Understanding the Differences Between SBD Knee Sleeves: Which One Is Right for You?

by Rhaea Stinn

SBD Knee Sleeves are known for their high-quality construction and support, making them a favourite among powerlifters, weightlifters, and athletes looking to protect their knees during training. Whether you're new to knee sleeves or an experienced lifter, it’s important to know which style of SBD Knee Sleeves best fits your needs. In this blog post, we’ll break down the three types of SBD Knee Sleeves, how to choose the right size, and how to properly use them for maximum comfort and performance.

The Three Types of SBD Knee Sleeves

SBD offers three different styles of knee sleeves: the Original SBD Knee Sleeves, the SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeves, and the SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves. Though all of them may look similar, they cater to different types of athletes and levels of support. Let's dive into what makes each of these sleeves unique and how to determine which one is right for you.

1. SBD Weightlifting Knee Sleeves

These sleeves are the least compressive option in the SBD lineup. They offer moderate compression, making them an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for some knee support without the extreme tightness of other models. The 5mm thickness provides light support, ideal for beginners or athletes who don’t need maximum compression but still want some added stability and warmth during their workouts.

If you are new to knee sleeves or just want extra support during general training (without the need for maximum performance), these sleeves will offer a comfortable fit with enough flexibility to allow for a full range of motion. They are also easy to put on and take off compared to other SBD models, making them a great starting point for those unfamiliar with knee sleeves.

2. SBD Knee Sleeves (Original Version)

Released in 2013, the Original SBD Knee Sleeves have been a staple for strength athletes, providing a balance of support and flexibility. These sleeves are 7mm thick, which gives significant compression to the knee joint, making them perfect for heavy lifting. Whether you're squatting, deadlifting, or performing other heavy lifts, these sleeves help provide the stability and support you need to protect your knees and enhance performance.

The 30cm length of these sleeves ensures that the compression is consistent across all sizes. These sleeves have long been the preferred choice for athletes setting national and world records, thanks to their reliable performance and durability.

3. SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

Released in 2023, the SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves are designed for athletes who demand the highest level of support and compression during their lifts. These sleeves are also 7mm thick, but they feature a denser, less stretchy neoprene material than the Original SBD Knee Sleeves. The reduced stretch allows for even more compression, which is especially beneficial for powerlifters and competitive strength athletes who need to maximize their lifting performance.

The increased compression offered by these sleeves helps provide more confidence in your squat and other heavy lifts, allowing you to push more weight with greater stability. However, due to the tightness of the sleeve, these are not recommended for beginners. If you’re new to knee sleeves, you might want to start with the Weightlifting or Original 7mm version before progressing to the Powerlifting model.

Key Features Across All SBD Knee Sleeves

Despite the differences between each type, all SBD Knee Sleeves share several key features:

  • Spiral Seam: This unique design allows the sleeve to fit snugly around your knee, offering compression through the full range of motion.
  • Left and Right Sided: The sleeves are tailored for your left and right knee to ensure proper fit and comfort, with the spiral seam placed accordingly for natural knee movement.
  • High-Quality Neoprene: SBD uses the best neoprene available, ensuring durability, flexibility, and long-lasting performance.
  • Antimicrobial Lining: This helps to reduce odor, keeping your sleeves fresher for longer.
  • Manufactured in the UK: All SBD products are crafted with precision at SBD's headquarters, ensuring top-notch quality control.

Choosing the Right Size for Your SBD Knee Sleeves

Finding the correct size is crucial for both comfort and performance. All three versions of SBD Knee Sleeves use the same sizing chart, so the process for choosing the right size is consistent across the board.

Here’s how to measure for the perfect fit:

  1. Measure the circumference of your knee cap at its centre.
  2. Measure around the largest part of your calf.
  3. If your calf measurement is more than 4 cm (about 1.6 inches) larger than your knee measurement, use the calf measurement instead.

Once you have your measurements, refer to the sizing chart to see where you fall. If you find yourself between two sizes, we recommend going with the larger size for a more comfortable fit.

Remember, a good fit should provide support without being too tight or restrictive. You want your sleeves to be snug enough to provide compression but not so tight that they cut off circulation. If you're new to knee sleeves, don’t worry if it takes a little practice to get the perfect fit.

 

How to Put on and Take Off Your SBD Knee Sleeves

Putting on and taking off SBD Knee Sleeves can feel a bit challenging at first, but with some practice, you'll get the hang of it.

To put them on:

  1. Start by rolling the top of the sleeve down to the bottom.
  2. Look for the L (left) or R (right) tag inside the sleeve, or check the spiral seam to ensure it’s oriented correctly.
  3. Pull the sleeve over your ankle with the logo facing the front of your knee.
  4. Slowly pull the sleeve up, making sure the top of the sleeve touches your knee.
  5. Unroll the top half, ensuring it’s centred on your knee.

To take them off:

  1. Grab the top of the sleeve and roll it down inside out.
  2. Be patient if the material catches on itself—it may take some momentum, but with a little practice, it’ll come off with ease.

Care and Maintenance of SBD Knee Sleeves

To extend the lifespan of your knee sleeves, it’s important to care for them properly:

  • Air Dry: After each use, allow your sleeves to air dry. This will help maintain their elasticity and freshness.
  • Hand Wash Only: If your knee sleeves need a deep clean, wash them by hand using mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Avoid machine washing or drying, as this can damage the material.


Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just getting started, SBD Knee Sleeves are a great investment for protecting your knees and enhancing your performance. Choose the style that best fits your needs—whether it's the moderate compression of the Weightlifting Knee Sleeves, the robust support of the Original SBD Knee Sleeves, or the intense compression of the Powerlifting Knee Sleeves. With the right fit and proper care, these sleeves can provide you with years of reliable support for all your training and lifting goals.

As always if you have questions, let us know!

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