Question about fencing (sport)

[Jaepheth]

Are there plastic foils that can be safely used so that you only need face/eye protection and not the jacket, glove, etc?

 

[Fern]

I don't fence, but I can google: https://www.google.com/search?q=fen...fficial&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp

Fern

 

[Jaepheth]

Yes, I found that plastic foils exist. But my question is do you still need full protective gear when using one? Or is there any type in general that does not require full gear?

 

[gorobei]

omg i would have killed for something like this when i was a kid
plastic foil w/buzzer tip
http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/1279/cPath/

 

[Fern]

Yes, I found that plastic foils exist. But my question is do you still need full protective gear when using one? Or is there any type in general that does not require full gear?

http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/1157/cPath/109

Plastic Training Set is great for all ages!

This set includes the Plastic Training Weapon and Mask. The plastic weapons provide a great alternative to metal weapons as you need far less protective equipment and you still get the feel of real fencing.

Looks like full protective gear not necessary.

Another thought is to contact that company and inquire.

Fern

 

[BladeVenom]

Scars are cool.

 

[MongGrel]

Plastic would still poke your eye out I'm sure.

 

[quikah]

You can still poke an eye out and i would be pretty interested to know what they look like broken. Most of the protective equipment is to protect you from a broken blade. Even plastic can be pretty sharp if it breaks in a certain way.

I am guessing these are not very stiff. Would probably make some wicked welts when used improperly.

 

[Shadowknight]

Gods, man, AT LEAST get a mask. Accidents can happen, and you COULD get your eye stabbed out. Getting a starter kit is only a little over $100 (mask, cheap jacket, metal foil), it's not that expensive to get entry level equipment.

 

[DigDog]

Yes, I found that plastic foils exist. But my question is do you still need full protective gear when using one? Or is there any type in general that does not require full gear?

strictly speaking, you would not need it. the plastic foil cannot hurt you unless the tip snaps off (not likely), and even then it would be hard to get hurt by it.

the point however is, why are you asking this, why are you in need of a fencing foil if you're not at a fencing academy and if you are, what kind of an academy doesn't have its students in uniform.

 

[mikeford]

Maybe he is in "fencing club" but the rules say he can't talk about it?

Two good fencers might be ok with less or no gear, but people learning, no.

 

[quikah]

Maybe he is in "fencing club" but the rules say he can't talk about it?

Two good fencers might be ok with less or no gear, but people learning, no.

Maybe if you are an idiot. The only time you would fence without full gear is if you are practicing a specific move, even then you wear the mask.

 

[DigDog]

beginner's foils are not metal, they are plastic. they don't have the mechanical tip and are not dangerous. as far as thrusting at someone with a think object made of plastic.

*if* the tip breaks, *if* you hit someone with a broken tip, *if* you get them in the throat, only then you could get injured.

still, it's stupid to not get the jacket, because fencing without it would hurt you.

fyi i fenced @ Academia Musumeci Greco http://www.accademiagreco.it/
so i kinda know what i'm talking bout.

its still kinda weird that someone *not* in a fencing school would want to fence, because no school would ever let you on the floor without full uniform.
It's not a matter of safety, its a matter of tradition.


although i gotta say - i like mikeford's answer. he is in a FencingClub, and the first rule of FencingClub is: you don't talk about FencingClub.

in which case i suggest something better than a foil:
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/product275.html