How to choose the right fencing bag

There are fencing bags for all tastes and budgets. Whether you're just getting your first few pieces of gear or have a full kit and several spare weapons, there is always a bag suited to your needs. Read on to learn which factors to consider when choosing a type of fencing bag.

Models

Most fencers start with a small fencing bag. Since they don't have a lot of equipment to start with (or at most a full set), a basic bag is fine. It's when these fencers become serious competitors, and travel more often and with more equipment, that they switch to a bigger, better bag.

Weapon bags can be used in combination with a gym bag or backpack by a fencer who has little fencing equipment, or who does not need to carry their full equipment all the time.

Bags with a single main compartment, either with or without wheels, can hold a full set and up to two weapons, while dual compartment bags can hold up to four sabres/epees or six foils in addition to a full set.

With or without wheels

In general, a larger bag will be heavier, especially when full. For this reason, some models are equipped with wheels. If you have a minimal equipment, a rollbag is usually nice until you have to lift it to get it in the car or to climb stairs. This can be especially difficult for younger fencers. A bag without wheels also has the advantage of being much less expensive.

Rollbags also vary both in design and location of their wheels. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride and make it easier to roll on different surfaces, especially outdoors. Recessed wheels are less likely to be a problem on luggage conveyors, but wheels that extend beyond the width of the bag provide better stability, do not accumulate snow or debris, and are easy to replace if ever they are damaged.

Materials

All fencing bags are made of fabric that resists tearing. Usually, a vibrant color is a testament to the quality of the fabric. Some bags have a liner and others are even reinforced at common wear points. Basic bags are designed for light use (regular training and local tournaments), while the higher-end bags are designed to stand the test of time even with more intensive use.

Among the aspects to consider when buying a fencing bag is the quality of its hardware. This means fasteners, clips for straps, etc. The majority are plastic (albeit of varying grades), but some manufacturers use metal parts. The quality of the zippers also varies between models and brands.

Rollbags all have a rigid "structure". Some bags have a plastic bottom, some use thin plywood, and others have a metal frame. Bags that have less of a strong structure have the advantage of being lighter. However, this is to the detriment of durabilty, especially if they are mistreated during transport.

All rollbags have reinforcements on the outside, under the bag. In the case of bags with a plastic or wooden bottom, these reinforcements add to the rigidity of the bag, while for bags with a metal frame, they often only serve to prevent damage to the underside of the bag.

When purchasing a fencing bag for travel, it's important to consider the quality of the fabric and stitching. Premium rollbags are designed to withstand almost extreme wear and tear: they are made of a heavyweight, highly tear-resistant fabric and have reinforced seams. Their cheaper equivalents are aimed at fencers who compete locally; they are not likely to survive an airplane ride without damage.

Dimensions

It goes without saying that the size of the bag will be a decisive element in your choice. Your bag should accommodate all your equipment and allow you to organize it to your liking. Among the things to consider, it is necessary to ensure that the bag:

• Has enough compartments and subdivisions for you to organize your gear.
• Is large enough to accommodate the equipment you plan to purchase soon.
• Has enough exterior pockets for your bottles, snacks, papers, etc.
• Is not too big to carry (eg. in the case of a child).

Usage

Your choice of bag will also be influenced by how you intend to use it. Depending on your situation, one model may be better suited. For example:

• A large bag is inconvenient on the bus or in the subway.
• A wheeled bag is appreciated by those who walk long distances to their club.
• A good quality bag is strongly recommended for fencers traveling by plane or passenger bus.
• A light bag is often a good solution for a young fencer, or for those who have to commute in the snow during winter.
• A weapon bag is useful during tournaments to carry your spare weapons.

These scenarios are only examples. Consider the pros and cons of different bag designs depending on your situation.

Features and innovations

Each bag has its own features, some of which can even be considered essential. Some interesting features bags can offer include:

• Internal dividers to properly organize your equipment.
• Internal pockets or nets to keep small items like socks, snacks or spare parts.
• Exterior access to facilitate the weapon check process at tournaments.
• Insulated pockets for water bottles.

Some rollbags are also designed to stand upright. This is very practical in queues (for example, during weapon check, or at the airport), in addition to taking up less space at the club.

Each bag hides its own little surprises, which you can discover by reading the description on their product page. Visit the Bags section to search for your next fencing bag.

Pro tips

At Imex Sport, fencing is our passion. Here are some ideas we have come accross over the years, that will allow you to enjoy your bag to the fullest:

Pro tip #1:

If you carry your shoes in your fencing bag, keep them in a shoe bag. Whether fabric or something else, this shoe bag will keep you from getting your fencing outfit dirty or filling your mask with dust.

Pro tip #2:

If you have a basic soft bag, get a solid sheath for each of your weapons. This will increase the lifespan of your blades, since the sheaths will prevent your blades from bending when using the shoulder strap to carry your bag.

Pro tip #3:

If your bag is a single-compartment model, or if your weapons are in the same compartment as the rest of your fencing gear, get a sheath (soft or solid) for each weapon. This will help prevent rust on your blades and keep your outfit from getting dirty, especially when your outfit gets wet from practice or a tournament.

Pro tip #4:

If you have a big rollbag, always lift it when going up or down the stairs. This will prevent damage to the structure and the underside of the bag, and will greatly improve its lifespan.

Pro tip #5:

If you plan to travel with your fencing bag (airplane or passenger bus), read the article Planes and fencing bags, how it works. In this article, you will find lots of advice on how to limit damage to your equipment, how to avoid disaster if your bag does not arrive at your destination and everything else you need to plan before departure.