So, you’re looking for a new pair of knee sleeves. With so many brands and choices on the market, it can be difficult to sort through which pair suits your needs best.
I’ve been using Rehband Knee Sleeves for the past 6 years as I have been training for International Weightlifting competitions. I even won my Commonwealth medal wearing Rehband Knee Sleeves!
Safe to say, I’ve put these knee sleeves through their paces so I am well qualified to provide an unbiased Rehband Knee Sleeves review.
Let’s start with the materials used in the Rehband Knee Sleeves.
Table of Contents
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Material
Rehband Knee Sleeves are made from 70% SBR foam rubber material and 30% neoprene rubber that your wetsuit is made out of. This creates a very stiff but elastic knee sleeve that provides a lot of support in the bottom position.
This material is also of great quality and no matter how long you use these knee sleeves, they will never lose their stiffness. I have used both 5mm and 7mm Rehband Knee Sleeves over the past 6 years of consistent Weightlifting training for International competitions and they are just as stiff as when I bought them.
Stability
(@powerfulpretorius)The 7mm Rehband Knee Sleeve is the standard thickness of a neoprene sleeve. They provide the greatest support and stability for the knees. I have found the Rehband Knee Sleeves to be the perfect length to create stability during squats and when performing the snatch and clean & jerk.
The 5mm allows a little more flexibility around the knee but for the rigors of Weightlifting, the 7mm provides the most stability.
Comfort & Fit
I’ve found that the Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves don’t slide down like other knee sleeves do. And if they do slightly move down, they don’t bother me at all.
Other knee sleeves I have used slide down during my sets which becomes a big distraction especially when squatting.
They are very comfortable and I have no problem wearing them for my entire training sessions. The tapered fit makes them easy to put on.
Further, they provide a lot of warmth around the knee so if you live in a colder climate, you will have no problem warming your knees up or keeping them warm.
Durability
These are probably the most durable knee sleeves on the market. Both of my Rehband Knee Sleeves are in near perfect condition regarding the material, support, and stability after wearing them for 3+ years while training for International Weightlifting competitions.
This involved around 9 sessions a week of training in these knee sleeves with no visible wear and tear.
The logo is wearing off but that is normal for all knee sleeves and doesn’t mean anything about the quality of the knee sleeve itself.
Sizing
When sizing Rehband Knee Sleeves, just follow the sizing chart which looks like this:
Size | Calf Measurement |
|---|---|
XXS | 29 – 31 cm |
XS | 31 – 33 cm |
S | 33 – 35 cm |
M | 35 – 37 cm |
L | 37 – 40 cm |
XL | 40 – 43 cm |
XXL | 43 – 46 cm |
Measurements of the circumference of your calf should be taken 10 cm below the knee cap. I did exactly this and the sizing was correct. If you fall in two different sizes, you will have to choose between wanting a knee sleeve that is a slightly tighter fit or slightly looser.
The first couple of times the knee sleeves can feel tight. But don’t worry. As you wear the knee sleeves they stretch a little and become comfortable and fit perfectly.
Price
This is where Rehband Knee Sleeves can turn Weightlifters away. They are easily the most expensive knee sleeves on the market.
Rehband Knee Sleeves are sold in SINGLES not pairs. So, the $40-50 price tag is for one knee sleeve. That means a pair will cost $80-100.
However, I will say these knee sleeves fall into the “buy nice, don’t buy twice” category where buying these knee sleeves will mean you will never have to buy another pair ever again.
Rehband Knee Sleeves 5mm vs 7mm
There are a few different thicknesses of Rehband Knee Sleeves you can buy. I will omit the 3mm knee sleeves as it’s not really worth buying sleeves so thin.
I prefer my 7mm knee sleeves over my 5mm knee sleeves for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the 7mm provides more knee protection because of its thickness. They are also longer than the 5mm so that adds to the knee protection and stability.
Secondly, sometimes when my training is very intense, I like to wrap a light bandage around my knees under my knee sleeves. Because the 5mm knee sleeves are slightly shorter, my bandage tends to stick out and start to unravel throughout my training session.
The 7mm cover the whole bandage keeping it tightly wrapped up.
If you’re wondering if you should buy 5mm or 7mm Rehband Knee Sleeves, I would advise the 5mm sleeves for those that are wanting a knee sleeve for general knee protection and support. The 7mm knee sleeve is perfect for those who have an underlying knee issue or need more protection and stability.
Pros
Cons
Rehband Knee Sleeves
If you are looking for an upgrade to your current knee sleeves or are buying your first pair, don't look past the Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves for the best quality and support you can find. Did you know I've also rated these as the best knee sleeves for Weightlifting?
Quality
Easily the highest quality knee sleeves you will find that have lasted me many years of training.
Stability
Superior stability over thinner knee sleeves.
Comfort
As far as knee sleeves go, these are very comfortable and can be worn for a whole training session with no issues.
Price
These are almost double the price of other knee sleeves on the market. However, you are paying for very high quality material and construction.
Durability
Put it this way. You won't need to buy another pair of knee sleeves again.