Knee sleeve recommendations needed

[Praemonstrator]

Getting to a point where I can tell knee sleeves are going to be a necessity for me when squatting. I have wraps but I just don't have the time to put them on. I am a believer in the buy once, cry once theory, BUT I can't afford $90 sleeves at this time. Anybody know of anything more affordable but still decent quality/support?

[cmarti063]

Yes, actually. The new Evolutionize sleeves are really, really good. $49.77 with free shipping from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A2J...e+knee+sleeves


Edit: Follow the sizing chart exactly, don't "size down"

[Bench905]

I used to think that there was no way Rehbands were worth the price. So I used McDavid sleeves that bunched up like crazy. Then I found a sale of 7751s (5mm...so not the real thick ones) for $29.95 each and they are awesome. No bunching.

[snova031]

I've had a pair of Slingshot's for 6+ months and they've held up great. They're $65 shipped from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/SlingShot-Knee.../dp/B00Q7OSQY0

[Praemonstrator]

I'm being a cheap bastard so most of these look like good options to me. Seems like 7mm would be the way to go? I see various Rehband sleeves on amazon for under $40 as well that I might consider but I like hearing first hand from people who have actually used them. Thanks so far to everyone who has chimed in. I appreciate it.

[snova031]

I believe many of the Rehband's sold on Amazon are sold individually and not in pairs, so make sure you confirm that if you go the Rehband route.

[onelochevy]

Love my blue rehbands. And yes, they are sold individually.

[bobcat255]

Rehbands are sold individually, so $80 for a pair. They're also not too tight and aren't specifically built for power lifting (same with the Slingshots above, BTW). I've seen/heard about some QC issues with the Slingshots, but I believe the company replaced all those which were manufactured incorrectly.

For lifting-specific sleeves, the goto are SBD's and STrong Sleeves.

I've been doing a lot of research and decided on SBD's. Talked to people who have both the SBDs and the STrong Sleeves and the SBDs are just that smidgen better, especially when it comes to longevity/bunching.

Keep in mind, with both of these, it's a process to put them on and you have to learn to do it. They're also both approved for USAPL (SBD is also approved in IPF) - I know most people don't compete, but something to keep in mind.

Not familiar with the Evolutionize sleeves that cmarti063 posted about.

[cmarti063]

Not familiar with the Evolutionize sleeves that cmarti063 posted about.

I'll link the main discussion thread about them, but there is more conversation I had with other lifters in addition to myself and my training partner.

Basically, they're better than Rehbands but not quite as nice as SBD. At half the cost of SBD, they're probably the best budget option out right now, and are worth more than they cost. I have 2 pairs (regular and tight fit), personally.

http://startingstrength.com/resource...-review-2.html

[bobcat255]

I'll link the main discussion thread about them, but there is more conversation I had with other lifters in addition to myself and my training partner.

Basically, they're better than Rehbands but not quite as nice as SBD. At half the cost of SBD, they're probably the best budget option out right now, and are worth more than they cost. I have 2 pairs (regular and tight fit), personally.

http://startingstrength.com/resource...-review-2.html

Gotcha, thanks for the info! Nice name, if I've figured out which one you are . You're on spread, unfortunately.

[RGrizzzz]

Rogue has some 5mm and 7mm RehBands on sale for about half off. They're mostly ones with 2015 Crossfit games logos, if you don't mind that.

[Bench905]

Rogue has some 5mm and 7mm RehBands on sale for about half off. They're mostly ones with 2015 Crossfit games logos, if you don't mind that.

Nice find! I think the 5mms are sold out, but I grabbed a pair of 7mm.

[obey46]

I'll link the main discussion thread about them, but there is more conversation I had with other lifters in addition to myself and my training partner.

Basically, they're better than Rehbands but not quite as nice as SBD. At half the cost of SBD, they're probably the best budget option out right now, and are worth more than they cost. I have 2 pairs (regular and tight fit), personally.

http://startingstrength.com/resource...-review-2.html

Did u get the promo for a buck?

[RGrizzzz]

I picked up one of each size, right before I posted.

[cmarti063]

Did u get the promo for a buck?

On one pair, yes. I was honestly surprised at how good they were since a lot of the stuff that's done like that is pretty average. These are excellent, and worth picking up at retail.

Edit: a different company sent me sleeves about 2 months before this went down, and those started tearing up pretty early. I posted a warning on the site about them, even though they were free I railed on them. My opinion on these sleeves isn't affected by the promo, as evidenced by my two pairs and speaking honestly in my reviews.

[congore]

Damn Cmarti - you just had to go talking about how great the Evolutionize sleeves were! I don't even use sleeves to squat, but now I'm dreaming of big gains and the joy of squatting every other day. I pulled the trigger on Amazon last night and this is your fault. It has nothing to do with my equipment addiction, no, nothing at all....

[cmarti063]

Damn Cmarti - you just had to go talking about how great the Evolutionize sleeves were! I don't even use sleeves to squat, but now I'm dreaming of big gains and the joy of squatting every other day. I pulled the trigger on Amazon last night and this is your fault. It has nothing to do with my equipment addiction, no, nothing at all....

Ha! Get those gains, man! I have torn both menisci, a grade II ACL tear on my right knee and a grade III MCL tear on my left knee, so I never squat without sleeves. I consider them "essential."

[bobcat255]

Ok, my Powerlifting stuff came in today... wanted to give a quick impression of the SBD sleeves.



I measured my calves and knees, there wasn't much of a difference and they both came in to about 40cm. So I ordered a LARGE, which is a "tight fit" according to the SBD charts on the Anderson Powerlifting website (the only place SBD is available in the US): http://www.andersonpowerlifting.com/...eeves-pair.htm

Putting the sleeves on took all of a few seconds, even though it was my first time, by using the tips I saw online. I first put them on my calves, flipped the bottom portion about 2" up and the upper portion probably 6" down. Then grabbed everything and pulled it up to my knee and unrolled.



You definitely feel the bunching in the back when squatting. I've been told these bunch less than the STrong Sleeves, so I was surprised at how much I felt, but in trying them and looking at the mirror, I actually think this may be a good thing as it'll give me a more consistent way of gauging squat depth.



Lastly, bending at the knee is definitely a little tougher and the sleeves really squeeze the entire area. Not sure how to describe the feeling, but I also don't want to rush to any conclusions until I actually squat with them. Unfortunately they showed up today after I went to the gym and I'm too spent to do any work at home.

Definitely not disappointed with the quality, just based on initial impressions, money well spent.

[congore]

Just tried out my Evolutionize sleeves last night for my light squat day. They were much thicker than I expected and actually felt like they gave me a spring out of the whole. Can't wait to try them on heavy day. Definitely follow direction for putting them on by rolling up top and bottom lip. As for taking them off, just grab and roll them down from the top (see picture). Really enjoy them and definitely a boost to my confidence for sinking deep. I would say they add as much to your squat as a good belt.

[cmarti063]

Just tried out my Evolutionize sleeves last night for my light squat day. They were much thicker than I expected and actually felt like they gave me a spring out of the whole. Can't wait to try them on heavy day. Definitely follow direction for putting them on by rolling up top and bottom lip. As for taking them off, just grab and roll them down from the top (see picture). Really enjoy them and definitely a boost to my confidence for sinking deep. I would say they add as much to your squat as a good belt.

I told you they were really nice, especially for the money. I don't feel I get anything out of the Large, but I probably get 5 lbs out of the Mediums. I definitely get more out of a belt, but these accessories are a bit different for everyone.

[bobcat255]

Some feedback after using the SBD sleeves. They definitely help! When you initially put them on they feel like they're stopping circulation. I quickly have to unstraighten my legs in order to feel more comfortable. While walking around you feel like some zombie with legs that don't want to bend much.

However, while squatting, they feel soooo right! Without a doubt, they added poundage to my squat. Probably not that much and probably not directly. My knees just feel so good and warmed/lubed up that there's less soreness and I can lift more.

After I started using these, my 5RM felt so much more effortless, I started going for singles and got some unexpected numbers. Wish I got these a while ago - not for the numbers, but for the knee support.

[cmarti063]

Some feedback after using the SBD sleeves. They definitely help! When you initially put them on they feel like they're stopping circulation. I quickly have to unstraighten my legs in order to feel more comfortable. While walking around you feel like some zombie with legs that don't want to bend much.

However, while squatting, they feel soooo right! Without a doubt, they added poundage to my squat. Probably not that much and probably not directly. My knees just feel so good and warmed/lubed up that there's less soreness and I can lift more.

After I started using these, my 5RM felt so much more effortless, I started going for singles and got some unexpected numbers. Wish I got these a while ago - not for the numbers, but for the knee support.

Did you get the regular fit or the competition fit? The regular fit shouldn't be that tight.

[snova031]

Lastly, bending at the knee is definitely a little tougher and the sleeves really squeeze the entire area. Not sure how to describe the feeling, but I also don't want to rush to any conclusions until I actually squat with them. Unfortunately they showed up today after I went to the gym and I'm too spent to do any work at home.

Definitely not disappointed with the quality, just based on initial impressions, money well spent.

Repped, I can only imagine what your significant other would think if they walked in when you were taking this pic lol

[squat802]

I've always used the Tommy Kono (TK) knee sleeves and they've worked very well for me. Due to a slight meniscus tear I've backed off my squats some. Just wondering if anyone that's used the TK's b4 thought the SBD or Strong Sleeves provided that much more stability to the knee to justify double the cost if not more. I know the TK's can tear easily and sweat but more concerned about the support.

[drrickso]

Can someone tell me what's the difference between knee wraps, boxing (hand) wraps, and simple ace bandages? Is this just marketing or is there an actual material difference?

On topic- since my calves are 3-4" larger than my knee, am I going to be unable to use sleeves (ex. I'd need a larger size to fit around my leg which wont be tight enough on the knee itself)? *I've seen similar questions posted, but couldn't find an answer when there's that much of a disparity.

[urbanlifter]

With my limited experience, the main difference is elasticity. Boxing wraps are less elastic, because they are there mainly to provide support and prevent you from breaking your wrist on impact. Ace bandages are meant to provide a little more elasticity, so that you are supported but not necessarily limited in your range of motion. I would assume, although have never used them, knee wraps are closer to Ace bandages in that you need some elasticity otherwise you would not be able to bend your knee properly.

[drrickso]

With my limited experience, the main difference is elasticity. Boxing wraps are less elastic, because they are there mainly to provide support and prevent you from breaking your wrist on impact. Ace bandages are meant to provide a little more elasticity, so that you are supported but not necessarily limited in your range of motion. I would assume, although have never used them, knee wraps are closer to Ace bandages in that you need some elasticity otherwise you would not be able to bend your knee properly.

thanks urban- on spread.

[bobcat255]

Did you get the regular fit or the competition fit? The regular fit shouldn't be that tight.

I went with the tight fit (more info in my previous post).

Here's a video of a warmup. You can see what the sleeves look like, since I had removed the safety arm for this one to be able to judge squat depth in preparation for a meet.

Repped, I can only imagine what your significant other would think if they walked in when you were taking this pic lol

Loool... thanks, she's used to rolling her eyes at me

[cmarti063]

I went with the tight fit (more info in my previous post).

Oops, sorry I missed that. Yeah, if you get the SBDs tight enough, they can add upwards of 25lbs to your squat. They do lose their pop, though, so most competitors have 2 pairs, one for training and one for competition. They'll replace the competition pair after a while, too.