How to find the right fencing mask

All masks may look the same, but each model is fairly different. There are therefore several aspects to consider when purchasing a fencing mask. This article will help you choose between the various available options and select the best mask for your needs.

Types of masks

In fencing, there is a mask specific to each weapon. The epee mask, also called a practice mask, has no conductive fabric on its surface and its mesh is electrically insulated. The mesh of the foil mask is also insulated, while having a bib partially covered with conductive fabric. As for the sabre mask, its entire surface is conductive.

If you are an epee fencer, the choice is quite simple. Foil and sabre masks are required for tournaments and for "electric" matches, that is to say when fencing with a scoring machine, since their conductive surface is used to delimit the valid target. If your club does not use scoring machines, or if you do not plan to participate in tournaments, an epee mask will be suitable even for foil and sabre fencers.

Materials

As mentioned in the article Metallic jackets: Which fabric to choose?, conductive materials in masks deteriorate over time and with wear and tear. If you want to purchase a sabre or foil mask, you can adopt one of the following strategies depending on your situation:

• Have a high-end mask that will be more durable.
• Have two masks: an epee mask for training, and a foil/sabre mask for tournaments.
• Rotate masks: use for training a mask that is no longer accepted in tournaments and keep a new mask only for tournaments.

Sizes

For masks, each manufacturer has their own size charts. This has the advantage of allowing you to find the exact right size by comparing the dimensions of different mask models. For example, Absolute's Small is bigger than BG's Small and smaller than BG's Medium. This "half size" might be just what you need.

Depending on the manufacturer, mask sizes can be expressed in letters (S, M, L, ...) or in numbers (0, 1, 2, ...). These are somewhat equivalent. However, not all manufacturers offer X-Small or X-Large masks. Use the size chart specific to each mask to see which ones suit you (refer to the Masks section or to our full size chart).

Durability

When the time has come to buy a mask for a young fencer, the fact that they are growing will not really influence the size of the mask. Our experience has been that the vast majority of fencers will only change their mask size once between the ages of 8 and 18. For example, those who wear an X-Small mask at age 8 will use a Small mask when they are fully grown. 8 year olds who wear Small masks will switch to Medium by age 18, and so on. In over 15 years of business, we have seen only two fencers go from Small to Medium to Large.

Because of this, young fencers must think somewhat long-term when buying their mask. Comfort and durability therefore become very important points to consider.

Depending on its intended use, it is not always necessary to go for a high-end mask. For example, for a young fencer who trains a few hours a week and participates in the occasional tournament, a basic mask can easily last a few years if it is properly maintained (see the article Maintenance of fencing masks to learn more). On the other hand, for a high level fencer, or for an adult, a high-end mask will generally give you the best performance and comfort.

Face shape

OutreBesides the size of the mask, which is measured by the circumference of the face, the shape of the face will have an impact on the fit of the mask and therefore, the comfort it will provide. Since face shapes vary, it is natural that mask shapes also vary. See the differences between the masks from the various manufacturers in the following image:

While most masks fit most face shapes, masks like PBT are best suited for round faces, while masks like Negrini or Prieur are best suited for longer faces.

Naturally, the padding inside the mask provides some tolerance for the shape of the face. It is also possible to modify the shape of the mask slightly, either by "crushing" it from top to bottom to make it rounder, or on the sides to make it narrower. You should know however that it is particularly difficult to modify the shape of high-end masks, even slightly, since their mesh is very rigid. See the article Tips for a perfect mask adjustment for more information on how to adjust a mask without damaging it.

Features and innovations

Some masks offer some "hidden" benefits. Among these, we can find:

• A washable liner that can be removed from the mask
• Removable and / or adjustable padding
• A bib that can be entirely replaced
• A removable foil bib, either to replace it or to allow for use in epee
• Moisture-wicking padding, much like a sports shirt
• Mesh of a color other than black (white, blue, red, etc.). Some masks even feature the Canadian flag!

The product page specific to each mask will showcase all these attributes. See the Masks section for more information.

Certification

To understand how fencing masks are certified and to determine if it is advantageous for you to purchase an FIE mask, refer to the article What does FIE mean?. FIE masks are not mandatory for provincial or national tournaments in Canada. On the other hand, they have the advantage of being much more durable. Refer to our Rules for Equipment to learn more about the requirements of different tournaments.

Conclusion

A mask is probably the most important equipment purchase you will make. Not only is it the most important safety item, it is also the piece of equipment that you will own and wear the longest. See what other fencers around you are wearing, ask them what they like and dislike about their mask. If you are unsure of which mask to choose, come try different masks at our shop (by appointment) or visit our kiosk during a tournament (calendar).

Remember to take good care of your mask, and to adjust it properly to get the most out of it.