Knee Sleeves or Wraps?

[Sami]

I'm probably going to be getting some neoprene knee sleeves soon. My knees are kinda aching a little... most of the time. And with cold weather upon us, it won't be getting any better.

Question: I will probably eventually be using knee wraps at some point anyway, should I just get the wraps now and wrap them lightly? Or are neoprene sleeves better at warmth/support than loose wraps?

[BCS]

If all you want now is warmth, I'd get the neoprene.

[zepled37]

What brand / model of knee sleeves do people recommend? Looking at getting some myself.

Thanks.

[Gary Gibson]

Sleeves do provide a little support, but obviously not as much as wraps.

Inzer sleeves have three velcro straps that you can fasten tightly or loosely. So they're somewhere between plain ol' sleeves and actual wraps. I believe they're also made of the same material as the Inzer wraps, and not neoprene. I've heard of people getting 30 lbs out of tight Inzer wraps.

Tommy Kono makes rubber sleeves and some people love those, but the sleeves that get the most praise are the discontinued neoprene Rehband blues. They're thick and feel good. They're the ones you see in strongman competition and on the knees of Olympic lifters. As I'm fond of saying, there's a reason for that. They're the best. They cost more than other sleeves and even wraps, but that's because they give great warmth and compression, but not enough rebound to amount to a fly's fart on your squat. You may get 5 lbs out of them when they're brand new, but after you break them in, they give even less (maybe a pound or two) and just keep your connective tissue warm and provide the sort of compression and propioceptive feedback that make squatting a much better experience for your knees.

Rehband makes a newer version, but they're a couple mm thinner and just don't get the unamimous praise the old version used to get. Jackylsgym.com is the only place you can still get the older version while supplies last.

For those of you wondering why you need sleeves to keep connective tissue warm...

Connective tissue has very little blood flow. When you "warm up" for squats, it's your muscles that get warm, not your connective tissue. When you put on a sleeve, you trap the warmth coming out of your muscles and redirect it into the entire knee. The sleeves trap the heat of your muscles and make it available to your connective tissue in a way that just wouldn't happen without the sleeves.

But don't just take my word for it. Put on a pair of sleeves and feel the difference.

Light wraps are more supportive than they are warming and a light wrap really won't add much to your squat. If they're loose enough to be worn without cutting off your circulation, then they aren't adding much if anything to your squat poundage.

(And I've discovered that getting pounds out of a tight wrap is not easy. The extra weight on your back takes some getting used to. I've yet to get a single extra pound out of tight wraps.)

[Sami]

Thanks Gary, very informative, as usual.

[TravisRussellDC]

I've been using the old Rehband sleeves for a while now, and I love them for squatting. I put them on every time I squat, whether it's a heavy day or a recovery day.

The newer Rehbands are ok. They are thinner, tho which people who swear by the old, thicker ones won't like. I've got a buddy of mine who was selling them as well as the Vulkan brand. I grabbed a pair of the Vulkan neoprene shorts for when we were doing the strongman training in the winter. The concensus was that the old Rehband stuff is the best, followed by the Vulkan, with the new/thin Rehband bringing up the rear.

Unless you're going to be competing in powerlifting where the use of wraps is necessary for the additional weight they add to the squat, I'd stay away from the wraps and find a good pair of neoprene knee sleeves.

[K.Diesel]

Unless you're going to be competing in powerlifting where the use of wraps is necessary for the additional weight they add to the squat, I'd stay away from the wraps and find a good pair of neoprene knee sleeves.

Couldn't agree more.

[Sami]

Yeah, I'm definitely leaning towards the sleeves. I like powerlifting, but I'll doubt I'd be competing for a loooong time, so no point in getting wraps now.

I can't really justify (afford) buying the expensive Rehband's. Just the price alone is steep but I have to ship them here AND pay import duty and tax. Ouch.

I can get Vulcan's at a pretty good price here, and also the Tommy Kono bands.

So which would be better, Vulcan or Kono Bands?

[TravisRussellDC]

Never used the Kono stuff, so I can't compare. The Vulkan brand is of good quality and I think you'd be happy with them. Plus, since they would be your first sleeves and you've got nothing to compare them to, you wouldn't know the difference anyway...

[zepled37]

Well, just ordered some of the old style Rehband knee sleeves from Jackyl's Gym. Hopefully it doesn't take to long to get here. My knees have been a little achey, but not too bad yet.

Mostly it got worse about a month or so ago (and has been lingering around) when I squatted 365x3 then played raquetball for 2 hours and then played volleyball later for 2.5 hours...all in the same day...not a good idea. Maybe if I was 16 this would be ok...

[dodgy]

Does anybody have experience with these sleeves by Elite FTS?

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3013

At $25/pair & free shipping, they look like a more affordable option.


They also carry "super heavy" sleeves for $33:

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3014

[tnumrych]

Nothing specifically about the EliteFTS ones, however I do know that Rehband's quality is held in high esteem by many Oly Lifters. Tommy Kono also sells knee sleeves on his website. Rehband>Tommy Kono's>EliteFTS as far as price.

[h k]

http://www.prowriststraps.com/inc/sdetail/129177

APT's Convict knee sleeves are probably the best ones. Normal neoprene ones get too sweaty and they don't breathe.

[Paul Stagg]

Does anybody have experience with these sleeves by Elite FTS?

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3013

At $25/pair & free shipping, they look like a more affordable option.


They also carry "super heavy" sleeves for $33:

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3014

I wear these. They are more like a loose wrap. I don't get anything out of them, and like them, but they are more substantial than a neoprene sleeve.

[Kate]

The concensus was that the old Rehband stuff is the best, followed by the Vulkan, with the new/thin Rehband bringing up the rear.


Does anyone know if the Vulkans are that much better than the average neoprene knee sleeve you can get at a drugstore or someplace like Dick's Sporting Goods?

(Only place I've found the Vulkan sleeves online in the US is theweakgeteaten.com (http://www.theweakgeteaten.com/Products/accessories/vulkan/index.htm). They seem to be more available in the UK.)

I can't justify spending $33 a sleeve for the Rehbands, for myself, but I might spring for $20 a sleeve for the Vulkans.

I have a couple of cheap, mismatched (different brands) knee sleeves that I got last year for x-c skiing (had a minor injury and was experimenting with knee sleeves and calf compression sleeves). I lifted in those knee sleeves yesterday, and either they helped, or they had a placebo effect, or I was just due for a good lifting day. Neither of these sleeves fits all that well, and both have the patella cutout, which isn't all that comfortable and doesn't prevent the knee area from getting sweaty.

I'm not lifting much weight yet -- my squat is 2/3 of my bodyweight so far -- but my knees sure were comfy....

~Kate

[misspelledgeoff]

i just picked up some $10 cheapos at the local sporting good store. they seem to do the trick.


Does anyone know if the Vulkans are that much better than the average neoprene knee sleeve you can get at a drugstore or someplace like Dick's Sporting Goods?

(Only place I've found the Vulkan sleeves online in the US is theweakgeteaten.com (http://www.theweakgeteaten.com/Products/accessories/vulkan/index.htm). They seem to be more available in the UK.)

I can't justify spending $33 a sleeve for the Rehbands, for myself, but I might spring for $20 a sleeve for the Vulkans.

I have a couple of cheap, mismatched (different brands) knee sleeves that I got last year for x-c skiing (had a minor injury and was experimenting with knee sleeves and calf compression sleeves). I lifted in those knee sleeves yesterday, and either they helped, or they had a placebo effect, or I was just due for a good lifting day. Neither of these sleeves fits all that well, and both have the patella cutout, which isn't all that comfortable and doesn't prevent the knee area from getting sweaty.

I'm not lifting much weight yet -- my squat is 2/3 of my bodyweight so far -- but my knees sure were comfy....

~Kate

[George Noble]

Got mine at Poundland. If warmth is all you want, neoprene is neoprene.

[PatrickBaldwin]

Does anybody have experience with these sleeves by Elite FTS?

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3013

At $25/pair & free shipping, they look like a more affordable option.


They also carry "super heavy" sleeves for $33:

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=139&pid=3014

I have both. The "Super Heavy" are useless. You really can't get the damn things on. Painful when you finally do. The "Heavy" have good support, much firmer than neoprene but loose enough to wear through an entire work out.

[Locutus]

I have both. The "Super Heavy" are useless. You really can't get the damn things on. Painful when you finally do. The "Heavy" have good support, much firmer than neoprene but loose enough to wear through an entire work out.

Excellent. I will have to order these over the holidays. Are the "Heavy"s sized appropriately to the bodyweights they list?

I really just wish these sleeve manufacturers would do it by knee circumference like the Rehbands at Jackal's gym.

[PatrickBaldwin]

Excellent. I will have to order these over the holidays. Are the "Heavy"s sized appropriately to the bodyweights they list?

I really just wish these sleeve manufacturers would do it by knee circumference like the Rehbands at Jackal's gym.

I'm 165# and the Mediums, which I believe are supposed to fit up to 185#, are pretty tight. When I wear these out, I'll order a Large.

[Locutus]

I believe I read something similar on the BB.com boards -- I guess I'll try for a size too big and report back eventually.

I've heard that the APT Convicts on the other hand, are sized appropriately.

[StLRPh]

I believe I read something similar on the BB.com boards -- I guess I'll try for a size too big and report back eventually.

I've heard that the APT Convicts on the other hand, are sized appropriately.

I have the Heavy EliteFTS sleeves and I love them. I weigh 215 but I'm about 6'4" so I still have pretty skinny legs.

As far as wearing them the whole workout I can't. They are too tight for that. Pretty easy to get on and a little tough to get off. I've found that to take them off peel them down so that they are inside out around your ankles/calves then turn them 180 degrees so that the curve of the sleeve works for you. Also, its easier to slide them over socks than barefoot.

Good luck.

[TravisRussellDC]

The Vulkans being sold by www.theweakgeteaten.com (http://www.theweakgeteaten.com) are the ones that I mentioned before. It's my friend, Jeff who sell those. We trained together for years and I've seen him use the old Rehband stuff, as well as try out the newer Rehband and Vulkan products to see which he wanted to sell. I bought my Rehband knee sleeves from him as well as my Vulkan shorts (those things are great for training strongman in the winter...).

My personal opinion is that the neoprene sleeves are better for warmth and joint comfort than the sleeves made from the same material as wraps sold by Inzer, APT, etc. Another buddy of mine who likes the Inzer sleeves, wears them over the top of his Stromgren neoprene knee sleeves. He doesn't like the Inzers as a standalone sleeve.

As far as neoprene being neoprene, that's true to a point. Different thicknesses provide differenth levels of warmth and comfort, as do the different stitching patterns.

My recommendation for the highest quality knee sleeves would be the Vulkans. And that comes with the caveat that I haven't tried some of the other brands. I am simply very happy with the quality of the Vulkan products, and I like to help out a friend who happens to sell them. If you buy from Jeff, tell him Travis said he's still a pussy...

[Kenny Croxdale]

Does anyone know if the Vulkans are that much better than the average neoprene knee sleeve you can get at a drugstore or someplace like Dick's Sporting Goods?

(Only place I've found the Vulkan sleeves online in the US is theweakgeteaten.com (http://www.theweakgeteaten.com/Products/accessories/vulkan/index.htm). They seem to be more available in the UK.)

I can't justify spending $33 a sleeve for the Rehbands, for myself, but I might spring for $20 a sleeve for the Vulkans.

Kate,

I understand your concern with the price. I found the price of the Rehbands more than I wanted to spend. However, after going through some of the cheaper ones, I opted for the Rehbands.

The Rehbands are infinitely better quality than those you'll find at the drug store or Dick's.

I am not familiar with the Vulkan sleeves. Howver, TravisRussellDC gave the Vulkans a good review. His friend Jeff at the weakgeteaten (that you found) sells them.

I've spoken with Jeff and emailed him a few times. Jeff's great about getting back with you and going over things with you, when you have questions. So, one thing I found with Jeff is a freindly guy who provides you with good information and good products.

Just buy the one's that best fit your budget.

Sounds like those would be the Vulkans.

Kenny Croxdale

[Kate]

The Vulkans being sold by www.theweakgeteaten.com (http://www.theweakgeteaten.com) are the ones that I mentioned before. It's my friend, Jeff who sell those. .....
....My recommendation for the highest quality knee sleeves would be the Vulkans....

The Vulkans might not be an option for me unless Jeff decides to sell the Small size. (I s'pose I could email him and ask, if I don't find something locally.) The size range for Medium is 35-40 cm (around the knee), and I'm right at 35. The Mediums might slide around -- hard to know without seeing them & trying them first, and they're not returnable.

(The mismatched sleeves I have now, other brands, are Small. One of 'em is slightly loose; the other feels a little too tight after I've had it on for a while. So neither one fits terribly well. Hence the search for new ones.)

Aside from sizing difficulties -- I appear to be smack in-between the size ranges -- is just the design of knee sleeves in general. I have yet to find one that doesn't bunch up and dig into the back of the knee when the leg is fully bent. Neoprene warmth = good; bunched-up neoprene digging into me = not so good. I can live with it if I have to (I do like the warmth), but of course would rather not have to.

~Kate

[brobinson]

FWIW,
I just bought some neoprene knee sleeves at the drug store recently. I'm sure the brands mentioned in this thread have their advantages, but I've been happy with these. I wanted warmth and they give plenty. They were affordable and saved me shipping too.

[zepled37]

Got the Rehbands and used them twice so far. Never used any before so nothing to compare it too. Seems fine, no support as far as increase weight lifted (but I don't want any) definitely keeps the knees warm. As I haven't used any other brand, I guess I can't offer too good of a review...

[TravisRussellDC]

The Vulkans might not be an option for me unless Jeff decides to sell the Small size. (I s'pose I could email him and ask, if I don't find something locally.) The size range for Medium is 35-40 cm (around the knee), and I'm right at 35. The Mediums might slide around -- hard to know without seeing them & trying them first, and they're not returnable.

(The mismatched sleeves I have now, other brands, are Small. One of 'em is slightly loose; the other feels a little too tight after I've had it on for a while. So neither one fits terribly well. Hence the search for new ones.)

Aside from sizing difficulties -- I appear to be smack in-between the size ranges -- is just the design of knee sleeves in general. I have yet to find one that doesn't bunch up and dig into the back of the knee when the leg is fully bent. Neoprene warmth = good; bunched-up neoprene digging into me = not so good. I can live with it if I have to (I do like the warmth), but of course would rather not have to.

~Kate


Kate,

One thing you might want to think about if you have smaller legs, would be to get a pair of elbow sleeves to wear on your knees. I had an older pair of no-name elbow sleeves that fit my wife's knees perfectly and she uses them to squat on occasion.

Food for thought.

[Kate]

One thing you might want to think about if you have smaller legs, would be to get a pair of elbow sleeves to wear on your knees. I had an older pair of no-name elbow sleeves that fit my wife's knees perfectly and she uses them to squat on occasion.

Surprisingly enough, that idea had briefly occurred to me (and was then promptly forgotten); thanks for the thought & the reminder.

I went ahead and emailed your pal Jeff, and asked him about the Vulkan sizing and whether he'd be able to get the Smalls. If not, I'll try one of the cheapo neoprene knee sleeves I found at Dick's Sporting Goods. If that's uncomfortable, I'll try something else -- maybe an adjustable elbow sleeve would be a good fit on my little legs. (The "one size fits all" wrap-around adjustable knee sleeves are huge; they'd prolly wrap around my knee twice.) :)

~Kate

[Sami]

Yeah, I can't really justify spending £20 on these sleeves. Poundland (thanks George) sell them for £1 each. I will get 2 Larges and 2 XLarges and wear the L under the XL. That way, I've got all the warmth I could want with 6mm worth of neoprene. Cost = £4. I can't even afford the food I need right now. It'll have to do.

[BrotherIron]

I'm torn between buying a pair of Vulkans or to buy another pair of cloth single ply knee sleeves? The single ply provide a good deal of comfort and offer some support and honestly I wouldn't consider even buying a pair of neoprenes but the Convict Single Ply are and have been out of stock for sometime. A lot of my lifting teammates use the 7mm Original Rhebands and I'm considering buying a pair of neoprenes but the question is how are they going to compare to my single plys.

I've had total knee replacement on both knees and would hate to buy some neoprenes and be disappointed but also I can't wait for ATP to restock the single ply's b/c mine are breaking apart. I've had them for 3 years which is great but I can't rely on them b/c they won't last much longer.

My question is has anyone trained with both and if so what were the differences?