Saber
Originally used as a cavalry weapon, you can score a saber touch with either the point or the edge of the blade. Target area includes the entire body from the waist up, excluding hands and the back of the head. As in foil fencing, the rules of right-of-way apply (with subtle differences), and saber fencers must therefore move very quickly yet precisely. A saber fencer wears a long-sleeved lamé that covers the arms and torso from the waist up.
Practice Saber – Cost: $36 to $54
Electric Saber – Cost: $51 to $91
Clothing
Jacket - $52 to $330
You’ll start with a beginner jacket, but if you stick with the sport, you’ll want a uniform that is lightweight, wicks moisture away from your skin, and stretches to allow for greater comfort and mobility. The high-end jackets are lined with the very latest in moisture–wicking fabrics, and feature two-way stretch and a great fit.
Pants - $35 to $230
For your beginner lessons, sweatpants will do just fine, but once you start competing outside your club, you’ll need fencing knickers. Again, the pricier pants feature high-tech fabrics for comfort, moisture wicking, and fit.
Plastron/Chest Protector - $15 to $40
A fabric plastron is an underarm chest protector that you wear beneath your jacket to protect against bruising. Women’s chest protectors are molded from hard plastic and protect the entire chest.
Mask – $45 to $180 (mesh) to $430 (transparent saber)
Masks range from the very affordable beginner’s mask to three-weapon mesh masks featuring stronger mesh and greater comfort. At the very top of the line are transparent masks. In an effort to boost popularity and public interest in the sport, transparent masks were introduced to international competition so viewers could see the fencers’ faces. However, following reports of injury during particularly violent epee bouts, the International Fencing Federation (FIE) has temporarily suspended use of transparent masks in epee. As of January 2008, though, transparent masks are compulsory for international foil competitions.