Épée Clothing Certification Levels
Épée protective clothing is categorized into three certification tiers: club level (uncertified), Level One (350 Newton), suitable for domestic tournaments, and Level Two (800 Newton/FIE), the highest safety rating. Clothing includes jackets, pants, and plastrons, with four price-tier options ranging from distributor-level polyester-cotton blends to premium lines featuring Dyneema, a lightweight puncture-resistant material. Higher-end clothing offers improved breathability and packability but may transmit impact force more directly to the body. Fit varies significantly between brands, making in-person trials essential, particularly when wearing all protective layers simultaneously.
Masks and Protective Headgear
Épée masks come in two certification levels: Level One (350 Newton) and Level Two (1600 Newton/FIE), with price varying based on features and certification status. Many masks feature removable components for washing or replacement, and some include adjustable padding to accommodate facial growth. Like all equipment, mask shapes and materials differ between manufacturers, requiring proper fitting trials. Minor mesh adjustments can be made to achieve correct head positioning without compromising safety standards.
Gloves and Hand Protection
Fencing gloves vary significantly in material composition and cut between manufacturers, necessitating hands-on fitting with the épée and body cord to ensure compatibility. Practitioners should acquire multiple gloves—one for tournaments, one for regular practice, and one as backup—to establish tournament-grade rotation. When a tournament glove becomes non-compliant with regulations, the backup glove can be promoted to tournament use, extending overall equipment lifecycle.
Chest Protectors
Chest protectors are mandatory safety equipment for female fencers and recommended for male beginners or those wearing lightweight clothing. Proper fitting should be verified during equipment selection to ensure adequate protective coverage and comfort.
Épée Blade Manufacturers and Quality Tiers
Four primary manufacturers produce épée blades: BF, UNIC (formerly FOLO), STM, and Leon Paul. Price correlates with durability and FIE certification status, with higher-end blades exhibiting superior stiffness retention and minimal permanent deformation after scoring. Premium blades offer variable stiffness ratings (M for medium, D for hard) to accommodate different fencing styles. Blade sizing ranges from size zero for fencers under 11 years old to size five for standard adult competition.
Épée Tip Types and Configuration
Three primary tip designs are available: German (most prevalent in North America), French, and Italian/Shermasport. Converting between tip types requires rewiring the blade and replacing the barrel assembly. A precision flathead magnetic screwdriver is recommended to minimize frustration during tip screw changes. Screwless tip designs exist but lack widespread user feedback regarding reliability.
Bells, Body Cords, and Connectors
Épée bells vary by material and manufacturer design, with price not always correlating to durability; lightweight materials may dent more readily than heavier alternatives. Two primary body cord designs exist: the All-Star design and the Leon Paul design, differing in sizing and shape. Connectors follow the same bifurcation: Leon Paul connectors feature circular blade-tang positioning allowing flexible guard placement, while All-Star connectors use square tang positioning allowing four fixed interior guard positions. Leon Paul connectors work optimally with Leon Paul body cords, while All-Star connectors are compatible with both All-Star and Leon Paul configurations.
Beginner's Guide to Epee Gear
Key Takeaways
- •Épée Clothing Certification Levels
- •Masks and Protective Headgear
- •Gloves and Hand Protection
- •Chest Protectors
0:00 Intro 0:23 Fencing Clothing Brands 0:35 Local Distributors 0:51 Different Levels of Clothing Certification 3:47 Masks 4:29 Gloves 5:27 Chest Protectors 5:54 Epee blades 7:50 Epee Points/Tips 9:04 Bells/Guards 9:25 Body Wires 9:49 Sockets/Connectors 12:44 Grips/Handles and pommels 15:06 Shoes 15:33 Bags 17:39 Final Thoughts
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about epee?
This video covers épée clothing certification levels, masks and protective headgear, gloves and hand protection. It provides detailed instruction from An Epee Fencer's Journal.
How long does it take to learn epee?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing epee?
Three primary tip designs are available: German (most prevalent in North America), French, and Italian/Shermasport. Converting between tip types requires rewiring the blade and replacing the barrel assembly. A precision flathead magnetic screwdriver is recommended to minimize frustration during tip screw changes. Screwless tip designs exist but lack widespread user feedback regarding reliability.
