Equipment

Fencers in CBA’s Fencing Classes must either purchase their own equipment or rent equipment from CBA before they begin classes. Due to increasing enrollment classes are too full for coaches to take class time to assist students with loaner gear during class periods. Care of gear has become an issue.

Purchasing gear: If you choose to purchase your own equipment, CBA coaches will either sell you equipment we have in stock and/or help you place an order from Absolute Fencing if we do not have your sizes in stock. You may also choose to order from Absolute on your own.

Renting gear: The rental charge is $50/month for uniforms + $20/month for class weapon use. This will be billed to your payment card on file. You will be assigned gear for your individual use and you will be responsible for keeping it clean or letting coaches know repairs are needed.

If you need help with gear, please notify the coaches so that they can arrange to meet you before or after class time to help with this. Likewise, equipment that stops working during class must be dealt with before or after class.

Here is what you will need:

● Mask: To protect your head and neck. Masks are weapon-specific.

● Jacket: To protect your upper body. Jackets are hand-specific.

● Plastron/Underarm Protector: To protect your underarm.

● Chest plate: For extra protection to your chest.

● Glove: To protect your fencing hand.

● Knickers: To protect your legs and abdomen. Knickers are also hand-specific.

● Long Socks: To protect your calves. Socks and knickers must overlap.

(You must provide your own socks.)

● Epee: You need two electric (not practice) weapons for competition -

Y10: size 2 blades
Y12 (Senior and older): size 5 blades.
Beginners should purchase complete wired weapons from either the club or a reputable fencing vendor.

● Body cords: two are needed for competition. These break frequently so it’s better just to buy two.

Recommended: you will need spare screws, contact, and pressure springs, and a screwdriver to do regular repair and maintenance on your blades.

Vendors sell small repair kits, and the coaches are happy to teach you how to do basic repairs before class time.

There are also several people in the MN division that will repair weapons and body cords at fair rates.

YouTube is also a great resource for blade maintenance.

Fencers must purchase their own weapons and spares for competition unless prearranged with coaches. Rental gear may not be used for competition.

All equipment must be kept clean and in good repair. Fencers that destroy rental gear above and beyond normal wear and tear will not get replacement gear and will be asked to purchase their own gear. Notify staff if rental gear needs maintenance so that we can fix it before it breaks.

As of October 23, 2025 - Fencers that do not bring all their safety gear, including long socks, will not be able to participate in drills or bouting.

Coaches will provide additional footwork or static drills for these fencers, or these fencers may step out of class to do homework.