Having learned the hard way that all gear is not made to the best benefit of the enduser, does anyone have any recommendations for knee pads or elbow protection? I am finding it quite bothersome abusing my knees and elbows.
Alta’s with the buckles seem to be a big favorite. I have some Hatch. They are OK, but can be uncomfortable at times. They are probably the second most mentioned.
I have hatch knee pads as well, and I agree with blackhawk’s assessment.
Alta’s are the way to go and you can pick them up at most Home Depot / Lowes / Etc.
I have tried just about everything out there and Altas tend to be the most comfortable / offer the best protection.
Velcro attachments tend to be too comfortable and I always end up putting them on too tight causing pain and loss of circulation (they feel fine until you start moving around for a while) or too loose and they won’t stay put.
I’ve only looked at the Altas and they look good.
I’ve used Hatch quite a bit. I recently finished a 2 week sniper instructor course and used the Hatch knee pads throughout - no problems at all and I wasn’t readjusting them at all.
The only issue I had with them was during a 75 yard run through a course of fire where they dropped down on the way to the 100 yard line. I don’t blame the knee pads, I blame all the up and down before the run and that I probably didn’t have them secured properly.
We ran the same exercise several times and I only had the problem once.
I used to use Centurion pads for a while. They would not stay where they supposed to and they pinched the back of your legs. The Hatch knee pads seem to stay put and feel great too. The pads that insert in the 511 pants are a bit thin and really don’t help too much, especially if you have to stay in a kneeling position for a while.
+1 on the Altas for comfort and fit.
I’ve found the Hatch knee pads to be a bit short on the
adjustment strap where the Altas straps are longer.
Plus they offer them in various colors that other
companies don’t have like ACU and Coyote Brown.
I have used Hatch pads extensively. Every time, sooner or later, the plastic loop turns sideways and the pads loosen up–too much strap to tighten back up on my legs… The Altas have a pivot there, so this is never going to be an issue. Next time I am going to buy Altas.
Knee Pads & Elbow Pads - You can buy Black Hawk, Hatch brands, but it is best to buy professional skateboarder pads. Brand name “Pro-Tec” Called “Ramp Knee Pads” They don’t slide off your knee while walking or running ! They are well padded. Knee pads price $69.99 / Elbow pads price $29.99 worth the price. Pro-Tec company makes tactical / skateboarder safety equipments.
+1 on the altas, as I too have the hatch pads the altas dont bind on the back of the knee as the hatch ones do {to me at least} and since they cost about the same spend the bread and pick up a pair.
I’m not exactly a HSLD guy, but these are the best knee pads that I’ve used. Even if one of the clips comes loose the knee pad stays in place. http://www.dextermeadows.com/index.php
I use Hatch neoprene elbow and knee pads.
The Altas work better than the other brands I’ve tried. They stay put even after long periods of training or running. Very comfortable as well!
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but Hey, I used the search function and this is what came up. I had a pair of ALTA’s and the buckle broke the first time I used them. Did I just get a rotten pair and should buy others? A buddy is highly recommending the Arcteryx.
I had the Alta’s for years. They held up OK, but were annoying in that they were kind of bulky and they wouldn’t stay in position. I really tried to order the new version Arctyrx Kneecaps several months ago but nobody had them so I went with the Black Diamond Telekinesis. Those are very nice. They’re very light, flex well, and stay in position, and they’re $40. I wish they were a little thicker, but they’ve worked well. My one complaint is the smell. Those knee pads have some kind of chemical smell to 'em that literally brings tears to my eyes when I open my gear bag.
Still curious about the Arctyrx. Might head over to Grey Group and see if they’re in stock yet. $60 knee pads just have to be great…
/
The best knee pads I have used by far and will recommend to anyone are the Arc’teryx knee pads. I have an orignal alpine set before they started selling the same set up in mil colors (only difference is instead of a yellow padding they are green now for the LEAF versions.) I have worn them multiple days while snowboarding and have forgotten they were on until taking hard hits on my knees and not feeling any pain at all. They flex well and protect the lower part of the knee under the knee cap which is a big deal and they do not have velcro but rather a locking buckle that is much better than velcro to me at least.
Grey Group sells them in the LEAF colors here is a link: http://stores.greygrouptraining.com/-strse-2731/KNEECAP/Detail.bok
and here is an image (source Arc’teryx LEAF site)
STILL backordered at Grey Group. These things look like vaporware to me.
I’m sure Grey Group is a great bunch of people. I always look at their web site before purchasing something, but I have YET to ever have them have what I need in stock. Not complaining, just observing.
IF you don’t mind the yellow (I wear mine under my pants so it doesn’t bother me) backcountry.com has them in stock, not trying to take business from Grey Group as they are an outstanding company but I know whats it is like to have a lack of patience or need something fast.
I exchanged emails with a sales rep, and the kneepads were undergoing a redesign. That’s why nobody has them in stock.
Thanks for the tip. I discovered them there too and just ordered them from Backcountry. I don’t care what they look like.
That’s exactly what Grey Group told me back in June. A redesign of the buckles IIRC. Who’s doing the redesign…Magpul? 