Reddit mentions: The best fencing protective gear

I can only speak to what I own or have tried out, so here goes:

• Head - Absolute Force, I own this one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HKTR06 which is rated to 350N, however it lacks the official certification. Eventually I'd like to own a higher rated mask, specifically the Uhlman/Allstar 1600N rated helmet: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UF77D6. You also need coverage for the sides and back of the head, so get one of these: http://www.woodenswords.com/Absolute_Mask_Cover_p/ab-cover.htm Another option is the AF HEMA helmet, which combines the helmet and side/back cover, note that you can't remove the side/back cover with this option: http://www.woodenswords.com/HEMA_Fencing_Mask_p/af-mask.htm
  
  
• Neck - I own the Winter Tree Crafts Brigandine Gorget: http://wintertreecrafts.com/catalogues/neckandtorso.html I highly recommend it. It covers the neck and shoulders with steel plates, it fits well and is comfortable. As an added bonus, it looks somewhat period, and could be used for re-enacting. Some guys in our class have the regular WTC Gorget, the one above the Brigandine on that site, but you'll notice it doesn't have shoulder protection, so I don't like it as much.
  
  
• Hands/Forearms - I own two pairs of gloves, the Fechtschule 3-Fingered: http://www.sparringglove.com/offer.php and the Arcensis Goliath: http://www.corsairs-wares.com/martial-arts/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1925. The Fechtschule are amazing for protection, but are a little stiff. I just got the Arcensis so I'm still testing, but so far I love the 5-finger movement, but it lacks forearm protection, so I'm looking at this forearm/elbow protector: http://www.thehemashop.com/index.php/protection/arm-protection/forearm-elbow/forearm-elbow-protector.html By the way, even if your hands and forearms are covered, you will want elbow protection.
  
  
• Jacket - I don't currently own a jacket, everyone says the Axel Pettersson is the way to go though, so I'm probably picking one up: http://www.thehemashop.com/index.php/protection/torso-protection/fencing-jackets/axel-pettersson-fencing-jacket.html
  
  
• Legs - Shin and knee protection is also recommended, but right now I'm looking at jackets and elbows/forearms so I haven't done much looking into this.
  
  
• Feet - Just an afterthought, when I started doing HEMA I was using sneakers. Was looking to replace a pair of shoes I had and found these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKQ2DOK , I like them think they work quite well for HEMA practice and sparring. There are lots of other fencing shoe makers out there though.

These are super cheap and have worked fine for me. Just launder them a few times to remove the weird smell.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYO7TE2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Skiers encounter this problem even more than cyclists, since skiing can be anaerobic at its most intense. Many skiers use neoprene half-face masks with their helmets. The neoprene is lined for comfort and has slits for breathing. As you warm up the lining and neoprene, it takes the edge off the cold air when you inhale. Here's a cheap example: https://www.amazon.com/Mask-Neck-Warmer-Outdoor-Sports/dp/B00KYO7TE2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4M50W9E9S2QA5RX0MV3E (I am NOT recommending that model, I just thought the picture was useful).

Another alternative for very cold riding is a simple fleece balaclava that you can usually wear under your helmet. Like the neoprene, the fleece warms the air slightly as you inhale. Here's an example: https://www.backcountry.com/icebreaker-oasis-balaclava?skid=ICE00GS-BK-ONESIZ&ti=UExQIENhdDpCYWxhY2xhdmFzIDoxOjE3OmJjc0NhdDEzMTExMDA1Mw== (again, just a photo example and I'm not recommending a particular brand).

Any time you put something over your mouth in cold weather and then breathe through it, it's going to get damp and maybe a little gross. The only reason I ever wear a balaclava is to protect my face from frostbite in very cold conditions (skiing more than cycling), not to warm my breath. Over time, cold-weather athletes usually learn to manage their breathing through trial and error to inhale in a fashion that doesn't make them cough from the icy cold air. To some extent, that's the primary solution: experiment with inhaling through your nose, or shape your mouth so that the air has to pass through a narrower channel and is warmed up as it comes in.

Last thought: If none of these solutions work for you, you might consider seeing a physician with expertise in sports performance. For most athletes, this is an annoyance and not a big enough problem to warrant much attention. It could be a sign you have some underlying physiology issue making it more difficult for you.

Probably means magic chain mail, like a medieval knight would wear. Like this

[the training mask is pretty awesome] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E5FQQYA/ref=wl_it_dp_v_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=HB6EOXFK5VK7&coliid=I1L32DQNV835G2&psc=1)

I'm just asking a question and not trying to offend you. Are you sure it was a Bane mask and not a high altitude mask? Here is the one mocked to look like a Bane mask.

Armor shaped to fit the contours of the breast is not some fictional concept. Armor made to accentuate the contours of the breast is pretty much fictional, but OP's seems much closer to the former.

You might want to check into fencing chest guards. They're light, fit under clothing, and are rated against things that hit much harder than BBs.

https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Plastic-Fencing-Chest-Protector/dp/B002UFD0YG?keywords=fencing+chest+guard&qid=1537984007&sr=8-13&ref=sr_1_13

Might I recommend this?

Also, ouch!

3 weapon fencing masks have a neck apron and a very large field of vision. They are also much lighter than WEKAF type escrima helmets.

There's little reason to buy used masks, especially ones with dents in them already.

For $49 you can get a Standard Epee fencing mask from Absolute Fencing via Amazon, link. Based on comments many customers use them for HEMA; I'm assuming drilling and light sparring. I own one and I wouldn't trust it for any moderate force sparring using metal weapons since the material isn't puncture rated, but it's fine for synthetics where that is a non-issue. SPES Unity fits on it no problem. A lot of people use Absolute Force Coach Masks though which cost abit more, though Absolute Fencing has a Coach Mask that is a tad cheaper.

For competitive sparring you should get a highly rated mask from one of the HEMA suppliers like this one.

Having a cheap, beater mask for drills and light fencing will make your nice mask live longer, too.

Female fencers do have "boob armor"-style chest protectors (e.g., this product), but you wear it underneath all your other gear. Generally, the order of operations is

bra (if you need extra support) -> thin shirt -> chest protector -> underarm protector -> padded jacket -> lamé (metal jacket for electric fencing)

Trying to fit a chest protector between the padded jacket and the lamé, where most fantasy boob armor would be, would just painfully squeeze the padding around your boobs, assuming you got the padding to conform to the chest protector at all.

/u/Wannabecossack might have a point about ceremonial armor though. Once it's not meant for the battlefield, anything goes.