Looking for Shin Guards that don't move

[ASEGSEA]

Hey guys,

I've done my research and searched high and low for a set of shin guards that have good protection and don't move when kicked or when grappling. My Top King Empowers are way too bulky, and still shift when checking kicks. I've searched Sherdog forums, dating way back to the most recent, and I'd like to have a more updated consesus.

I've narrowed the search down to Renegades shin guards, or the Hayabusa Pro-Strikes. I've read excellent thing about both, and especially about MMGearGuide's review of the Pro-Strikes.

Anyone have suggestions? I'll be using them for Muay Thai and MMA sparring. Neoprene wrapping is fine.

It's a lot to ask for: good protection on the entire shin (below knee included); not too bulky; doesn't move. Pretty much the ideal shin guard. They can be as ugly as sin, just as long as they're functional.

 

[ECS123]

These Fairtex,

Or these Hayabusa,

Plus this,

Proof they will not slip,

:icon_chee

 

[ASEGSEA]

Well, I got plenty of duct tape... Can I just combine all the other 3??

 

[Logan M]

I'll throw my hat in the ring for Hayabusa. Mine are excellent. They shift around a little bit occasionally but are far better than anything else I've ever used.

 

[ASEGSEA]

How's the protection above the knee, Logan?

 

[Logan M]

How's the protection above the knee, Logan?

You mean below the knee as in where the padding of the guard ends and the knee begins? For me the larges are the perfect size being about 6'1". Just a little one inch gap between the end of the padding and the bottom of my knee.

 

[ASEGSEA]

Yeah, that. Still a little disorientated from practice . I guess protection doesn't matter since less can be considered "shin conditioning." Those hayabusas are pretty pretty...

 

[Rado]

So you don't like your Top Kings? I was just about to order me some as most people seem to recommend them over the Fairtex and Hayabusas because they supposedly stay in place, are comfortable and protect well while not being stiff.

 

[ASEGSEA]

I have the Empower Creatives, their flashier version. I bought these since they were a little cheaper, I liked the flair, and I thought I'd still get the name-brand protection.
While they are quality leather, they do shift a lot. I'd duct tape it if class was dedicated to sparring, but it's not. And my coaches aren't patient enough to watch me duct tape my legs.
I'd still be willing to try their normal shin guards: one mans opinion doesn't necessarily negate the crowds.
Another reason I'm not flying the Top King route is that it's hard to find genuine leather TKs for less than $80 shipped. Fighterwarehouse offers a discounted hayabusa for $56 shipped, and Renegades for $50.
Still, the Renegades look really solid

 

[binjin]

Have you checked the Renegade Xtrainer? Those might be what you're looking for...

 

[risingD]

these:

 

[Timm S]

I Use the King Shin & insteps but I do mostly standup with them. If I'm going to roll I take them off. If we're working both they can be a bit large when you are on the ground. I've found it to be tough finding 1 pair that's good for both. I hate getting my shins busted up so I tend to go with more protection (i.e. a bit bulkier) versus the thinner neoprene version(s).

 

[ECS123]

Well, I got plenty of duct tape... Can I just combine all the other 3??

Ha! Seriously though, I am not familiar with the Renegades, but the Hayabusa Pro Striking Shin Guards look like they are well made and well designed. They also seem to get very good reviews.

Based upon the amount of slippage people seem to be voicing concern over, I am seeing and open market area for something to correct the issue, and duct tape would certainly not be my personal choice. Long range high power rifle shooters have a special contact adhesive that they spray on their shooting glove, and the forend rifle stock to prevent hand slippage for positional shooting. Not very practical for the shin guard application.

However, it would be nice to have some type of thin, sturdy, moisture wicking cloth sleeve with a non slip material applied to the front outside shin area, that you could slip on and off the leg, and wear under the shin guard to hold it in place. Something that is separate from the shin guard, so that you could wear it for grappling, and not bother with it for stand up. If it did rip or wearout, you could discard and replace it, without having to buy a new set of shin guards. You could even wash it, when it got smelly. No sticky, goofy looking duct tape, etc...

The fact that people are using duct tape, and even asking for solutions, indicates something is not working, and there is a need for innovative change. Just some food for thought for any keen inventors or gear manufacturers out there that may be listening.

:icon_chee

 

[ASEGSEA]

Ha! Seriously though, I am not familiar with the Renegades, but the Hayabusa Pro Striking Shin Guards look like they are well made and well designed. They also seem to get very good reviews.

Based upon the amount of slippage people seem to be voicing concern over, I am seeing and open market area for something to correct the issue, and duct tape would certainly not be my personal choice. Long range high power rifle shooters have a special contact adhesive that they spray on their shooting glove, and the forend rifle stock to prevent hand slippage for positional shooting. Not very practical for the shin guard application.

Hahahaha. Are you from the south? Because you got some southern solutions:

DUCT TAPE IT! USE THE RIFLE ADHESIVE SPRAY! HOGTIE IT TO YER LEG!!!!

The fact that people are using duct tape, and even asking for solutions, indicates something is not working, and there is a need for innovative change. Just some food for thought for any keen inventors or gear manufacturers out there that may be listening.

Very true. I'm sure you've seen the Renegade X-Trainer's around:

I just got done texting the guy about his experience in designing shin guards. He's owned a school for 25 years, Tae Kwon Do and MMA. He seems to have PERSONALLY designed his xtrainers to meet standup and grappling needs.

For $50 I may just try them out.

 

[ASEGSEA]

I Use the King Shin & insteps but I do mostly standup with them. If I'm going to roll I take them off. If we're working both they can be a bit large when you are on the ground. I've found it to be tough finding 1 pair that's good for both. I hate getting my shins busted up so I tend to go with more protection (i.e. a bit bulkier) versus the thinner neoprene version(s).

See, I thought the same thing originally: bulkier is better because protection is key.

But then I figured:

1.) Protection won't protect you in the ring when you have to go shinguard less, or when you have to use an "approved" guard which will get you surprised when your shin gets smashed into
2.) Conditioning the shin ill help you adjust to no shin-guard
3.) It's more difficult and unnatural to pull off certain close-quarters kicks

To each their own, though. You say tomato, I say tomato.

 

[Rado]

Well, the problem with the X-trainers is the zipper in my opinion.
What about the cageside ones?

 

[ASEGSEA]

The zipper has a cover over it

 

[Rado]

Well, yeah, for the zipper head itself but aren't the zipper tracks hard as well, possibly metal too? Even plastic is hard enough though.

 

[Timm S]

See, I thought the same thing originally: bulkier is better because protection is key.

But then I figured:

1.) Protection won't protect you in the ring when you have to go shinguard less, or when you have to use an "approved" guard which will get you surprised when your shin gets smashed into
2.) Conditioning the shin ill help you adjust to no shin-guard
3.) It's more difficult and unnatural to pull off certain close-quarters kicks

To each their own, though. You say tomato, I say tomato.

At this point after many years of training I'm no longer training for the ring. I really enjoy the sparring, keeping sharp, being in the gym and knowing that I could handle a real life situation if need be. However, dealing bone bruises and limping into the office is not what I'm looking to do.

 

[ChrisJ]

I recommend these, been using them for about a month, they don't move what so ever and yet offer excellent padding. They were used in the the popular series (The Ultimate Fighter), and are used by many ufc/wec fighters.

MMA Training Shin Guards Combat Sports-Combatsports.com