[Back to Top] Selecting a Grip Choosing a grip that fits According to the rules, the fencer's thumb should be no further back from the guard than 2cm (3/4"). The thumb should be just touching the guard when relaxed, not stretching forward. The most popular grips for competitors are the Visconti and the Belgian types, including the SchermaSport. A pistol grip should not fill the entire hand; space should be left between the palm and grip itself, big enough for a finger to fit, or a roll of coins. The most common grip for beginners is still the French grip, and it is often used for the first 6 months to 1 year to develop hand strength and dexterity. General guidelines for grip sizing: Glove size: 6 or 7 = Visconti extra-small, SchermaSport small Glove size 7 or 8 = Visconti small, Belgian Standard, SchermaSport medium Glove size 8 or 9 = Visconti small, Belgian Standard Glove size 9 or 10 = Visconti medium, Belgian Modern, SchermaSport medium, German, Rambeau Glove size 10 or 11 = Visconti large, Russian, Belgian Large, SchermaSport large Please note that most top competitors use grips that are smaller than the suggested above to keep the grip more in their fingers for better control; these people already know their grip size and have very strong trained hands. The above guidelines are intended for the novice buying their first pistol grip. 
[Back to Top] | 
