Cliff Keen Wraptor Kneepads review

[Cpl. Hicks]

I finally got myself a new pair of kneepads. My previous ones, Nike dri-fit volleyball skinny practically fell apart. Although they were quite good (slim yet offered great protection) I decided to go with a pair of dedicated kneepads.

After some research, I decided that the Wraptors were ideal for me. They did cost me a lot (I'm embarassed to admit how much I paid for them:redface: ) but they were worth it.

I have a need for a good pair of kneepads because my knees have been quite roughed up from years of playing soccer on hard-surfaced fields (most of the time as a goalie). They are banged up so hard, that I don't wear kneepads only in competition (even one session of grappling makes my knees pretty sore).

First thing first, the sizing. I bought a pair (The Wraptor are sold individually) of M's (I followed the sizing chart) and when I first tried to put them on I was like "No way I'm getting past my calf with these). Luckily, after some wiggling I managed to put them on and they fit great. So, just follow Cliff Keen's sizing chart and you should be fine.

Next, the protection. These babies are soft. I felt almost like floating while rolling in them. Absolutely great! Probably the best pair of kneepads I ever had. My knees never felt this good

Do they get in the way? I would say no. I'm a half-guard guy myself (both top and bottom) and they have low enough profile and tight enough fit to stay in place most of the time. Sure, you'll have to readjust them now and then but that's small price compared to the degree of comfort and protection they provide!

The negative side, you'll sweat more! It's no big deal but your knees will sweat more and some people may find that (and the added heat) annoying. I don't...
Other than that, my only concern is their durability; basically, in my opinion kneepads of this level should last at least a season or two. So far they're holding up well (one week) but I'll update this review in a couple of months regarding durability issue.

All in all, a great pair of kneepads and a great investment for anyone with busted knees.

 

[Ninjutsu Master]

I was planning on buying these kneepads cuz I always have to readjust my Adidas kneepads after a couple shots. Do you have any pictures of you wearing them so I can get an idea of how bulky they are? Because I also wanted a less bulky kneepad.

 

[Cpl. Hicks]

I was planning on buying these kneepads cuz I always have to readjust my Adidas kneepads after a couple shots. Do you have any pictures of you wearing them so I can get an idea of how bulky they are? Because I also wanted a less bulky kneepad.

I'll do that when I get back from work.

 

[Lovesong]

I have these knee pads and they are simply the best I have ever worn. I only wear one on my right knee nowadays (i have an ongoing war with tendonitis in that knee) and after a few minutes of rolling I forget that it's even on.

I've worn mine 4-5 days a week, washed after every practice, for a few months now, and while there is some minor stichings coming loose, overall they're holding together quite well for as much as I use them.

 

[Cpl. Hicks]

OK, as promised, a couple of pictures of me wearing them. However, they're of abissmal quality (my cellphone has a terrible cam and both my other cams aren't working).

As you can see (hopefully) they're very low profile.

 

[Bad Apple]

I have had these kneepads for a while and do not recommend them. They are low profile and comfortable however they are not very durable. The stitching really started to unravel after about 3 or 4 months (and I am not one of those guys that train everyday). Also, over time, the padding has hardened somewhat and is not as comfortable as when I first bought them. The padding itself has also shifted abit and has folded on itself making the kneepad more uncomfortable and leaving a spot somewhat unprotected.

 

[Cpl. Hicks]

Now I am sad:icon_sad: :icon_sad: :icon_sad:

 

[RedDog**]

OK, as promised, a couple of pictures of me wearing them. However, they're of abissmal quality (my cellphone has a terrible cam and both my other cams aren't working).

As you can see (hopefully) they're very low profile.

I thought these were ass pictures for a minute......

 

[Ninjutsu Master]

I thought these were ass pictures for a minute......

lol. That sux that the knee pads aren't very durable, I really wanted them:icon_cry2 .

 

[Cpl. Hicks]

I thought these were ass pictures for a minute......

Yup. Cliff Keen is known for their great asspads:icon_lol:

 

[Bad Apple]

Now I am sad:icon_sad: :icon_sad: :icon_sad:

On the positive side, I am the only one I know with these so maybe I just got unlucky.

 

[Cpl. Hicks]

Update: been using them for past two months now (5 X a week) and they are holding up quite good. I had to burn of some loose threads but that's about it.
The padding hasn't deformed a bit so they're still great protection wise. Very nice pair of kneepads!

 

[Cconstandse]

Sorry to bring these thread from the dead. But I guess it's always good to give a thumbs up to a product that deserves it.

I had the CK Wraptors for about a year and a half.
I wore them 2 times a week aprox.
They held fine. They are slim profile, not as slim as a simple knee sleeve but that's due to the cushion on these pads. If you have sensitive or damaged knees you will really apreciate the padding.
They were perfect but i lend them to a new guy that was experienceing bruised up knees and they disappeared.
So I am ordering a brand new pair.

At first when i had sensitive knees i used them underneth my gi pants and on nogi days.
Now i only use them on nogi days when i decide to not use spatz.
I think that now that my knees are not sensitive anymore. I would have been able to go with the plain knee sleeves, but the knee sleeves are a one size fits most. And i have chicken legs so i rather get the Wraptors.
The circunference of my knee was of 14'' and i have been using the medium ones with no problems.
They give a little with time but no so much that they become loose or move around.
Also on other kind of knee sleeves or guards the material bites me in the back on the knee. Not with these ones, they are trully comfortable.