Fencing kit guide: mask, jacket, plastron, glove, breeches and 350N vs 800N
TUREFF• •0
Fencing is safe largely because of its kit. A blade can break, and the protective clothing exists so that a broken blade does not cause a serious injury. When you start buying your own equipment, the labels can be confusing: CE levels, Newton ratings, FIE homologation. This guide explains what each item does and what the numbers mean. Rules differ between federations and competition levels, so check your national federation's current kit rules, and ask your coach, before you buy.
The pieces of kit
- Mask: a steel mesh face guard with a padded bib that protects the throat. The mesh must be undamaged and firmly attached. Replace a mask with dents, rust or a loose bib.
- Jacket: covers the torso and arms. It closes on the side away from your weapon arm and has a strap that passes between the legs so it cannot ride up.
- Plastron (underarm protector): a half-jacket worn under the main jacket, covering the weapon-arm side and the armpit, where the seams of a jacket are weakest and where a blade could slip. Required in competition and strongly recommended in training.
- Glove: worn on the weapon hand only, with a gauntlet long enough to cover the end of the jacket sleeve so a blade cannot slip inside.
- Breeches: knee-length trousers worn with long socks so no skin shows between them. Beginners usually train in tracksuit bottoms instead.
- Chest protector: a rigid plastic protector, compulsory for women and girls in competition and recommended for them in training. Some men also wear one.
- Electric kit (for competitive bouts): a body wire, a lamé in foil and sabre, and in sabre a conductive mask and cuff.
- Shoes: flat, indoor court shoes are fine to start.
What 350N and 800N mean
The N stands for Newtons, a unit of force. The rating describes how hard a fabric must be pushed by a test blade before it is penetrated. Higher numbers mean more puncture-resistant fabric.
- 350N is the basic level, linked to CEN level 1 under the European standard for fencing protective clothing. It is the usual standard for training and many lower-level competitions.
- 800N is the higher level, linked to CEN level 2. FIE-approved (homologated) clothing for international competition is made to this standard, using stronger materials.
The plastron in particular is often recommended or required at 800N even when the jacket is 350N. British Fencing's safety guidance, for example, lists a 350N jacket with an 800N plastron for general training, and 800N jacket and plastron at official FIE competitions. Other federations have similar but not identical rules.
Mask ratings
Mask ratings refer to the bib, not the mesh. Training masks commonly have a 350N bib, while masks for higher-level competition have a stronger bib, often rated at 1600N. FIE-approved masks also meet stricter standards for the mesh and construction. Check that the CE level and the bib rating on the label match what your competition requires.
What to buy first
- Glove: personal, cheap, and the first thing most people buy for hygiene.
- Mask: a well-fitting mask is more comfortable and safer than a worn club one.
- Jacket and plastron: once you are fencing regularly.
- Weapon and body wire: when you start fencing electric bouts.
- Breeches and socks: for competition.
Many clubs sell outgrown kit second-hand, which is a good way to start, provided it is checked.
Fit and care
- The jacket should allow full arm movement in a lunge without gaping. Try kit on in en garde, not standing straight.
- The mask should be snug and not move when you shake your head.
- Wash fabric kit following the label; most should not be tumble-dried hot.
- Check the mask mesh and bib, jacket seams and glove before each session. Retire anything torn, thin or punctured; a small hole is enough to let a broken blade through.
- Blades should be checked for kinks and cracks, and replaced rather than straightened repeatedly.
Is there a piece of kit you are unsure about, or a fitting tip worth sharing? Post your questions and experiences in the comments below.