SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves
Need help picking the right knee sleeve? Check out our Knee Sleeves Guide
SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves Description
The SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves are designed for competitive powerlifters looking for the maximum support from their sleeves. They allow for significantly greater compression throughout knee flexion to maximise support and confidence during maximal attempts, increasing top end performance.
SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves Key Features
- Sold as a pair.
- IPF approved and USAPL and IWF compliant with the maximum allowable 30cm length.
- High grade, high density 7mm neoprene offers maximal compression and surface contact area throughout knee flexion.
- Enhanced four-way stretch allows the neoprene to stretch during fitting and maintain compression all around the knee joint throughout the lift with no gapping.
- Heavyweight linings, edging and seams designed to hold up to even the most aggressive fitting.
- Antimicrobial treatment minimises the build up in bacteria and reduces odour.
- Patented design.
- Manufactured in Great Britain.
| Size | Knee Joint (cm) | Knee Joint (in) |
| 3XS | 23-25.5 | 9-10 |
| 2XS | 25.5-28 | 10-11 |
| XS | 28-30.5 | 11-12 |
| S | 30.5-33 | 12-13 |
| M | 33-35.5 | 13-14 |
| L | 35.5-38 | 14-15 |
| XL | 38-40.5 | 15-16 |
| 2XL | 40.5-43 | 16-17 |
| 3XL | 43-45.5 | 17-17.9 |
| 4XL | 45.5-48 | 17.9-18.9 |
| 5XL | 48-51.5 | 18.9-20.3 |
Measure the circumference of your knee joint with your leg out straight, keeping your muscles relaxed. Measure around the centre of your kneecap (at the patella), and around the thickest part of your calf. If your calf is more than 4cm (1.6in) larger than your knee, then you may wish to size up to ensure a good fit.
If you want a tight fit best suited to powerlifting and squatting, we recommend sizing down. A regular fitting knee sleeve will be snug.
If you are new to wearing knee sleeves we recommend going with the recommended fit instead of sizing down, especially if you fall on size medium or smaller.
We recommend hand washing your knee sleeves with water or a mild detergent (or a specialist neoprene/wetsuit detergent), then allow the sleeves to air dry standing up.
The spin cycle of a washing machine can damage the sleeve, as the knee sleeves become quite bulky when wet and can potentially get caught up or damaged by wringing. High heat from a washing machine or a dryer will degrade the rubber in the sleeves (potentially causing shrinkage or brittleness).
FAQs
Yes, knee sleeves can be beneficial for squats. They provide compression and warmth to the knee joint, which can enhance blood flow, reduce discomfort, and offer support during squatting movements. Knee sleeves may also aid in injury prevention by stabilizing the knee joint and providing a modest amount of cushioning, particularly during heavy lifts.
You can start squatting with knee sleeves once you begin to experience discomfort or instability in your knees during squatting movements, or as you progressively increase the weight lifted. Knee sleeves can provide support and reduce discomfort, particularly during heavier lifts or if you have a history of knee issues.
The decision between knee sleeves and knee wraps depends on your specific needs. Knee sleeves offer moderate support, compression, and warmth to the knee joint, making them suitable for daily training and providing stability during exercises like squats. On the other hand, knee wraps provide significant support and compression, allowing for heavier lifting and a rebound effect at the bottom of the squat
Whether to deadlift with knee sleeves depends on your individual preferences and needs. Knee sleeves primarily provide compression and warmth to the knee joint, which can be beneficial for some lifters during deadlifts, especially if they experience knee discomfort or want additional support. However, deadlifting doesn't typically put as much stress on the knees as squats, so knee sleeves might not be as necessary for everyone during this exercise
In powerlifting competitions, knee sleeves must adhere to specific guidelines set by the respective federations. Generally, knee sleeves used in powerlifting competitions should be made of neoprene with a maximum thickness limit typically around 7mm. Additionally, knee sleeves must not have any additional features such as straps, fasteners, or padding.
All SBD knee sleeves are IPF approved and suitable for powerlifting competitions
Orders are typically processed and dispatched within one to two working days, but we do endeavour to dispatch orders placed before 12:00 Monday to Friday on the same day. You will receive email notification once your order has been fully processed and your parcel is ready to leave our warehouse.
NI and ROI delivery
Orders are shipped by DPD on a next working day service across Ireland.
Postage and packaging rates
Northern Ireland (NI)
Orders under £99 = £5.00
Orders at £99 or above = Free
Ireland (IE)
Orders under €199.99 = €5.95
Orders at €120.00 or above = Free
As the Irish retailer of SBD Apparel, we only fulfil orders being placed in Ireland (ROI and NI)
Orders cancelled after dispatch of the goods will be refunded only once the items are returned to us, and may be subject to a deduction for postage and packaging costs. Items must be returned within 30 days from receiving the goods. Cancellations must be made by email (toInfo@sbdireland.com), quoting your order number.
Defective goods
All SBD Apparel products undergo a stringent quality control process; we expect our products to live up to the highest standards, and guarantee our products against manufacturing defects.
If a product does not live up to your expectations, please contact us atInfo@sbdireland.com and include your order number, name and delivery postcode. As an SBD retailer, we are authorised to assess warranty claims. Warranty claims must be accompanied by proof of purchase.
Let us know what you think of your items. If you are not satisfied your purchase can be replaced at any time or returned after 30 days. All of our products come with a 30 day free return and one year manufacturers guarantee against defects.
Additional Info
What Does it Mean To Be IPF Approved?
When a product, such as knee sleeves, is IPF Approved, it means it has been tested and certified by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) to meet their strict standards for use in official competitions. This approval ensures that the product adheres to the federation's technical rules, providing athletes with fair and consistent equipment options during competition.
IPF Standards for Knee Sleeves:
Material Requirements:
IPF-approved knee sleeves are made from a single layer of neoprene or neoprene with a thin, non-supportive fabric layer. They must not provide any additional support, rebound, or performance enhancement beyond the lifter’s strength.
Size and Construction:
Maximum thickness: 7 mm
Maximum length: 30 cm
Continuous cylindrical design with no additional features such as Velcro, drawstrings, or padding. Sleeves must not have holes or gaps and cannot include extra supportive devices.
Placement and Usage:
Sleeves must be worn only on the knees and centred over the knee joint.
They cannot come into contact with the lifter's suit or socks during competition.
Lifters cannot wear knee sleeves in combination with knee wraps.
Approved Manufacturer:
Only products from manufacturers on the IPF’s Approved List of Apparel and Equipment are allowed in competition. Even if a manufacturer is approved, the knee sleeves must still comply with all detailed technical rules to be eligible.