Here is the basic gear I'm using:
The fencing mask is a "Three Weapon" mask, it's cleared to use in foil, epee & saber. It's solid, fits securely, has a good field of vision and good airflow. It lacks in padding on the top & sides and has no cover on the back, but these are manageable and those areas are a bit less vulnerable than the eyes, mouth and throat.
These are lacrosse gloves. The red is a light layer of leather I added on. I sometimes use these at public demonstrations while I'm in period medieval garb and the uncovered look did not go well with the rest of the outfit.
The padding is excellent and protects well against significant impacts. I've been hit hard with wooden practice swords with no injury and usually no discomfort. The coverage is very good on hands, fingers, thumb and out onto the wrists. That last one is very important; that's a more sensitive area than most people realize.
The mesh palm allows for airflow and helps a bit with grip. Having some "texture", some kind of three dimensionality on your saber grip would be good for these gloves because they do not have great traction on smooth aluminum. In terms of flexibility I have no complaints, these do not impede my range of motion.
Here's the next step. We've been going at this with good control however, as I've said a number of times, accidents happen. That being said groin protection is in order, regardless of your plumbing.
This is a hockey goalie cup, which I use for SCA armored fighting. It works very well but it might be a bit overkill for saber's. A standard cup would probably more than sufficient for what anyone here is doing.
