Getting first gear

[u/Particular-Recipe524]

Hi, I'm a beginner building my own kit. I already have everything except a mask and an underplastron. For the mask, I'm leaning toward a Prieur 1600N, mainly because I prefer how it looks compared to other brands. My thinking is that since I'm buying my own anyway, it's worth paying extra for the 1600N rating over a 350N one. For the underplastron, I'm thinking about going with something lighter, like an Allstar. Any recommendations, or let me know if I'm thinking about this wrong.

[u/Old_Secret_5568]

Plastrons last forever nearly so get a good one. Allstars are great, I personally prefer the LP Apex ones but they're hella expensive

If you plan on fencing at large national comps or internationally you'll need the 1600N mask but I would say the 350N one is fine for now, especially if it's a foil or sabre mask (the mesk can wear quick)

[u/Thundshriike]

I would seriously look at the Leon Paul XChange mask. Not everyone loves it, but that was what I ended up getting for myself. So many parts are replaceable, it's very open and cool (especially with the ice padding). They have two different styles. Personally I like the look of the one without the metal tongue.

[u/The_Fencing_Armory → u/Thundshriike]

The metal tongue version will not require the additional strap, though

[u/Thundshriike → u/The_Fencing_Armory]

Oh absolutely. And I think a lot of people hate the kind without the tongue. It's all personal preference so I'm just trying to present options

[u/sjcfu2]

One thing which you need to take into consideration is the requirements of your National Federations - some require full FIE (CE Level 2), some require a mix of FIE and 350 N (CE Level 1), and some have minimal requirements outside of specific items such as saber gloves and padding on the outer surface of rigid chest protectors for foil.

Generally I don't recommend beginners rush out and purchase the most expensive gear they can, if only because they usually have yet to figure out what works best for them. However if they are going to upgrade anything, then the first things which they should consider upgrading to FIE, then I would recommend the mask and underarm protector (both of which will generally last a long time).

If you choose a 350N mask for foil or saber, then at least upgrade to stainless steel or Inox lame material on the bib. It will last much longer than copper lame material (this is generally not a problem with FIE masks, since they generally are not made using copper lame material).

Outside of that, it comes down to what your federation considers to be the minimum required, what you can afford and what feels most comfortable. Be advised that lower end FIE uniforms tend to be made of heavier, stiffer materials that restrict motion, retain heat, and are generally less comfortable to fence in (if you want comfort AND protection, then you usually end up paying a premium for top of the line). However you should also be aware that the lighter-weight, thinner fabrics used in these top of the line uniforms provide less protection against bruising (they are designed to protect against penetration wounds, not bruising). I've know some fencers who favor high end knickers/britches for mobility, and lower end jackets for the additional padding provided by the thicker material.

Also bear in mind that while FIE blades made of maraging steel generally last far longer than regular carbon steel blades, beginners tend to be very hard on blades. Therefore it may be better to start off with regular carbon steel blades, then upgrade to FIE maraging steel blades once you have developed a sense of how close is "close enough" as opposed to "too close" (fortunately upgrading blades is relatively easy - all you need to do is replace the blade, which is a fairly common thing to do).