Knee pads

I’m considering buying the Send mini slim or the mini classic knee pad. Looking for any insight as to what I should get or if I should look at a different brand. I’m 5’6 and just shy of 150lbs for context.

I wouldn't recommend the mini. That's what I thought I wanted but I wish I had gotten the full sized slim. I find I have to orient the pad for a particular bar instead of just haveing a rubber knee to stick in things. But I'm 5 11" so there's that. Also slim vs regular would depend on the type of use you plan for it.

I'm roughly the same height (5'5") and I love the mini-slim Send kneebar pad. I feel like where the buckles end up sitting on my leg are less then ideal and are not super comfortable. I think the placement of the buckles could be designed better. I remember seeing some brand that Laura Rogora was wearing that looked like the straps were designed better.  As far as Send kneebar pads go though, I will say I'm glad I bought the mini-slim because any larger and it would feel too clunky for me. 

I will say in my experience, kneebar pads really just make kneebars more comfortable, as you can probably get a similar degree of friction out of just bare skin while wearing shorts. It would just be more unpleasant. 

I’m just trying to stop tearing through pants.

Brandon Walker wrote:

I’m just trying to stop tearing through pants.

Don't wear pants. Problem solved!

Alex Whitman wrote:

I wouldn't recommend the mini. That's what I thought I wanted but I wish I had gotten the full sized slim. I find I have to orient the pad for a particular bar instead of just haveing a rubber knee to stick in things. But I'm 5 11" so there's that. Also slim vs regular would depend on the type of use you plan for it.

+1 to this. I have a mini-slim and a full-sized slim. If I'm only using one on a route, I always reach for the full-sized one first. (I am, however, also much taller than most at 6'4")

I've never regretted getting the slim pads vs the thicker classic ones, though. Even at my size/weight, it's hard to imagine a kneebar where the slim wouldn't be sufficient. Unless you're knee-barring on actual knife blades or something, I think you'll appreciate the better sensitivity of the slim. 

If you just want abrasion resistance, and padding, like for walls: Voit (or Wilson) volleyball pads with a couple layers of duct tape over them were very comfy, stayed put and lasted a LONG time. When I tossed them they would have still been very useful.

If you are wearing through the knees of your pants just doing regular climbing I think you need to fine tune your technique.