"What knee sleeve would you suggest for ...?" This is a frequently asked question when considering the expanded range of knee sleeves offered by SBD. They now provide three distinct options, each designed for a specific purpose. When buying a pair, it's important to select the one that best fits your needs.

Shared Attributes of SBD Knee Sleeves

Before delving into the unique features of each variant, let's first highlight the shared attributes. All SBD knee sleeves provide excellent support and warmth to your knee joint. They are crafted with high-grade neoprene material, specifically tailored for strength training, power sports, and competitive lifting, in collaboration with SBD's elite team. These knee sleeves are manufactured in the UK and undergo comprehensive quality control inspections. Furthermore, they are fully approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and compliant with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) regulations. Additionally, each version is sold in pairs.

SBD 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeves

Among the three knee sleeves, the SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeve stands out as the most distinct. Specifically designed to offer support and compression during dynamic movements commonly found in functional fitness and weightlifting (such as Olympic weightlifting), this sleeve excels in accommodating greater ranges of motion. It is an excellent choice if you seek a knee sleeve that can be utilized for lower body accessories, thanks to its enhanced flexibility compared to its counterparts.

Specifications:

• 5 mm in thickness.

• Increased stretch.

• Anti-Microbial inner lining.

• Abrasion-resistant exterior lining.

• Length changes between sizes.

SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves

SBD's original knee sleeve has established itself as the benchmark for numerous individuals and remains our store's most sought-after knee sleeve. 2024 saw an updated design but retained its great performance. It has been designed specifically for strength training, powerlifting, and other competitive lifting. It is the sleeve used by some of the best and strongest athletes around the world and will offer you great support and warmth for your knee joint during training. It is a tool almost any serious lifter should have in their arsenal when it comes to squats.

Specifications:

• 7 mm in thickness.

• Full 30cm in length (same for all sizes).

• Anti-Microbial.

• Maximum specifications permitted by the International Powerlifting Federation.

• Can size down for a tighter fit.

SBD 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

The SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeve is the latest addition to SBD's product range. Specifically engineered for competitive powerlifting, this knee sleeve prioritizes providing maximum support without impeding movement. While it may bear some resemblance to the standard knee sleeve at first glance, there are notable distinctions. The Powerlifting Knee Sleeve offers enhanced compression and maximizes surface contact, enabling it to conform to the joint's contours throughout its range of motion. This unique feature ensures consistent compression and prevents any gapping, ensuring support for the knee joint throughout the lift. While day-to-day use of the sleeve may be uncomfortable for some, its performance is unmatched when it comes to competition and use under maximum load.

Specifications:

• 7 mm in thickness.

• Full 30cm in length (same for all sizes).

• Anti-Microbial.

• Abrasion-resistant exterior lining.

• Maximal compression.

• Maximal surface contact.

• Maximum specifications permitted by the International Powerlifting Federation.

• It is not recommended to size down.

Which Knee Sleeve Is Right for Me?

Selecting the right knee sleeve ultimately hinges on your intended use, as each sleeve offers unique advantages and may be better suited for different purposes. It's important to note that this doesn't imply that one sleeve is superior to the others. Instead, it's about choosing the right tool for the job.

SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeve

If you require a knee sleeve for activities involving lunge-type movements, we suggest opting for the SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeve. The 5mm thickness of the Weightlifting sleeve allows for a greater range of motion, making it ideal for exercises that demand flexibility. We also recommend the SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeve for those engaged in CrossFit or Olympic weightlifting, or for exercises that benefit from the increased stretch offered by the sleeve.

SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeve

On the other side, there's the SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeve. In contrast to the Weightlifting Knee Sleeve, we recommend the Powerlifting variant for individuals seeking the stiffest possible knee sleeve. However, due to its stiffness, we primarily recommend it for those striving for peak performance in 1RM squats and powerlifting competitions. Keep in mind that its stiffness can make movements like lunges less comfortable, so it might not be the best choice for those activities.

Standard SBD Knee Sleeve

Lastly, we have the Standard SBD Knee Sleeve. This sleeve is a versatile choice. While it doesn't offer the same level of stiffness as the Powerlifting variant, it still provides a good deal of support with its 7mm thickness. We recommend this knee sleeve for general-purpose use and it's an excellent choice for individuals seeking warmth and support during squats but who don't require the stiffness of the Powerlifting sleeve. Additionally, from a cost perspective, it's slightly more budget-friendly than the Powerlifting sleeve, which may influence your purchasing decision.

Contact us at City Strength for personalized advice on choosing the best knee sleeve for your workout.