the advantages of using knee pads during BJJ is obvious, but, I have heard about the common disadvantages of certain knee pads: they don't stay where they should,
i.e., they move around, they feel uncomfortable, they are itchy, too bulky, not enough padding/cushion, gets too hot, they get in the way of triangles or other moves, and etc.
keeping those factors in mind, I have been shopping around for knee pads and came across the HexForce knee pad by McDavid (
McDavidUSA.com - HexForce Knee/Elbow/Shin Pads) at a
Sport Chalet while I was visiting Los Angeles and took the plunge.
last night, I rolled in them for the first time and didn't encounter any of the problems mentioned above: once I put them on, they stayed in place and I didn't even notice they were there (I forgot they were on until I took my gi pants off after training).
with its extremely low profile (almost looks like there isn't enough padding), the knee pads didn't get in the way of any moves at all.
and most importantly, my knees didn't kill me when I was on them in somebody's guard; there is just enough cushioning to keep your knees from hurting when you kneel.
if you crash full blast on your knees regularly and need freaking airbags on your knees, perhaps you'll need knee pads intended for volleyball players or ice hockey goalies, instead, which will hinder some BJJ moves due to their bulkiness.
but, for regular BJJ, I think these are the perfect knee pads.
I have worn these only one time and have not washed them, yet, so I have no idea how they will be after washing and drying.
if they don't hold up well over time, I'll just buy new ones because they are one of the best things I've purchased for BJJ (Atama Mundial #7 pants being the best/most revelatory purchase to me!).
FYI, I hover around 160 lbs. to 165 lbs. so I purchased the medium size (recommended in their size chart) and it fits well.
thanks for your time.
