly colored socks. I was sure it would be allowed in a meet, but they laughed and didn’t bother her in the matches.</p>
<p>Anothermom – You probably already know this, but just in case, none of this equipment is optional. All equipment is checked before the start of tournaments, and if the fencer is lacking any of the cords, or if any of the electrical stuff isn’t working properly, or there is no underarm protector, she won’t be allowed to fence. Sometimes it is possible to buy the missing item, or to borrow something, on site, but sometimes it’s not. There are also rules about where the name has to be on different parts of the outfit; be sure that you know about this before she competes.</p>
<p>Also note that the lame for sabre is different that that for foil or epee.</p>
<p>The sabres can break during a bout, and the electric cords also have a tendency to go, which is why it is important to have an extra.</p>
<p>Actually tournaments are great places to buy gear, as Absolut generally sends people – this can also come in handy if you need something at the last minute. They will put a sabre together for you on site.</p>
<p>Another vote of confidence for Absolute! Amanda and Gary have treated us very well over the years. Good luck to you daughter.</p>