Shin Guards - Thick or Thin?

[Tettsui]

I'm planning on getting new shin guards and was looking into the Twins brand. They have a thick shin guard and a thin one.

I'm still a beginner so should I ease myself into shin conditioning with the thick guards or just jump in with the thin ones?

I can think of pros and cons for both but would rather ask someone with experience.

[nzproud]

I would go for thin ones. The reason why I would go for thin one is that you should get used to the pain earlier. But i prefer to get isami brand shin pads than those thai style ones.

[vapor]

I too would vote for the thinner ones

Here is a thread on the very topic at hand, that you might want to look through for some more opinions.

http://www.kyokushin4life.com/forums...upporters.html

vapor

[SHIDOKANATLANTA]

get the thick ones used by thai boxers for kick sparring. you'll still condition your shins kicking with the thick ones. with the combination of you kicking pads, bags and working technique without shinguards, you will condition your shins just fine.

[nzproud]

I actually agree with Shidokanatlanta san.

[seienchin]

I also agree with shidaokanatlanta - I think that as a beginner, you have enough to worry about. Get the thick ones, and once you stop feeling anything through them, graduate to the thin ones.
Nothing but injury to be gained by rushing.

[ksan]

I agree with seeinchin.. dont rush this part... your shins can get quite a beating and you need to focus on your movements and style... not cramp up coz your already in pain.. get thick ones. I have thick ones, thin ones and intermediate ones... depending on the state of my shins i use any of the three


Osu

[Bloke]

I have always used the thin ones and never had any problems.

[Spirit]

2 questions you should ask yourself.
1) are you a working man/woman and need to be able to present yourself daily in a professional manner or wish to be as free as injury as possible/
2) are you going to be, or inspire to be a top tourney fighter?

If you are a professional (or really do not care to be a tourney fighter but likes to fight & wishes to be injury free as possible), and need to to present yourself well go with the thicker ones or even yet double up on them if need be.
Spirit is far better than pride. Meaning I would rather have 10 students who have all the spirit and need to protect their body and wear pads than 100 who have none don't wear pads, and bang without care...

I've worn shin/instep pads and let me tell you after thousands of fights and getting older, being a little protective to the body is way better than being to proud and not wear them.

You may go through several brands before you find the right ones.

[powerof0ne]

I've used just about every type of shin pad there is. I actually don't prefer the thai style ones, even though they have been the most expensive. They have slipped on me a lot in sparring, and I mean, a lot! My favorite pair that I own right now I received about a year and a half ago, the sports combat MMA style. That have spandex with the inserts sewn in, they are kind of like the old Pancrase style shin pads.
As far as thicker or thinner goes, it's fine to start out with thick. No point in starting out and checking some kicks and getting hurt so quickly that you ca n't really spar much. I have doubled up on shin pads in the past, especially on my lead leg that I primarily use to check/block kicks.
Right before I go the sport combat ones I got a very expensive pair of twins shin pads similar to the isami ones that also had a velcro strap, they costed around $35, which to me, is expensive for shin pads that should only cost around $15-20 tops(USD).
The good thing about the leather thai style shin pads(mine are thaismai)is that they last a damn long time. I have had my pair for 7 years and primarily used them for about 2. I would also sometimes put a pair like the pictures isami ones underneath(doubling up).
Honestly, I'd highly reccomend the sports combat mma style ones, if you do n't mind spending the money on them. Here's a link that sells 'em: Combat Sports Grappling Shin-Instep Guard

[helenosch]

Like the rest said, as a beginner, I would start out with thick shin-pads. Don't worry about conditioning now and when the time to worry comes and you still have the same shin-pads, (at least if you have something similiar to the Isami-ones in the picture), they will be pretty thin - my expierience with mine...after 3 years of (ab)use.

[Tettsui]

Osu!

Thanks for all the advice. I didn't know thick or thin shin guards would bring so much debate. Mental note...don't discuss religion, politics, or shin guards with friends. Anyhow, I haven't completely decided on which brand but I'm gonna go with the thick. I'll start a Product Review thread after getting them.

Osu!!!

[Natedawg]

Thanks PowerOfOne for the combat link... I too as a parent have been searching for quality/dependable shin/instep protectors, something a step-up from the $5 Proforce sock-type. I think that concept is great tho... just slip it on like a sock... no straps to hassle with. Another manuf., Century also does this with their "body armor" line. Sorry, can't post links

Another product line that seems very well-made is Budo-Nord, a company out of Sweden. I have found a UK supplier, not a US so far. Seems they have been making MA products a long time, and supply MA product to Olympic teams. Can see their products at a site called Kachi-Do dot com.

Nate