How to buy your first weapon (foil, épée, sabre)

Dry vs electric, blade sizes and grips, start simple. · Typical price $30-150

Ask your coach which weapon before you buy anything, then keep it simple to start.

• Start with a practice ("dry") weapon, not electric. Electric blades, points and cords cost 2-3× as much and you don't need them until you're scoring bouts.
• Blade size runs 0 (smallest, youngest) to 5 (adult). Match your fencer's age/height, the club will tell you.
• Grip (foil/épée): a pistol grip is most common today; a French grip teaches point control. Follow your coach.
• Buy a spare tip/blade once competing, blades break, always at the worst time.

Not sure which weapon? Read foil, épée and sabre.

Where to buy

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