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 | The F.I.E.. has set forth rules which regulate the amount of pressure required by a fencer to successfully depress the point of their weapon and register a touch in both foil and epee. In foil 500 grams* of pressure or greater are required to register a touch. In epee 750 grams* of pressure or greater are required to register a touch. This ensures that all fencer's weapons are equal and that your spring has not weakened on its' own or that someone has weakened their spring intentionally to allow easier touches.
The referee will test your weapon prior to any fencing bout. It is your responsibility to test your weapon between bouts and to make any necessary adjustments. Many conditions can cause the spring to change** so continued testing during a tournament by the fencer is a must.
Hook your weapon up to a test box or scoring machine. Place a 500g or 750g weight, depending on your weapon type, on your point. Press the weight down slightly so that you weapon registers a touch. The light should illuminate on the box. Now let go of the weight. Your spring should be strong enough to return your point to its original position pushing the weight back up. The light on the box should no longer be illuminated. If the light is still on your spring is too weak and you have failed the weight test.
If your weapon failed it will be necessary to remove the tip and replace the spring.*** Remove both tip screws (remove tip tape from barrel if fencing foil) and then release the tip. Be sure not to loose the screws or allow the tip to fly across the room when released. Take out the old pressure spring and replace with a new pressure spring. Reinsert the tip and tighten the screws. Replace the tip tape if fencing foil. Repeat the test.
That's it now you can pass the test.
* Did you know that the 500 or 750 grams is roughly the equivalent of the weight of your weapon. The theory is that if you stood the weapon up straight on its point it should be able to hold up the weight of the weapon.
** There are many conditions which can cause the spring to move or change shape. Here are just a few: hard hit to the floor, hard hit to an opponent, change is pressure by transport in an airplane cargo hold or change in temperature by transport in an airplane cargo hold or trunk of car.
*** If you do not have a replacement spring available and are in a pinch you can stretch your existing spring. Once you have removed the spring hold it in your fingers and then stretch it out. Stretch it enough so that you can see the spring get longer. Put the spring back in. A new spring is always preferable as it is closest to the required pressure. A stretched spring could require several 100 additional grams of force.
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