Free Equipment Use

The Minnesota Sword Club provides free equipment use for new fencers during the first three momths to avoid the need of purchasing. We want new fencers to try the sport with minimal costs. This equipment can also be used when you are an experienced fencer and forget an item at home. It is expected that fencers will start purchasing their own equipment after 2 or 3 months.
 

When to Purchase Your Own Equipment

The Minnesota Sword Club is the only retail outlet for fencing equipment in the Twin Cities area. A full range of the appropriate fencing equipment for your skill level, size and weapon is available at the Sword Club. The coaches will help you know what you need so you get what is correct. We have selected from the various suppliers the equipment that is best for beginning and intermediate fences.

Most fencers purchase fencing equipment one piece at a time to spread the cost. A newer fencer approaching the three month period for rejoining needs to have some of the following equipment:
a fencing glove
a fencers jacket
a mask
an underarm protector
a weapon
for epee, a body cord

This list is roughly in the sequence most newer fencers purchase their equipment. When a fencer is ready, purchasing will seem like the right thing to do. Equipment needed for higher level competition is more extensive, similar to other sports. Pants are required, metalic vests or jackets are needed (except epee), and a second weapon and body cord are necessary.
 
We consider two or three months after starting to fence a time to begin having your own equipment, if you have not already purchased some. All basic equipment should be purchased with in six months from your start date. The Minnesota Sword Club has new equipment in stock that is right for your level of participation or we will order the equipment the coach feels is correct for you. The profits from equipment sales help keep membership fees down and provide a service to you. It also means that incorrectly ordered equipment does not have to be mailed. The coach's knowledge will help you in choosing what equipment is correct.