How to Know Visconti Grip Sizes for Fencing

Also commonly referred to as a pistol grip, the Visconti grip is a popular grip choice among experienced fencers. The grip is held much like a pistol and should fit snugly into the contour of the hand when the user grips it with his fingers. The Fédération Internationale d'Escrime, the international governing body of fencing, also has rules concerning the dimensions of grips and handles for use in official competition fencing.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the circumference of your dominant hand across the palm with a tape measure. Next measure from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the hand. The largest of these measurements, in inches, is your glove size.

    • 2

      Try a grip based on your glove size. For glove sizes 6-7, try Visconti extra small. For glove sizes 7-9, try Visconti small. For glove sizes 9-10, try Visconti medium. For glove sizes 11 and up, try Visconti extra large.

    • 3

      Ensure the grip fits snugly into the contour of your palm and that you can hold it securely with your fingers.

    • 4

      Measure the distance between your extended thumb and the inner surface of the guard. Be certain this distance is no longer than 2 cm (.8 inches).

    • 5

      Measure the grip from its outer edge to the outer surface of the guard and ensure it is no longer than 20 cm (7.9 inches) for foils and épées and no longer than 17 cm (6.7 inches) for sabers.