What to Look For

This quick guide will help you catch these issues before your first competition, so you’re not scrambling to fix equipment at the last minute or buying replacements you could have maintained over the offseason. Think of it as a “gear check-up” to keep your fencing smooth and stress-free from day one.

Weapons & Electricals

Item	What to Check	Notes or Tips
Tip & Spring	Tap tip to check bounce; spring not stuck	Replace spring if weak or bent
Barrel	Check springs and connection	Remove the tip screws and clean out the barrel
Blade	Inspect for rust, kinks, bent tang	Lightly oil if rust present
Socket & Body Cord Plugs	Check prongs for corrosion; clean pins with pencil eraser/brush	Test wiggling to detect intermittent contact
Continuity	Test tip-to-socket and ground-to-socket with multimeter	Press tip slowly and rapidly, flex blade, check for consistent beep
Spare Tip Parts	Extra spring, screws, tip point	Always have on hand in bag

Protective Gear & Clothing

Item	What to Check	Notes / Tips
Mask	Mesh intact; padding dry; strap elasticity	Clean padding; replace if straps weak
Jacket / Plastron / Lame	Seams intact; lame conductivity working; zippers functioning	Wash if dirty or stiff from offseason
Knickers	Waist and leg elastic integrity	Stretch test; replace if slack or brittle
Undergarments	Moisture-wicking and fit	Replace if worn or stretched

Shoes & Glove

Item	What to Check	Notes / Tips
Shoes	Sole wear, grip, lace integrity	Break in if unused all offseason
Glove	Fabric wear or holes	Replace if any holes; check thumb seam

Spares & Maintenance Kit

Item	What to Check	Notes / Tips
Spare Parts	Extra screws, springs, tip points	Always pre-packed
Tools	Screwdriver, pliers, small brush	Keep in bag for quick adjustments
Tape	Electrical and medical tape	Useful for last-minute fixes
Cleaning Supplies	Cloth, contact cleaner, pencil eraser/wire brush	Clean prongs, pins, and blade metal parts

This list is always expanding. Check back often.