√ Knee and elbow pads








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Knee pads and elbow pads are an important component of a fighter's ammunition, protecting his kneecaps and elbow joints from bruises and damage and allowing him to painlessly overcome various obstacles.
1. Military knee and elbow pads: a historical digression
The first known Western European knee pads and elbow pads have been found in military uniforms since the 12th century. Initially, they were made from a wide strip made of leather, which was reinforced with a metal plate . Such a design of these protective devices was extremely inconvenient, and in the 13th century they began to make iron knee pads, which were attached to the leg with buckles or straps. Then they gradually began to evolve in the direction of increasing the size, and by the end of the 14th century, such a now-familiar element as the outer shell was invented, which anatomically corresponds well to the relief of the knee and gives a greater degree of comfort when using these accessories.
In East and South-West Asia (this also applies to soldier-officer uniforms in Russia), military knee pads and elbow pads were used quite rarely. They were used, as a rule, cup or segment type. The attachment device is not known.
2. Advantages and disadvantages of tactical knee and elbow pads: the experience of professionals
Even the most detailed and thorough description of the design of a tactical accessory, its technical characteristics and materials used will not give a complete picture of its use in real conditions. Therefore, the observations and assessments of those who actively used the corresponding equipment in practice and who, based on their own experience, can tell about the advantages or disadvantages of one or another element of ammunition, are of particular value.
Those who have used various army and military models of knee pads note that their bowl often protrudes quite noticeably forward in relation to the vertical level of the leg. Therefore, during active operations, when you have to quickly overcome various metal structures, attack ladders, etc. etc., the cups of your accessory tangibly cling to obstacles, reducing the efficiency of movement. The problem is solved if you lean back slightly while moving, in the case of knee pads, you will have to monitor both them and the rest of the equipment.
Another problematic moment of the accessory is its displacement up and down the leg when moving. Various types of fastening (fabric and rigid belts, tightening stockings, elastic bands) do not provide ideal pressing, creating a certain discomfort. In addition, the pants move as you walk, further knocking out the center position of your protective knee gear. If they are tightened as much as possible, then blood circulation is quickly disturbed. However, here the fighters who use knee pads offer an interesting way out: the straps of the accessory must be fastened not parallel to each other, but crosswise, which softens contact with the leg.
Rigid structure knee pads are indispensable when the terrain is rife with hard, sharp and cutting fragments (for example: pieces of concrete, bricks, broken glass, fragments of metal structures, rebar), as well as during standard tactical exercises or operations. However, in situations requiring a long walk or run, during reconnaissance sorties and protracted search operations, it is recommended to use knee pads of a softer structure if necessary.
The positive aspects of the knee pads are associated with the need to often fall on the leg, for a long time to be on gravel, concrete, stone or ash cover. After getting up, severely stiff legs require a short time to normalize motor skills. Running and walking speed is then temporarily reduced.
However, there is practically no worthy alternative to either knee pads or elbow pads. And here it is already worth choosing between different models. First of all, we are talking about the shape of the protective plate. More common are oval or x-shaped. The former usually have a larger area of protection, but they are also larger, heavier and more static. The X-shaped plate is adapted to the curves of the body, it is not as bulky and more mobile. However, not every material is able to take this form, so it is possible that the oval ones will be stronger.
Another point that you should pay attention to is the presence of a quick release system - the ability to remove the elbow pads or knee pads in one motion. It can be implemented with velcro elements or holtens (mushroom rivet) and a slip loop on the strap.
It is better if the elbow and knee pads have locks, buckles, for example, so that each time you do not adjust the size to the width of the leg.
It's also a good idea to have elbow pads from the same brand as the knee pads. To. sometimes the manufacturer provides for their interchangeability if one of the elements is damaged.
3. Major manufacturers of tactical knee and elbow pads
The Sheriff store located in Dnepropetrovsk offers knee and elbow pads from German, American, and Chinese manufacturers. Below we will focus on the distinctive characteristics and advantages of the models of different companies that are available in our store.
3.1. Alta Industries
Knee pads and elbow pads, produced by the American manufacturer Alta Industries, are widely used by law enforcement agencies and US military units. In Western European countries and in Ukraine, they are not yet familiar with this brand. Alta Industries manufactures tactical knee and elbow pads in six colors (black, woodland, olive, desert, coyote, and wagon). An important advantage is the mixed type of fastening of Altov's models of knee pads. The top strap is elastic and the bottom strap is nylon. Therefore, with a rigid fixation of the lower strap immediately below the knee and a not too tight upper fastening, you can achieve the effect of special comfort: the accessory almost does not fall off and at the same time does not press hard, while maintaining good blood circulation. Velcro and Alta elastic bands are durable and quite resistant to cold, heat, moisture and other tests.
3.2. Max Fuchs
Max Fuchs is the largest German manufacturer of high quality tactical equipment. Max Fuchs knee pads feature relatively flexible cups made of tough and reinforced plastic. The hallmark of Max Fuchs are the six wide metal rivets that secure the cups to the padded base. The outer side of the base is made of coarsely woven high density nylon. The inner layer is made of microfiber. Foam rubber is used as a filler. Fixation on the leg is carried out with the help of wide elastic bands with a fold-over fastening mechanism. Models Max Fuchs tightly fit the knee, without creating discomfort when bending the leg.
3.3. MIL-TEC
MIL-TEC is another German manufacturer specializing in military equipment. Tactical knee pads from MIL-TEC feature a cushioning pad that is made from EVA foam. The plastic cup of the models has a high rigidity, which ideally neutralizes shocks, falls, minimizing the risk of injury and protecting clothes from damage. Fixation is carried out with the help of two straps on an elastic band, fastened with Velcro. Outer material - Oxford nylon 600x600. The colors in which Mil-tech makes its models: coyote, flecktarn, black, olive, woodland and others.
3.4. Condor
Condor is a California company that has been manufacturing tactical equipment since 1990. The main production facilities of the company have long been concentrated in China, which made it possible to reduce the cost of products while maintaining high quality. Recently (since 2009), Condor has a US-made line. Knee pads from Condor are simple in structure and comfortable. The cups, like the Max Fuchs products, are attached to the soft base with wide metal rivets, only Condor has eight of them. And the cup of Condor products is monolithic and, while maintaining overall flexibility, does not have a special bend in the center. The cups are made of reinforced plastic structure, the inner layer is made of microfiber, foamed rubber is used as a filler. Fasteners - two Velcro.
4. Prices for tactical knee pads and elbow pads in the Sheriff online store
Our military store offers a variety of knee pads and elbow pads in the price range from inexpensive to prestige class.
The models we offer mainly vary in the materials from which they are made. It should be noted that models of a low price category also have their own advantages, which may affect the choice. So, cheap models are lighter, which reduces the load on the leg. However, the plastic in such models is softer and can sag in any part of it. The plastic of expensive models is more elastic and bends only in the central part, as provided for by the design. The thickness of the plastic lining of an expensive model is one and a half times more than that of a cheap one. The inside of tactical knee pads and elbow pads of a high price category, as a rule, is covered with an additional softening layer of Coolmax type material, on which there can be a rubber patch in the center for even more comfortable interaction of the accessory with the elbow joint or knee. Plastic fasteners are also usually more durable and of high quality for expensive models. Velcro fasteners on cheap models are usually solid, while on expensive models they are made in such a way that it is more comfortable to adjust the tightening.
5. Where can I buy tactical knee pads and elbow pads inexpensively
In Dnepropetrovsk, you will find an excellent assortment of military ammunition in the Sheriff store. Those who wish from all over Ukraine can pick up knee pads and elbow pads in our military shop, get tempting discounts, because our employees can easily arrange the delivery of your order even to Kiev, even to Uzhgorod, even to Kharkov or Odessa. Residents of Dnepropetrovsk can visit us on Artem, 9 on their own and get acquainted with the products, feel and try them out.
(068) 798-0000 (063) 798-9999