Best Fencing Masks for 2026
⚔️For beginner practice in sport fencing, a CE-certified 350-newton mask like the LEONARK 350NW is the standard starting point; for historical European martial arts (HEMA), a dedicated HEMA mask such as the Red Dragon Armoury AR7005 plus a back-of-head protector suits drills and light sparring.
How we chose. ShopSavvy doesn't fence or test protective gear. ShopSavvy tracks prices for only a few fencing masks, so this page covers two, picked from the makers' published specifications, Amazon owner ratings recorded by ShopSavvy, and our price records (6 observations from 2 retailers between September 2024 and September 2026). Your club's armorer or coach is the best check on fit and on what your club requires.
What the ratings mean. Fencing masks and clothing are rated by the force the material resists, in newtons. 350N is the entry level (CE level 1) used for club practice and many national events; 800N is CE level 2; FIE-certified masks meet a stricter standard, including a 1600N mesh, and are required at international competitions. Masks are also made per weapon: an épée mask suits beginners in any weapon at most clubs, while foil and sabre competition needs a mask with a conductive bib. Fit matters as much as rating: measure around your head and face and use the maker's size chart, since a loose mask can shift on a hit.
At a glance (prices ShopSavvy recorded):
- Overall, for beginner practice: LEONARK 350NW épée mask, $76.99 at Amazon (September 2026)
- For HEMA: Red Dragon Armoury AR7005, $113.33 at Amazon (October 2024)
🥇Overall Best for Beginner Practice: LEONARK 350NW Fencing Epee Mask
The LEONARK 350NW is a CE-certified, 350-newton épée mask with black mesh, head padding, a strap and a detachable inner lining you can wash. A 350N épée mask is what most clubs ask beginners to buy, since it covers practice in any weapon until you start competing in foil or sabre.
It is not rated for FIE international events, which require 1600N, and it comes in several sizes, so measure before ordering.
Amazon owners rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 29 ratings recorded by ShopSavvy. The most recent price we recorded was $76.99 at Amazon on September 23, 2026, for the X-Large; the Small was $78.99 in October 2024.
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🥈Best for HEMA: RED DRAGON Armoury Hema Fencing Mask Large
The Red Dragon Armoury AR7005 is Red Dragon's own HEMA coaching mask, with black mesh, a 350-newton bib and a removable, washable red liner. The large measures 30 3/4 inches around the mask and fits faces 26 to 27 1/4 inches around, per the maker.
HEMA uses heavier steel and synthetic swords than sport fencing, and the back of the head is a target, so for sparring add a back-of-head protector or overlay and check what your club requires; many clubs ask for 1600N masks for free sparring.
Amazon owners rate it 4.2 out of 5 across 24 ratings recorded by ShopSavvy. The prices we recorded, in September and October 2024, were $112.25 to $113.33.
📚More About RED DRAGON Armoury Hema Fencing Mask Large
How we researched this
How we chose these: these picks weigh published manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner and expert reviews for the 2 products listed here, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data. No retailer or brand pays to be included.
Discussion
Know something we should add, or spot a detail that has changed? Tell us below. We check it against the maker's information and update the article.
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