Product Spotlight: Combat Sports Standard Thai Pad

www.elitemma.com

Until recently, my first and only pair of thai pads were by Kwon. They were a great pair of pads, incredibly soft to kick, and great to hold as well, but after 10 years of kicking the hell out of these pads it was time for an upgrade. That being said, let me introduce you to my newest piece of training equipment and an awesome set of Thai Pads for the value, the Combat Sports Standard Thai Pad. Let me review some of the finer points of this product.

Large Padding Area
The first thing you will notice about this set of Thai pads is the extremely large target/padding area. The pads are 16″ tall and 8 ” wide, which had a dual purpose. It provides a larger target area for the person attacking to strike. Larger pads are always good for high powered workout, as your attacks can be less percise, but you can go with high energy and not worry about missing the target. From the perspective of the hold, which is usually as I use them, the extra targer area provides a lot of great protection, especially when you are holding the pads for those Thai kicks. There is less of a chance of a kick missing the pad and catching you on the elbow or face.

The other extremely important thing to point out is that these pads are 4 inches thick. This is great because the pads absorb a lot of shock and preserve your forearms. In fact they are actually built with an impact absorbing foam. From the strikers perspective they are also great to hit. I have hit plenty of Thai pads that feel like you are kicking bricks. While these are not as soft as the 10 year old Kwons (simply because they are brand new), that I owned and were completely broken in, they are one of the best pair of pads I have hit out of the box. In about 10 years, I am sure they will equaly, if not exceed my old pads.

Closures and Handles
The backs of the pads feature both the hook and loop closures as well as leather handles. Each pad has 2 hook and loop velcro closures, at the lower forearm and wrist area. The advantage of the double straps is that you can fasten them down at two locations for a nice tight fit. The downside, with dual straps from my perspective, is that in order for you to get a tight fit on the wrist loops, you usually need to have someone else tighten them down after you put them on. With that being said, I would still always prefer double straps compared to single ones.

Also, the handles on the top of each pad are made of 100% leather and are ergonomcially formed for each side. I call this “dummy proof”, because you can tell by looking at the paid whether it goes on the right or left hand. I also like the thickness of the handles. I have held pads where the handles are too thick, and it makes it difficult to hold. These pads have a good thickness, and my grip does not tire throughout the training session. Both the handles and straps have reinforced stiching, so there is little chance of either ripping off the pad.

Affordability
Many Thai Pads are typically priced between $80-$140 dollars. Usually, this is one of the most expensive items you will purchase for your equipment. In fact, these exact Thai Pads are priced for $90 at other web sites. Elite MMA Currently has these Thai Pads priced for only $69.99. It is an incredible value, and definiately worth adding if you are in the market for a new pair of Thai Pads. While they don’t have a “Free Shipping” option, they do have reasonably low shipping costs. It was as little as $7 to send it to my location.

Recommendations
I have only owned one other pair of Thai Pads, but I have actually held plenty of pairs of various pads before. With that being said, these are amoung the top of the pads I have ever owned. They provide a good amount of protection for the holder, while providing a large, comfortable striking area for the attacker. Overall, I have am very happy with my decision to go with these Thai Pads.I would score this product at 9 out of 10.

These Thai Pads are on sale for $69.99. To purchase a pair of these Thai Pads for yourself, click the image.

Product Spotlight: Fairtex Sparring Head Guard

You know, Fairtex really should sponsor my website, because not only am I exclusively purchasing their gear for all my primary equipment, but I blog about it and tell you guys all the great things about them, and why I decided to make this purchase. Well, this item is no different. Just before I went to Thailand I purchase some new head gear, and only used it 1 or 2 times. While in Thailand I didn’t use it at all. So finally the other day I decided to use it while sparring against my friend Chris, when I realized I couldn’t see his feet. The problem was the cheek guard are so puffy that I couldn’t see his feet unless I put my head completely down. So I looked around and decided on the fairtex head gear. They have a nice open front while still providing a lot of protection. And of course they come with the same typical fairtex quality.

There are a couple other features that I like about this head guard. First off, when you strap the head guard in, the chin strap actually keeps your mouth from opening up, and will train you to keep your mouth shut and breath through your nose, while also keeping your chin tucked. Also, this head gear is easy to get in, with simply a large velcro patch at the back of the head guard. This is important, because I have had complicated head gear with ties and buckles and a bunch of other things to adjust once you get it on. One simple adjustment point is much more convenient.

The head gear is also really light weight, while at the same time providing maximum protection around the front of your head, ear and chin areas. The shell is made of a high quality leather also, so it will be durable and long lasting. Oh, and one more important point, it comes in blue which matches my MMA Fairtex gloves.

Now I just need fairtex shin guards and I’m set. Maybe they will read this plug and ship me a free pair.

If you need head gear, you should definitely pick this up. They are on sale at MMA Warehouse, so click the picture below and it will take you right to it.

Dan.

Fairtex Sparring Head Guard Price: 89.99 Fairtex Used by amateur and pro fighters worldwide, Fairtex headgear is designed to offer the comfort, visibililty and the protection you need for years of hard sparring. Handmade in Thailand. Top grain leather shell. Shock-absorbing, high-density foam core. Fully adjustable. Available in M, L & XL. Item may ship directly from the manufacturer via Ground shipping if sufficient quantities are not available.

Product Spotlight: Fairtex Ultimate NHB Gloves (Full Thumb)

I just purchased these gloves myself. I can’t wait to use them in the MMA class. As always, Fairtex makes quality products. I tried them out on my heavy bag and was satisfied. They fit snug, if you are planning on wearing them for a fight, and have to wrap your hands, you may want to look at getting them 1 size bigger than recommended. They have a lot of padding on the knuckles to protect your hands when you are pounding your opponent. Also, I like the protective sleeve for the thumb. It gives you extra protection for when you are reigning down with the reverse hammer fists. Also, the blue color is pretty cool. Click the image below to purchase a pair for yourself.

Fairtex Ultimate NHB Gloves (Full Thumb) Price: 69.99 Fairtex Fairtex Originals with supremely natural feel for maximizing functionality, comfort, and durability during intense MMA competition and training. Fingers are split at base for unimpeded dexterity and ventilation. Longer fingers add extra protection to knuckles. Patent-pending ergonomic “open palm” hand compartment for maximum hand sensitivity. Contoured knuckle padding supports safe punching from all angles. Size Chart: Medium: 110 to 180 lbs Large: 180 to 220 lbs X-large: 220 lbs and up

Product Spotlight: Cage Fighter Fight Shorts (White)

This was the first pair of MMA shorts that I ever purchased. I love them. Several of the fighters in UFC 98 wore these shorts. It has a strong cloth draw string on top to adjust at the waist. There is also a velcrow patch on the zipper area and on the top to secure the shorts at the waist. The basic color and layout is simple. That is one of the main reasons I purchased it. I didn’t want something that was overly flashy or cluttered with designs. The shorts are affordable and durable. I recommend them to anyone.

Cage Fighter Fight Shorts (White) Price: 49.99 New fabric cut offering greater hip mobility Microfiber Polyester shorts featuring a 5” wide stretch fabric inseampanel for maximum flexibility Gathered 2” wide stretchable waistbandsecured by hook & loop front closure with internal drawstring Hidden internal mouth guard pocket. Triple stitching on side &crotch panels. 6” side split seams for maximum range of motion. Alllogos are embroidered Comes in 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42