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Best Tactical Knee and Elbow Pads

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If your trips out to the range have been leaving you with ripped knees and ruined pants, it may be time for you to get your hands on a good set of tactical knee and elbow pads. While many people don’t realize how important it is to invest in a sturdy set of these pads, once you have used them for your outdoor activities, there is no way in hell that you’d want to be out without them.

With a large number of options available in front of you at any given time, it can be quite confusing to come up with one that suits your needs best. Over the course of this guide, I’ll be walking you through some details of tactical knee and elbow pads that I think are worth your time and money — so what are you waiting for?

Best Overall Product

The first product on this list is the one that comes out on top when you consider all the different parameters that make up a high quality set of tactical knee and elbow pads.

Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow Pad

The first product on this list and my pick for the “best overall product” is the Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow Pad set. Built using the best quality materials that improve durability, these pads offer full-coverage caps for enhanced protection. The interiors are made with foam so that you don’t have to compromise on comfort either.

What’s Included

  • Full coverage ABS hard caps
  • Soft EVA cup foam
  • Lycra and ballistic nylon fabrics

What Do I Think?

Instead of getting stuck with knee and elbow pads that look tacky and unattractive, the Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow Pads are designed well, both in terms of looks and protective capabilities. It is a complete package that you will not regret investing in.

Common Questions
  • Is it comfortable?

As the knee and elbow pads have a soft lining on the inside, they are very comfortable to wear. It almost feels like you’ve got nothing on your legs and elbows.

  • Is the material the best or is it cheap?

These knee and elbow pads are made using high-quality materials that will keep you safe and comfortable.

  • Is it durable?

Yes, as these tactical knee and elbow pads are built using high-quality materials, these are very sturdy and should last you a while.

  • Is the design terrible?

The design is very simple so it is difficult to go wrong with this. The black color and muted hard caps make for a stylish set of pads.

What I Like
  • The pads are made in a way that they don’t restrict your movement at all.
  • There are four different sizes available — small, medium, large and extra large — so that there is a fit for everyone.
  • The company has close to 50 years of experience when it comes to manufacturing protective gear.
What I Don’t Like
  • This is more expensive than a lot of other protective knee and elbow pads in the market.
  • These are not tactical knee and elbow pads in particular.

The Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow pads offer the best protection without restricting your movement, which is one of the biggest signs of a high-quality set of tactical knee and elbow pads. Choose this pair and you won’t be disappointed.

Buy it now

Best Buy

The next option on this list is what I call the “best buy” because of the kind of value that you get for the money you are spending. Keep reading to learn more about the product that tops this category.

JBM Adult Knee Pads and Elbow Pads

The JBM Knee and Elbow Pads are available in two different variants. One of these is designed for kids but the other one works fantastically for adults as well. The pads are made with soft, durable EVA materials with tough plastic plates to add protection. Tons of adjustable straps make it easy for you to pull the pads on without a struggle.

What’s Included

  • Soft SVA padded material
  • Adjustable straps
  • Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards included

What Do I Think?

If you aren’t looking to spend too much money but still want your hands on a good-quality pair of knee and elbow pads, this is a terrific option to consider. Another thing that sets this apart from other pad options is the addition of wrist guards.

Common Questions
  • Is it comfortable?

The knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are all very comfortable to put on and you don’t even realize that they are on your body after a while.

  • Is the material the best or is it cheap?

The pads are made using soft SVA padding, which is combined with tough plastic plates to add elements of sturdiness.

  • Is it durable?

Yes, these knee and elbow pads are very durable because of the high-quality material that is used for their construction.

  • Is the design terrible?

The design is fairly simple. While you may want to avoid the bright reds and pinks, the black works well.

What I Like
  • The knee and elbow caps are available in two different variants — one for adults and another for children.
  • The knee pads have many different straps to ensure the best custom fit.
  • The knee and elbow pads come with a comprehensive size guide that you can turn to if you have doubts about your size.
What I Don’t Like
  • These are essentially pads meant for sports and similar activities, not tactical per se.
  • The sizes are limited, which means that bigger adults may face problems.

Even though these aren’t technically tactical knee and elbow pads, they work increasingly well for many different activities because of the sturdy construction and extremely affordable price tag.

Buy it now

Best Features

Tactical knee and elbow pads are difficult to come by as most sets are usually multi-purpose, but my pick for the “Best Features” category is a designated tactical set of pads.

Military Outdoor Clothing 1053-N Knee and Elbow Pad Set

There is no tactical equipment that can be better than what is used by the military. For this reason, the Military Outdoor Clothing 1053-N Knee and Elbow Pad Set is a fantastic set for you to invest in. The pack consists of two elbow pads and two knee pads, all of which can be adjusted to fit you perfectly.

What’s Included

  • Military surplus
  • Two elbow pads
  • Two knee pads
  • Polyethylene construction

What Do I Think?

The main reason why I have added this set of pads to this list is because this is the real deal. While these are military surplus and may not come in a sparkling new condition, they work exceedingly well for tactical purposes.

Common Questions
  • Is it comfortable?

This set of tactical knee and elbow pads has a high-density polyethylene exterior but the inside is soft enough to keep you very comfortable.

  • Is the material the best or is it cheap?

The knee and elbow pads are made with high-quality materials and were originally developed for the military.

  • Is it durable?

The use of high-quality materials makes this set of knee and elbow pads very durable, withstanding even harsh conditions with great ease.

  • Is the design terrible?

Instead of sticking to the basic black, this set of tactical knee and elbow pads allows you to add that camouflage element to your equipment.

What I Like
  • The classic camouflage exterior of these tactical pads is very attractive.
  • The pads are made using high-density polyethylene, which adds to its durability.
  • The knee and elbow pads are very comfortable to use, which means longer usage periods will not leave your broken and tired.
What I Don’t Like
  • For those of you who prefer brand new equipment, the fact that these are military surplus may be a deal breaker.
  • There are some signs of wear and tear that are apparent when you look at these pads.

What is good enough for the military will — in all likelihood — also be good enough for you. These are one of the sturdiest and most durable sets of tactical knee and elbow pads and will last you a lifetime.

Buy it now

Fan Favorite

Another great way to distinguish a good product from a bad one is how many people are ready to vouch for it. More about my “fan favorite” in the section below.

Mongoose BMX Bike Gel Knee and Elbow Pad Set

If you are looking for a decent set of knee and elbow pads but don’t want to shell out too much money, the Mongoose BMX Bike Gel Knee and Elbow Pad Set is worth considering. These synthetic pads have internal padding and tough other shells for good protection.

What’s Included

  • Shock-absorbing gel
  • Tough outer shell
  • Breathable mesh

What Do I Think?

While I don’t particularly recommend this pair for larger adults carrying out heavy-duty work, this model works well if you are new to a field that needs padding. The price, in particular, is a very attractive point of these knee and elbow pads.

Common Questions
  • Is it comfortable?

Yes, this product is fairly comfortable to wear but there have been some cases of chafing.

  • Is the material the best or is it cheap?

The material used is of good quality but at this price point, you cannot expect the best.

  • Is it durable?

The knee and elbow pads are all very sturdy and durable.

  • Is the design terrible?

The design is fairly simple but nothing exciting to talk about.

What I Like
  • This is the most affordable pair of knee and elbow pads.
  • The shock-absorbing gel in the pads helps in avoiding sudden jolts.
  • The size can be adjusted to fit different dimensions.
What I Don’t Like
  • This isn’t the most durable product that you can get your hands on.
  • As there aren’t many different sizes available, it can be restrictive.

If you are looking for a relatively cheap set of knee and elbow pads that has the seal of approval of many different users, this is the option to consider.

Buy it now

Stay away from Product!

There are many different products that don’t make the cut when you look at the kind of quality offered for the price that has been quoted. In this section, I’ll be looking at one such option that may not be worth your time.

Dark Lightning Knee Pads and Elbow Pads

While this product is advertised as professional adult protective gear, it does not offer the level of protection that you need from a pair of tactical knee or elbow pads. This is more suited for work around the house or relatively low impact activities.

Another issue with this set of knee and elbow pads is that it isn’t large enough for a lot of people. You may find that it isn’t really a one-size-fits-all product. After going through this list of the best tactical knee and elbow pads, you will find yourself better equipped to make a smarter choice when you choose the next pair of pads for your individual needs. Gauge your requirements and be ready to get your hands on the perfect pair.