Best shins for bad knees

[akravetz 29]

Hi there, I was looking online at the black Friday and the Cyber Monday sales and was looking to see if there were any shin guards that might do me well. I am looking for 13'' guards that have good padding on the knees. First off, I play defense and do take pucks to the shins as well as drop down on my knees. Second, I coach two youth teams, mites and mini-mites and well, the kids think it's a hoot to whack you in the shins. Hence I wear my guards a lot but we are also teaching the kids how to drop to one knee or even both.

I wrestled for eight years, am 42 and well, my knees hurt. I don't want to stop playing or coaching so i was going to see if you all knew of anything that I might be able to grab up. Now, I have a set of X30 Vapor guards which are pretty good. The quality isn't the best as the plastic in the calf protection is breaking through the nylon but beyond that, they are okay. I can get by, but if there is something really comfty for the knees, I'd love to hear it. Thanks and hope y'all have a great T-giving.

Andy in Peoria

[flyers10 57]

I was getting bruises at the top inside corner on my knees with my One60's. I recently got some 11K's with a clearance coupon and so far much better. Look at those, 9k, previous 10k's, Nexus 1000 (not sale yet). All have deeper knee pockets that may fit the bill.

[Skyking517 1]

Hey Andy,

I'm 34 and have two knee surgeries, protecting my knee is the most important thing. I decided to not go cheap with my shin pads, I did at first and regreted it, felt it every time I hit the knee. Just upgraded to a pair of Bauer Nexus 1000's and am so happy. Didn't feel a thing last weekend during my game. My piece of mind pays for the the price. Enjoy!!

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I don't have knee issues, but I wanted to chime in - I too plan to buy Nexus 1000s. They seem to be the most protective in the knee area, just slightly better than the high-end RBKs.

[Vet88 674]

My knees are also shot and will need to have partial knee replacement (patella joint) sometime soon. Top end pads are the only way to go. I'm currently using Rbk 10k's and Bauer One95's and some Jofas coming, also good are TotalOnes and 11ks. I didn't like anything from the Easton range (S19, EQ50, RS) or other Bauer ranges (XXXX, X60) but haven't tried a Nexus 1000 yet. Whatever you choose just don't skimp on the pad because of the price, this is one case where you pay for what you get.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

My knees are also shot and will need to have partial knee replacement (patella joint) sometime soon. Top end pads are the only way to go. I'm currently using Rbk 10k's and Bauer One95's and some Jofas coming, also good are TotalOnes and 11ks. I didn't like anything from the Easton range (S19, EQ50, RS) or other Bauer ranges (XXXX, X60) but haven't tried a Nexus 1000 yet. Whatever you choose just don't skimp on the pad because of the price, this is one case where you pay for what you get.

I agree with you on the Easton and Bauer ranges, I don't like the skinny shinpads. Currently in Supremes and hate them. Nexus is much wider, very similar in shape to the Reeboks.

[The MAD Line 2]

If you can find them on clearance, probably the best all round pads I've ver used.

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index.php?/topic/62079-warrior-franchise-senior-shin-guard/

[FozzieBear 0]

If you can get the 11K, take them. I had Jofa shins before and they where awesome but the 11k, insane! I am very picky with my shin pads. I had ACL surgery on the one knee and the other knee isn’t in his best shape as well. Since I got the 11k I don’t worry about blocking a shoot etc.

I fully recommend the 11K

[theWB 2]

Unfortunately, Bauer is the only manufacturer that considers a 13" shin to be a SR size. All others designate their 13" shins a JR and I find they down spec them to some extent. The 11k's don't come in a 13" because Reebok doesn't make JR 11k shins. That being said, the 9k is an fantastic pad as far as value and protection go. Keep in mind that it might be too narrow/shallow as it is technically a jr shin though. I'd also give the Nexus 1000's a look as well. IMO, the most protective 13" shin out there.

[akravetz 29]

I have Vapors now which are supposed to be a bit narrow and I don't mind them at all. I need a 13'' and probably could use a 12" as they go into my skate and i have to "flop" the tongue I know, I can put the boot over the tongue but I haven't figure out yet how to get my pants on over my skates without looking like an idiot or tearing them. Tried it once and put a hole in my pants.

I didn't want to spend top of the line money as well, I am a C-league player. in my area, that's the lowest level. Some people talk about D-league being the lowest. Here, it's C. I am not insulting myself but I also don't know if I need top of the line stuff when well, I am a C leaguer That said, I do want to protect my knees. The issue is that dropping on them hurts and I need more padding. eight years of wrestling just feels horrible now at the age of 42. Don't regret but I have to live with it now and I want to keep laying hockey. I saw the video on the Nexus 1000. Looks amazing but not much on the knee padding. How can I look that stuff up?

I know a lot of you all are dealers, vendors, shop employees or owners so you know far more than me. Thanks again for all the help.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Unfortunately, Bauer is the only manufacturer that considers a 13" shin to be a SR size. All others designate their 13" shins a JR and I find they down spec them to some extent. The 11k's don't come in a 13" because Reebok doesn't make JR 11k shins. That being said, the 9k is an fantastic pad as far as value and protection go. Keep in mind that it might be too narrow/shallow as it is technically a jr shin though. I'd also give the Nexus 1000's a look as well. IMO, the most protective 13" shin out there.

^ This is the reason I'm not already wearing 11k. Since OP needs 13" shins, the Nexus 1000 is definitely no question the best bet.

I have Vapors now which are supposed to be a bit narrow and I don't mind them at all. I need a 13'' and probably could use a 12" as they go into my skate and i have to "flop" the tongue I know, I can put the boot over the tongue but I haven't figure out yet how to get my pants on over my skates without looking like an idiot or tearing them. Tried it once and put a hole in my pants.

This is the reason I have One60 pants rather than One40. The thigh zippers. No other reason. I put my shins over my tongues, which means my skates are literally the first thing I put on, then the shins, then the socks. (well, I put the socks on, pull them up to my knees, put my skates on, pull the socks down over the skate tops, put my shins in, then pull the socks back up and secure them). Then shin tape, then pants. The thigh zippers are the only way I can get my pants on over my skates.

If my shins were 13" (I wear 14" now), I could probably flop the tongue and put my skates on after the pants.

[akravetz 29]

This is the reason I have One60 pants rather than One40. The thigh zippers. No other reason.

this is going to sound really stupid but I don't what type of pants I have. They are TPS brand but they are old hand-me-downs that I was given two years ago when I started playing. they have good padding still and well, I like them. They are a bit bulky but for me, they work. No zippers. Just a lace-up in the front and a web belt that is almost broken. I know, it's time for new pants too and I might get those first and then shins... money's tight. But that's why I do it the way that I do.

Andy in Peoria

[AlphaSierra 1]

I see a lot of ortho injuries in my line of work, and have been victim to one shoulder repair myself. Good protection will certainly help you out but most of the nagging injuries over time are movement based vs impact based. If you have nagging ligament damage all the protection in the world is not going to save your knees. Think about when you go down on one knee and your skate rotates outside, you are torquing the knee. I am not arguing against good protection, but I would advocate getting the problem diagnosed and figuring out how to address your specific problem. Might be braces, PT to strengthen, or worst case a fix it job by an ortho surgeon. Take it from someone who tried to patch and fight through the pain for 2 years causing more damage.

[akravetz 29]

but I would advocate getting the problem diagnosed and figuring out how to address your specific problem. Might be braces, PT to strengthen, or worst case a fix it job by an ortho surgeon. Take it from someone who tried to patch and fight through the pain for 2 years causing more damage.

My wife is a PT so I am totally good on that end. :) Nah, it's not ligament or anything. It's old age, arthritis or just weak knees. Who knows. It's when I go down on my knee hard and who knows if any shins will work in that case. I appreciate all the help here. I'll let people know what I do.

[Hermans 9]

The old 10k, now 11K, has a high quality foam that seems to never quit giving that comfort and the suspension in the knee is fantastic. The knee cap offers very few flat surfaces so when I hit the ice my knee is never stable (always rolling a bit). This lack of flat surfaces means I have very few direct impacts and also that it takes some getting used to be able to go down on one knee and remain stable.

For typical rec use I would expect the RBK pads are more than most people would need. Highly competitive players and equipment geeks might seek out pro-stock or older JOFA's but in my opinion if they fit you'll be hard pressed to find a more protective pad at retail.

I'm 5'10'' and fairly average and whereas previous pads, (in order Winwell, Bauer Ignite, Itech 955 and Shock Doctor) were all 14's I went 15 inch with the RBK's and found the extra length wasn't difficult to adjust to. The 15 inch RBK really didn't seem that much longer.

[IPv6Freely 2100]

The old 10k, now 11K, has a high quality foam that seems to never quit giving that comfort and the suspension in the knee is fantastic. The knee cap offers very few flat surfaces so when I hit the ice my knee is never stable (always rolling a bit). This lack of flat surfaces means I have very few direct impacts and also that it takes some getting used to be able to go down on one knee and remain stable.

For typical rec use I would expect the RBK pads are more than most people would need. Highly competitive players and equipment geeks might seek out pro-stock or older JOFA's but in my opinion if they fit you'll be hard pressed to find a more protective pad at retail.

I'm 5'10'' and fairly average and whereas previous pads, (in order Winwell, Bauer Ignite, Itech 955 and Shock Doctor) were all 14's I went 15 inch with the RBK's and found the extra length wasn't difficult to adjust to. The 15 inch RBK really didn't seem that much longer.

Once again, RBK doesnt make adult shinpads in 13". So that's out of the question.

[Hermans 9]

It's all about fit. I understand the comment there are no 13'' but for me the 15'' fit like a 14'' so perhaps a person may find a 14'' fits like a 13''.

On fit, the other comment on RBK (whether 11K/10K or 9K/8K) fit, is that the straps are shorter so to get them secured over a big, muscled calf can be a challenge.

[s_franchise 5]

My nexus 600's do the job really well, They fit pretty wide and allowed me to wear a brace over the summer. they don't skimp on protection and I didn't see a reason for the 1000's over them.

[AIREAYE 248]

Big fan of what CCMs been putting out over the past few years.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

The Reebok 11K shins seem to run small. I needed to replace my 16" RBK 7K shins, so I bought a pair of 16" 11K shins. I got them home and tried them on with my skates. They were an inch shorter than my 16" 7K shins, so I had to take them back to exchange them for a pair of 17" 11K shinguards.

Try on a pair of 14" 11Ks at your LHS, they might fit.

[nozomi 0]

I have the 11k shins and like others have said, they are very protective and comfortable. Also the sizing does seem to be a bit smaller. I am not sure about vs Bauer, but my 11k's in 14 are definitely shorter than my old Easton's in 14.

[Joonas #6 3]

Big fan of what CCMs been putting out over the past few years.

Me too. Even though I have a little older pads (V06) they've been really good/comfortable. I've had knee problems for almost 10 years now and I can really recommend CCM gear.

[romdj 26]

I'd definitely suggest the EQ50 shin pads, they are tanks, very comfortable, and are on clearance! what else could you ask for?

:p

I'd personnally trade lightweight and slim design in exchange of protection, durability and comfort.

[greyskull 21]

I've got 11ks and they are TANKS.

Also agree they run a bit small. 14's might do you.

[akravetz 29]

I tried on 11Ks at a LHS and they were huge. Maybe my Vapors are sized small but those 14s in the 11K seemed a lot bigger than my X30s in the Vapor line. Didn't get to try on the Nexus ones. I'll check out the EQ50s. Clearance is a good thing