Equipment

Northern Colorado Fencers provides all required fencing equipment for training.

New fencers do not need to purchase personal fencing gear to get started. Jackets, masks, gloves, knickers, weapons (practice and electric), plastrons, appropriate chest protectors, body cords/wires, and additional protective training pads are supplied by the club as part of participation in our programs.

Our goal is to remove barriers at entry, ensure safety and consistency, and help families avoid unnecessary or incorrect purchases.

Club-Provided Equipment

For youth and beginner fencers, NCF provides:

  • fencing jacket

  • fencing mask

  • glove

  • knickers

  • fencing weapons (practice and electric)

  • plastron

  • chest protectors/guards

  • body cords/wires

  • additional protective pads used during instruction and drills

Youth and beginner fencers are assigned club gear, which is stored at the club. Equipment is regularly laundered, inspected, and maintained.

Fencers change into their assigned gear before training and return it afterward.

Equipment for Competition (Youth & Beginner Programs)

For youth and beginner fencers who are competing, NCF provides a full competition-ready set of equipment until the athlete has their own.

Competition equipment is issued the week before the event, during the first practice of that week.

For example:

  • If a competition is on Saturday and the athlete trains on Monday, equipment is issued on Monday.

  • If the athlete also trains later in the week, equipment is still issued on Monday.

This allows time for:

  • proper fit

  • equipment checks

  • safe, confident training with competition gear

Families do not need to coordinate this themselves. Coaches handle timing and distribution as part of preparation.

Armouring & Equipment Support

NCF provides armouring support for club-provided equipment and assists with basic armouring needs for personal equipment when appropriate.

This includes:

  • inspection and safety checks

  • minor adjustments or repairs

  • maintenance of body cords and training equipment

  • guidance on when equipment needs attention

Armouring support is part of maintaining a safe, functional training environment. Detailed armouring services are not required for beginners and are introduced gradually as athletes progress.

What Fencers Must Provide

Fencers are expected to arrive in:

  • athletic clothing suitable for movement

  • indoor athletic shoes with good traction

Athletic shoes are required for safety and movement. While we maintain a limited supply of loaner shoes, families are encouraged to provide their own when possible.

No fencing-specific footwear is required at entry.

Personal Equipment

There is no expectation to purchase personal fencing equipment at the beginning.

As fencers progress, coaches may recommend personal equipment based on training level, commitment, and competition goals. When that time comes, coaches work directly with families and adult athletes to:

  • explain what equipment is appropriate

  • recommend suitable options and price ranges

  • help avoid premature or unnecessary purchases

Fencing equipment can be confusing. Coach guidance is part of how we support athletes and families.

Team Gear & Apparel

NCF offers optional team apparel and related gear for training, events, and competition.

Information about team apparel, ordering windows, sizing, and updates is available through the Team Gear & Equipment section of the website.

Team apparel is optional unless otherwise noted for specific events.

Safety Standards

Safety is non-negotiable.

All club-provided equipment meets current safety standards and is inspected regularly. Coaches may remove or replace equipment at any time if safety concerns arise.

Personal equipment, when used, must meet USA Fencing safety requirements and be approved by coaching staff before use in training.

Questions About Equipment

If you have questions about:

  • what to wear

  • competition equipment

  • broken blades

  • armouring support

  • when personal equipment becomes appropriate

please ask a coach. We are happy to help.

In Short

You do not need fencing equipment to start.
You do not need to guess what to buy.
Competition equipment is provided and handled by the club.
We will tell you when anything changes.

That approach keeps training focused, safe, and manageable.