Tactical knee pads are designed to protect soldiers while at the same time conforming to the specifications of military uniforms. They make shooting with a knee on the ground more comfortable. They increase maneuverability and decrease fatigue anytime a soldier is crawling or kneeling for extended periods. They also minimize the risk of abrasions and exposure to airborne infections because of falls on hard ground, glass or other pointed objects.
Pros and Cons
Tactical knee pads can reduce risks of injury and allow a soldier to stay effective in uncomfortable conditions. Knee pads do have certain inherent disadvantages. Wearing a knee pad is not as comfortable as not wearing it. The straps on the back can bunch up and become uncomfortable. In addition, they can feel bulky and awkward, making them a distraction if worn in conditions where they aren't needed. Sometimes soldiers use only one knee pad -- the one they drop to when "taking a knee."
Built-In Tactical Knee Pads
Some military pants are made with built-in knee pads. Others have knee pads that slide into special pockets and are not as noticeable as other knee pads. The benefit of the insert type is that you have more flexibility. You can change out the knee pads if they're too thick or too thin and you can wear only one knee pad if that's all you need.
Separate Knee Pads
The Canadian Defense Department studied equipment for enhancing protection of the soldier's extremities and made recommendations from its findings. For knee pads, they focused on products used by infantry soldiers instead of products used in sports and civilian trades in order to minimize the modifications required to make them compatible with military criteria.
The report recommends the use of DKX-1 VORTEX from Damascus Protective Gear. This knee pad has two types of gels that are bonded together to create maximum shock absorption. The gels are designed to disperse weight within the pad and minimize the impact of contact with a sharp object. These knee pads are available commercially and are a good choice for users who are in situations similar to military maneuvers.
Choosing the Best for Your Situation
People with careers that have them bending down a lot often need quality knee pads. Many commercial companies sell gear designed for military and police use to the public. The best choice for tactical knee pads will depend on the condition of your knees and the type of use they'll have. For people who don't want to be obvious about wearing knee pads, purchasing pants with built in knee pads from is a good option. For mechanics and plumbers who stay on their knees for extended periods, appearance isn't important and a removable knee pad with a thick pad is the best way to go.
Member Comments