Fencing clothing and masks are designed to protect fencers from injury. There are specific safety regulations for different age groups. These rules specify the equipment required for each age category and the safety standards that apply. The unit of measurement used is Newton (N), which describes how resistant the equipment is to external force. As a general rule, for very young fencers, equipment rated at 350N (or with no rating) is sufficient, but around the age of 13, the safety requirements start to become stricter. Read more about this under Equipment Requirements below.

In addition to these rules, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) also evaluates the quality of fencing equipment. If the equipment meets FIEs quality standards, it can be labeled with "FIE." This label is required for most competitions.

Note! At the bottom of this page, you’ll find information on how to purchase equipment, so be sure to check there!

FF Ça Va provides equipment for loan during the first term. After that, it’s time to start purchasing your own. Its a good idea to begin with pants, as these are not included in the clubs loaned clothing, as well as a weapon. After that, its suitable to acquire a mask and glove. Before your first competition outside the club, your equipment must be complete, including two weapons and two body cords.

• Term 1: You can borrow equipment.
• Term 2: Own weapons and preferably fencing pants.
• Term 3: Plastron, mask, and glove.
• First competition: Complete equipment, including two weapons and two body cords.

Masks are available in various Newton ratings, ranging from 800N to 1600N. For seniors, veterans, juniors, cadets, and youths in the U15 category, the mask must have an FIE rating with 1600N. Additionally, the mask must be equipped with the new double Velcro strap for competitions. For the younger youth categories, there are no specific Newton rating requirements, and the mask does not need to be FIE-rated, but an additional safety strap at the back is necessary for competitions. There are no strict requirements for masks during training, but it is important to be aware of the risks and ensure that the mask fits securely.

A plastron, or under-vest, is mandatory for all age groups during competitions. The same rules should be followed during training, and FF Ça Va strongly recommends getting a plastron at the same time as purchasing a fencing jacket. For seniors, veterans, juniors, and cadets, the plastron must be FIE-rated at 800N. For youths in the U13 category, either the plastron or the jacket must be FIE-rated at 800N. This requirement applies to competitions. FF Ça Va suggests investing in an 800N plastron, as it can be bought in a slightly larger size and used as fencers move up into higher age categories.

A fencing jacket, also known as a fencing vest, is used in the sport of fencing. For children who are only training, a simpler jacket rated at 350N is sufficient. However, for seniors, veterans, juniors, and cadets, an FIE-certified jacket with an 800N rating is required for competitions. For youths in the U13 and U18 categories, either the plastron or the jacket must be FIE-certified at 800N for competitions.

During training in the fencing hall, regular tracksuit pants can suffice, but we recommend using proper fencing pants. For seniors, veterans, juniors, and cadets, the pants must be FIE-certified with an 800N rating for competitions. However, for the U15 category, there is no requirement for the pants to be FIE-certified in competitions.

It is important that even younger girls protect themselves, as there can occasionally be hard hits during training and competition. Chest protectors are mandatory for girls starting from the U15 category. Flat versions of chest protectors are also available for boys.

Younger Minors (U11)

• Mask: No FIE requirement
• Jacket: No FIE requirement
• Plastron: No FIE requirement
• Pants: No FIE requirement
• Glove: Standard
• Chest protector (girls): Not required
• Groin protector: Not required
• Blade length: 0

Older Minors (U13)

• Mask: No FIE requirement
• Jacket: Either the jacket or plastron must be FIE 800N
• Plastron: Either the jacket or plastron must be FIE 800N
• Pants: No FIE requirement
• Glove: Standard
• Chest protector (girls): Not required
• Groin protector: Not required
• Blade length: 2

Youth (U15)

• Mask: FIE 1600N
• Jacket: Either the jacket or plastron must be FIE 800N
• Plastron: Either the jacket or plastron must be FIE 800N
• Pants: No FIE requirement
• Glove: Standard
• Chest protector (girls): Required
• Groin protector: Not required
• Blade length: 5

Cadet (U17), Junior (U20), Senior (20-39), and Veteran

• Mask: 1600N FIE
• Jacket: 800N FIE
• Plastron: 800N FIE
• Pants: 800N FIE
• Glove: FIE
• Chest protector (girls): Required
• Groin protector: Not required
• Blade length: 5

Fencing Shop and Other Ways to Purchase Fencing Equipment FF Ça Va organizes an equipment day each term at the club, where a fencing equipment supplier brings their shop. This is also an opportunity to buy and sell used equipment. In Sweden, there are a few companies that sell fencing gear. FF Ça Va collaborates with En Garde.

You can also buy directly from major manufacturers like Allstar and PBT.