The following list of equipment is provided in order of importance. The required equipment should be acquired first and foremost, after which the competitive gear should be added, followed by the cadet gear if applicable. All other gear afterward is recommended but optional.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

There are no exceptions to the use of the following gear for even the most basic Lightspeed Saber sparring.

FENCING MASK OR EQUIVALENT (SHOP)

The most effective choices for head protection are fencing, kendo, and HEMA masks. These come in a variety of protective levels and weapon specializations. Any weapon specialization is fine, and the lowest protective level-- typically rated for 350N-- is more than adequate. Choose a three-weapon or epee mask for the most economical purchase.

 

LACROSSE GLOVES OR EQUIVALENT (SHOP)

HEMA and kendo gloves are sufficient but can be expensive and a bit overkill. Your most economical choice will be lacrosse gloves, though they occupy a wide range of price and protection levels. Here’s everything you need to check before you buy your gloves:

  • Must be men’s lacrosse gloves (regardless of your gender).

  • Should have a cuff or skirt for protection of the inner wrist. We generally recommend a cuff over a skirt.

  • Should be designed for adults, intermediate level or above

  • For competition, the gloves must weigh at least 100 grams. (A good rule of thumb is the glove retails for at least $70 USD.)

This Nike Vapor 2015 glove has a cuff for inner wrist protection. A good choice for Lightspeed Saber fencing.

This Easton Stealth glove has a padded skirt that ties together to protect the wrist. Discontinued product but great choice if you can find it.

This Warrior Burn glove lacks any wrist protection. It is illegal for competitive use and not recommended for sparring.

This STX Stallion 50 has a wrist skirt and is inexpensive but is geared toward kids and is not padded enough for competitive Lightspeed Saber fencing.

 

RECOMMENDED GLOVES

These gloves, or any pricier variant, should be fine for competition. Note that some of these may no longer be widely available.

  • Nike Vapors (any variant)

  • Warrior Burns (NOT Burn Next)

  • STX K18

  • Easton Stealth (NOT Stealth Core)

NOT RECOMMENDED

(These gloves may not pass safety inspection)

  • Warrior Burn Next

  • STX Stallions

  • Maverik Chargers

 

LIGHTSPEED BLADE (BUY)

A 3/4" OD blade is required by Lightspeed. This blade size is only offered by a few saber manufacturers and suppliers. But you can also buy them from Lightspeed.

Please note that a 1” to 3/4” adapter is required for use. These are also purchasable from Lightspeed, or you can make your own if you have the right tools. Click on the image to go to the armory.

 

COMPETITIVE EQUIPMENT

In addition to the above required gear, elbow guards are required for competition.

You can choose more protection or greater mobility, but you must have some kind of padding or armor protecting the elbow cap.

 

CADET EQUIPMENT

In addition to the above required gear, chest and shoulder protection is required for cadets and youths (15 and under), in and out of competition. Any level of padding or quality is generally acceptable as long as the chest and shoulders are covered. Also a good option for adults wanting a bit more protection, though some brands may create some immobility in the shoulder.