Some people make their own gear, which significantly reduces costs. A home made one handed weapon might run $10-$20.
Of course just like any other sport you can spend as much as you want, and get really fancy gear if you want to. Some people get super-lightweight weapons or commission hand-made plasti-dipped artisan shields that are like works of art and those can cost hundreds. Check these out: https://shield-shop.com
That's a tricky question.
It's free to participate and most groups have gear you can borrow for your first few months.
Eventually you'll be expected to get your own gear. You can buy a decent professionally made one-handed weapon for $25-$40 - check out some gear here
https://www.forgedfoam.com/?product_cat=full_contact
Some people make their own gear, which significantly reduces costs. A home made one handed weapon might run $10-$20.
Of course just like any other sport you can spend as much as you want, and get really fancy gear if you want to. Some people get super-lightweight weapons or commission hand-made plasti-dipped artisan shields that are like works of art and those can cost hundreds. Check these out:
https://shield-shop.com