Advice needed- looking for kneepads

Red55

I've been looking at knee pads and have no idea what I'm looking for or at.

I've tried some cheap ones, with a view to investing once I know what I'm looking for, unfortunately I'm none the wiser and my knees can't take much more testing!

I've had a look online and most knee pads have pictures but no descriptions.

I'll be using the knee pads for caving so Ideally I'm looking for kneepads that are extremely durable, aren't too bulky but still offer a large amount of protection.

What knee pads do other people use?
Any recommendations on what I should be looking for? What brands?
Are there any shops with a large selection of knee pads I could try on?

Failing that any tips on how not to bruise so easily might also be helpful.

fergusb

For caving, your best bet is getting them from Bernies, or Inglesport in the UK (or any other caving specific shop):
http://www.berniescafe.co.uk/
http://www.inglesport.com/

I've previously tried using builders knee-pads, but the connectors on them are either too weak, or will dig into the back of your knees when moving. Also they are generally quite bulky so can get snagged easily.

I currently use neoprene ones similar to:
http://www.inglesport.com/shop/product/1484/Wetsuits-and-Kneepads/Knee-Pads-Warmtex-Faced/
The protection isn't huge, but they are comfortable and provide generally enough protection in my opinion.

Skyhawk1990

http://www.berniescafe.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=211

They're the ones that I use. They're grand and do the job. They take a bit of the shock out of falling on your knee. Red if you are who I think you are (well that sounds stalkerish :P), you've seen me fall in caves quite a bit! Poll na Gollum being the best one! :P Anyway back to the knee pads I've had mine since last may and they're still going a bit tattered but they're still going strong.

Starless river might be at the Student Caving Forum if you don't get any before then. Starless river can be tad bit expensive though.

As for tips on how not to bruise so easily! Man up! :P How good trips are is measured on how many bruises you come back with! :P

Red55

Thanks very much for the advice.

fergusb thanks for links, there's plenty of gear there for me to get, still have no real equipment of my own so they'll come in very useful!

Skyhawk1990 I think the ones you have are probably my best bet, peaches are rumored to bruise like me, and at that its probably an insult to the peach!

Relatively new to caving haven't been to poll na gollum yet!

fergusb

No problem! Let me know if have any other questions on equipment.

I've heard people say (and seen people try) rubbing butter into bruises to lessen them..... not convinced that it works but is definitely funny to watch.

Red55

Thanks Fergusb!

Mmm delicious bruises....
Not so sure I'll be trying that!