Reddit mentions: The best volleyball protective gear

Hi there,

Glad you really enjoyed the your day and that you're really excited about gearing up and getting back out there.

Start by finding yourself a good mask. There are a bunch of different options out there for you depending on what kind of paintball you're going to be playing. Currently, for my needs, I found I really like the E-Flex google system. I really like how easy it is to snap a new lens in and out and I like the way it fits on my face. Go down to your nearest paintball shop and start trying stuff on and asking questions there as well. Find the mask that is right for you.

After your mask I would look at getting some basic protective equipment. Decent shoes, some elbow and knee protection. At this point in time you're not too heavy invested financially and you can make the decision on what kind of marker you want to buy.

There are a ton of places for you to find a used marker. Try and find a facebook group that is local to you that does b/s/t for paintball gear.

Again, it really depends on what kind of paintball you're planning on playing and how much money you want to put into it. Go slow, ask lots of questions, and try to get your hands on stuff before you actually commit to playing.

The trademygun site I linked is pretty good and they have a 30 day policy on all of their sales. If you're looking at buying a marker online through facebook or some random try and get your hands on it and get it over a chrono and shoot it before you put money into their pocket.

Hope that helps and I'm glad you found something you're passionate about.

Have a good one,

I'm 98% sure the supporter in your link comes with this cup: https://www.amazon.ca/Shock-Doctor-AirCore-Adult-Large/dp/B01640ION4/ , though I use it with Shock Doctor compression shorts instead.

It's foam, but with a somewhat stiff plastic part in the middle. The stiff part isn't as sturdy or broad as a normal cup, though. You can twist or bend it in your hands - more than just foam, but not heavy protection either.

I agree it's a compromise for Krav. It's not gonna protect you from a proper shot during sparring, for instance. It's enough for days which are mostly pad work, with a bit of partner drills later on. It helps that I usually go to morning classes, which tend to have a smaller group of people who are a little more "controlled".

I don't know much about hockey - but I don't think I'd trust it at all for that. I've spent a couple hours on dirt bikes, and never felt the need for a cup, but I think, if you're gonna wear one riding, it's probably the right balance of comfort/protection for that. The "tail"/bottom would easily deform (in a good way) against the seat, so it doesn't dig into you.

It is, though, very comfortable - it bends totally with you, and has never caught or otherwise bothered my piercing.

Is it truly "enough" for Krav? Depends on how willing you are to weather the occasional wild kick. I just accept it as "cost of doing business", but your tolerance may be different.

The Diamond is truly the gold standard - you can have somebody just haul off a kick or knee into your groin and you almost don't feel a thing. It is a bit bulky, though, in addition to the cost you mention. Their shorts are good quality - I've worn them right over the piercing and it never snags or anything.

EDIT: To add the shock doctor one is covered (laminated, kinda) in a porous fabricy lining. I can't remember what the directions recommended, but I always throw it in the washer with the rest of my gear, and it's been fine through probably 100 washings. Looks a little worn, but not functionally any different.

They make [padded shorts] (https://www.amazon.com/padded-shorts/b?ie=UTF8&node=3416331) for inline falls on roads or concrete- you could wear those under some sweats. I don't wear the shorts to ice skate but I do recommend [volleyball knee pads] (https://www.amazon.com/HUEGLO-Protective-Dancers-Volleyball-Bruising/dp/B07TF9SQVR/ref=zg_bs_3421291_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V52CPZ8HWAYHZNM6GMD9) to protect your knees. They're comfortable, allow you to move, pretty discrete, and they are made for slamming into gym floors and I've found them to be quite protective against falls on ice as long as you're not concerned with protection from pucks and sticks as well. You got the elbow pads, and helmets don't look out of place out there at all.

Spend some serious coin and get yourself a good quality mask. Profilers offer great protection, easy lens changes as well as cheap(er) lenses. A pair of Franklin volleyball knee pads too wouldn't hurt. They work great and costs half as much as paintball knee pads.

http://www.amazon.com/Franklin-Volleyball-Knee-Anti-Microbial-Protection/dp/B001N94LB6

Hey thank you!

So no, it’s not... you’re totally going to laugh at me but check this out..

I actually used the strap that came with this . I went OTB and fractured my foot in Feb. so I ordered this just to give me added stability for a few months. I never used it. (Luckily I didn’t need it).

However I was pondering the same thing as you and I just so happened to think of the strap. It totally worked! I could pull it tight and keep it snug. Would def call it ghetto, but hey.. it works great lol.

You will need special shears to cut the Kevlar fabric. You can get them on Amazon for like $25.

Also, you don't find it often on jackets, but add thumb loops at the sleeve ends, so you can fit the loop around your thumb after you put your gloves on. It will prevent the sleeve from riding up if you get into a crash, which does happen. I added it to my Kevlar lined hoodie, works great.

For the armour, make pockets to put it in, so you can easily remove it for washing.

The hoodie I have is essentially thr same as this one. https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Hoodie-Armoured-Ultimate-Protection/dp/B01A25G19Q

I have really weak ankles as well. That + being overweight for 18 years and never building up certain muscles means that I am really prone to ankle rolls.

Some things that have helped me:

-I have these ankle braces that I wear when I played rugby, am rock climbing, or doing rocky hikes. I always bring them backpacking with me although I don't usually wear them. Ankle braces are good for stabilization as you build up muscles but I wouldn't wear them all the time - especially for things like walking - because it makes your ankle reliant on the brace and it never builds up the necessary muscles.

-Spend a lot of time on your feet. You don't have to be running but things like walking and challenging your foot to stabilize itself (walking on sand, grass etc) will make your ankle stronger and stronger

-I went to physical therapy but stopped because $30 a session was too much for me. But take those exercises and do them on your own time. Use a bosu ball or couch cushion and just stand on it with one foot. This is an ankle routine specifically for runners that I've been doing

-Go to a running store or podiatrist and tell them about your pain in flat shoes. The podiatrist gave me a pair of inserts that I wore in my running shoes for the first two years or so.

The good news is that your body adapts and will build the necessary muscles the more you use it! My ankle is so much stronger compared to when I first started running. When you almost roll your ankle it's terrifying but those are actually the times your ankle really learns to restabilize itself. You don't have to force it but things like balancing or unstable terrain can be really good to build up those muscles...just be careful!

In regards to running, find a program and do it. Don't push your body too hard. If you haven't been running consistently as your body has been growing then it's new (and stressful) for your body - give it time to catch up!

Wrist guards. If you write code for a living or just use a computer, they're very worthwhile (plus most falls will kill your palms without them). Not the set I own, but they look good

For padding I bought these:
Knees, elbows

Helmet looks like a good deal. Ideally, you also want decent shoes, long-pants, and a jacket to cover your arms, legs, and feet. This is what I wear when I'm really riding quickly, but for < 20 MPH, you can probably shed a bit of it.

They don't hold up, at all, on your knees. The honeycomb pattern tears almost instantly with any sort of sliding action across a wood floor.

The compression quality is quite good though.

I wear the viper sleeve under a Mizuno kneepad with great success.

https://www.amazon.com/Mizuno-480105-LR6-Volleyball-Kneepad/dp/B00114V4SG?th=1

These are not super cute, but I've worn them regularly for almost 3 years and they're still in great shape and super comfy.

I like the style you linked. G-Form is another low-pro option that is nice. I find myself using these more often because they are easy on/off but still comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Telekneesis-Kneepad/dp/B000LSKDY4

At this point, you have likely damaged the ligaments in your ankle. This means it will only become easier to sprain the ankle. If at all possible, go to a physical therapist. They will be able to tell you exactly what exercises to do. I've done a lot of stuff with resistance bands, balancing, one legged squats, and a couple others, all recommended by physical therapy.

Also get an ankle brace. I highly recommend this one. One thing to note is that it's important to do ankle strengthening even with a brace because the brace will cause you to lose ankle strength.

Thanks!

This one is my favorite.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A25G1A0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've never trained muay thai in shoes. I would not want to take a kick from someone wearing shoes either to be honest.

At my gym shoes are worn only for wrestling and that's optional.

You could get a pair of ankle supports like these maybe?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001TYXO0Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0YUZDbVNP4H12

I know I personally can keep going with PB because it's so low impact on the joints, but I honestly never considered that other people in my class might also need low impact exercise too! Bunch of bad knees and bum hips :) I looked around and I think these are the donuts we use in my studio - if they're the same brand then I can attest they are nice and dense https://www.amazon.com/dod-fitness-Knee-Donuts-kneeling/dp/B00ANU7N1G/ref=lp_8063115011_1_1?srs=8063115011&ie=UTF8&qid=1543505841&sr=8-1

Yeah, I was really hoping to add it to my wristguard, but the kind I have, there's no easy way to do it. I think this is going to work - gonna replace the wrist strap with this, then it should sit snug on my elbow guard where I want it, plus it gives me a reflective stripe at night:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N11BFL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'll get turf burns no matter what. I'd still take the turf over some of the grass fields in my area.

I wear these. They're cheap, and not too restrictive. I get the occasional burn, but nothing super painful. I go through a pair every season.

Besides those, either a 3/4 pant if you want a pant/short hybrid, or just full-on GK pants. Storelli makes good stuff, but expensive.

Awesome, this is the kind of content that is realllllllly important and we should talk about health and safety more often.

For locking, I wear some nike kneepads but I can't find them anymore, I think they might be related in design to these but I don't think I ever paid that ridiculous price tag. They're nice because they have a really tight fit so they don't move around a lot. The problem with them is that they don't protect the sides of the knees which is a huge problem with the Jazz/James Brown splits. But for W's/Knee drops their fine.

I think stretching and joint mobility is also a huge thing, if you regularly work on both then you're a lot less likely to experience a serious injury.

lots of different variations, in different sizes ... these definitely work

https://www.amazon.com/ZenToes-Padded-Skate-Socks-Protection/dp/B073BZJQXJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?hvadid=234002469989&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031929&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1o1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3671525382060171693&hvtargid=kwd-386014890201&keywords=figure+skating+ankle+sleeve&qid=1554968073&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

pRINT IT ON ONE OF THESE AND YOU WILL BE FINE!

My old coworker wore knee pads daily!

Something light weight like this
https://smile.amazon.com/adidas-S1748VB100-5-Inch-Black-White/dp/B074CNTF5Q/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=knee+pads&pd_rd_r=100b1195-5448-40fd-b371-e09150f5d2da&pd_rd_w=aFcXK&pd_rd_wg=i7sBB&pf_rd_p=a6d813ec-3ed4-4e07-8c47-44da4b9e8167&pf_rd_r=7TDTZNA08NFRD33YTT1G&qid=1565659049&s=team-sports&sr=1-10

for me it did after i changed my lacing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D671VgevDcg&t=131s

you can immediately feel the difference. while i was recovering, i used a gel pad:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073BZJQXJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but after recovering after a few weeks- i don't need the pad anymore.

also i skip an eyelet near the top of my lacing

Something like this might help you out. https://www.amazon.com/Venum-Boxing-Ankle-Support-Guard/dp/B009DZ0K12/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1478582721&sr=1-1&keywords=muay+thai+ankle+wraps

about half the guys in my gym train barefoot, half wear ankle supports (something like this), but I don't think that helps anything in the foot, just the ankle. None of us wear socks because that'd be too slippery.

What are you training and what are you doing that's causing injuries to joints?

My local bike shops all have little velcro straps with reflective material to be fastened around a pants leg to keep the hem out of the drivetrain and provide some extra visibility, so you could use something like that if you wanted (similar to this, but with proper 3M reflective material rather than neon thread).

If you wanted something a little less conspicuous you could just get some elastic and sew it into a loop, or even use wrist sweat bands (I believe used by racket sport players).

I got these low profile pads, I just wear them under my work pants. They're comfy and help a ton, they haven't gotten in the way yet. I haven't gotten to use them in the Summer or with shorts yet, so we'll see how they do there.

Get this universal Chain guard

I have weak ankles and wear two of these every time I play. I've never had a problem, but just be sure not to lace them up too tight or you'll lose circulation.

I use these frequently. Sometimes with the addition of foam as well if im someplace for a long period of time. They damn near hide completely under my shorts, but no one gives me shit for them because they realize I'm the smart one for wearing them.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-ZD0925-Profile-Knee-Black/dp/B002ZUR0EW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526835615&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=aisics+volleyball+kneepads