Description
“It’s been 84 years”…… Well not quite but knee sleeves have been on my “to do” list for a LONG time. Well I can finally mark them off that list because our first ever neoprene knee sleeve is here! I searched high and low for an American manufacturer to tackle this project with since we could not get them done internally, but unfortunately could not find one so we expanded the search and was able to find a reputable supplier outside of the USA. They have been a long time buyer of our products actually so the reciprocation made sense. We went back and forth for several months and when I got the first prototype in, I knew we were on to something. Fast forward a few designs and another several months, and here we are! We now have (IMO) the strongest and best 7mm sleeve in the world. The sleeves are NOT a joke… they are seriously stiff and are not intended for a warm compression to walk around in. They are meant more to mimic knee wraps and to get more pounds added to the bar with confidence. These sleeves are sold as a pair.
- The strongest and densest sleeve on the market
- 7mm thick *
- <30cm Long *
- Pioneer quality
- Sold in pairs
- Do not size down, thinking these will stretch!
*Conforms to Powerlifting Federation Specifications
*Sleeves come with a 6 month manufacturer’s warranty which covers defective material or workmanship. This does not cover lost, stolen or damaged items.
Sizing:
Sizing on such an aggressive material will be the hardest part about purchasing. You will notice that the sizing guide isn’t based on knee circumference, but rather a calf measurement. The reason behind that is due to the fact that it doesn’t matter the knee circumference if you cannot get it up over the calf! The quad measurement doesn’t matter quite as much either as these sleeves have a good taper on them. I recommend sizing up when a question falls on which size to get…. BUT that is for assurance because these sleeves DO NOT stretch very much.
Michael lauro (verified owner) –
Used them for the 1st time today. Super impressed. I’ve squatted 830 lbs in pioneer wraps and also own their adjustable belt lever. These sleeves are on par with the awesome standard of pioneer. Was a bit skeptical due to low price and lack of reviews since they’re brand new but I am ecstatic with how these fit. My knee measured 16 inches so I went with XXL and they fit perfect without too much struggle to get on and off. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a new gen pair of sleeves!
Peyton (verified owner) –
Obviously a great sleeve, it’s as tight as the description says and will help you as much as a lighter to medium wrap. However, I sized up based off what they said and I still can’t get it where it needs to go on my leg. I would recommend sizing up two sizes. It’s unfortunate I paid $95 and sized according to the description and it still end up being too small. I’d recommend finding good ways to stretch it out or techniques to use to aid putting the sleeve on.
Angelo Chris Angelou (verified owner) –
I sized it as XL, with my calf diameter at 15.5 inches. It tells you to use CALF diameter, not knee. It fits fine and is harder to get on and off than my SBD 7mm Storm sleeves, but not nearly as hard as the Inzer product. I highly recommend them. I left them on during my entire Squat workout with no issues. Great product at an excellent price.
mikeylu95 (verified owner) –
My first pair of “actual” stiff/thick knee sleeves, and I love them. Took them out on a primary squat day and was able to hit a PR. My calf size is 14 inches (small calves gang) and the Large fit perfectly. They were a bit of a challenge to put on and I had to waddle a little bit to get around the gym.
Eddie (babyweight fitness) (verified owner) –
Perfect fit! They went on beautifully. Snug and stood up the whole squat session, unlike the Inzers that keep sliding down. All around great product! You guys nailed it! Best sleeve on the market in my opinion. My measurement was 16.5 and I got 2XL and it’s perfect.
Brandon (verified owner) –
I’ve owned pretty much every stiff sleeve there is and the Pioneers are my preferred. They’re slightly longer than the other brands when similarly sized, much denser, and best of all, are by far the most affordable. Props to Pioneer for coming out with a great product at a great price.
Jason Nguyen (verified owner) –
Really lovely product, great price and material. My only complaint would be the sizing is definitely on the smaller side, I’m in between 14-15 inches in calf size and the XL is too small. Once I start squatting, the pump makes my legs go numb and I have to take the sleeves off between sets. The disclaimer about the material having little to no stretch is on point, if in doubt just size up!
Alex –
These are just as effective as inzer ergo pros but half the price, awesome. Also shipped quickly. I was halfway between large and xl based on calf circumference and went with xl, definitely the correct move, do not size down. Only used them once so far so I can’t really speak to build quality, though they appear sturdy. Easily smoked my squat PR in the one session I did with these sleeves.
itcvetkov (verified owner) –
The knee pads came faster than expected. Compared to my old knee pads from A7 (medium hardness), these knee pads are top. When I walk with them I can’t bend my knees :)
Dan G (verified owner) –
For the love of God, don’t size down on these. My calf is 17.5″ so I followed the instructions and sized up to 4xl. I kept worrying they would be too big, just based on the fact that 4x sounds like “a lot” and my legs aren’t really huge. In practice they are about the same size as my 2xl SBD sleeves (tight fit) and just like the description says, there is next to no stretch in these. These get stuck on the biggest part of my calf, and I can juuuuuust get them to my knee if I pull really hard. The difference in stiffness compared to a normal sleeve is insane, it’s like doing a loaded hamstring curl trying to bend your knee all the way. I don’t think there would be any added benefit to sizing down even if it were possible since the material is so strong and stiff.
Tanner (verified owner) –
Do NOT size down at all. I was slightly over 3XL (17.3”) so I thought i could size down to 3XL since I was closer to that than the 4XL and let me tell you no matter what i did or how hard I tried, the 3XL would not go over my calf. I wear a L in my older sleeves. If you do want to size down, order both sizes and just be prepared to ship the smaller one back. $30 mistake on my part :(. Will update my review after exchanging for the 4XL as they felt like they would’ve been solid sleeves if I could’ve gotten them on.
Peyton H (verified owner) –
Very good quality, my calf size is 16” so I got 3XL and they were still a bit tricky to get on. I would say to get 2 sizes up instead of one, hoping these will stretch out just a tiny bit, but today was the first day using them so it’s expected to be tight. Very good quality again Pioneer. Just try to make the sizing a bit better
Li xin (verified owner) –
The quality is good, except the rubber smell is a bit unpleasant, my calf is 17 inches, I chose 4XL, it fits perfectly, hope it helps you
Samantha –
I’ve had my pioneer belt for about 8 years now and decided to add these knee sleeves to replace my old crummy Amazon ones. When I say these are the best thing for my leg day I’ve ever experienced, I mean it. I have a history of knee issues and these have really helped my comfortably and keeping everything where it needs to be when doing my heavy lifts. I will say, these are SUPER thick. Definitely pay attention to the sizing, and maybe size up one from your measurements. Mine are rather tight but I think I’ve grown to like them being extra tight. My PRs have went up, and my pain down. Highly recommend!
Chandler Parsons (verified owner) –
These knee sleeves are INSANE!!!!
The quality is unmatched compared to any other knee sleeve. The pop you get out of the hole on squats with these is incredible. You are leaving pounds after the platform if you don’t grab a pair!
JammalTDR –
Inzer, iron rebel, stoic, and strong knee sleeves are all the sleeves I’ve used in the past.
For competition these are the knee sleeves I recommend to be one of the best and at the cheapest price 75$ vs 150$ is a clear difference of which company you should pick.
Why do I pick these? One it’s cone shape so no weird gaps because of the smaller knee joint. Second they are way easier for me to get off than most of the others but work better.
They are tight…very tight I do recommend to everyone to not size down 1 size unless it’s for competition purposes only.
Bobby Gay (verified owner) –
I have a pair of A7 rigor mortis that I bought but these pioneer sleeves seem to be stiffer. Took 500×4 on tempo squats this past weekend and they handled it with ease. Definitely recommending to everyone. Not to mention the quality and price point cannot be beat anywhere. I’ll put them against any other sleeves and I bet they out perform them.
jacobfussell98 –
I have a custom pioneer belt that is lumberjack style and I have had it for almost 5 years I love my belt it’s been with me all the way up to a 750lb squat and will definitely continue to use it.
Phil Nguyen (verified owner) –
My first and last pair of knee sleeves, super stiff at first but great support even after breaking them in. Definitely use the straps method to put them on if you’re having trouble!
Rebekah Crooks (verified owner) –
Could not be better! Calf’s measure 17.5”-18” and sized up to a 4XL. Manage to get them on and off with a slight struggle but they are the best sleeves I’ve used. I’ve previously used Mark Bell strong sleeves and SBD 7mm and these Pioneer sleeves are vastly superior. As always Pioneer crushed it!
Shea Fayard –
Quality coupled with affordability. I was so excited to wear these as I competed at IPL World Championships last November. They did not disappoint. These knee sleeves come complete with a nice spring that is guaranteed to add lbs/kgs to your total!
Bekah –
AMAZING!
Do NOT size down. This was my first ever quality knee sleeve purchase. I’m a smaller lifter and my calf was measuring closer to 13”, but I still went up to a size Large and I’m glad I did. They’re tight but still comfortable enough I don’t feel like I need to rip them off immediately after sets. They were also super easy to get off at the end of session and from what I’ve heard from other brands, that’s not always the case.
Phillip Bennett (verified owner) –
Sizing chart is on point. Confidence in the squat through the roof. Quality is that of everything else the brand makes, great. Already competed in them once and sticking with these going forward!
Molly Hendryx (verified owner) –
Love these, more rigid and tighter than Ergo Pros. I always had gapping behind my knees. But with this shape I have none.
The sizing is dead on/ maybe a smidge tight. So size up. First three days moly legs were falling asleep between sets. But no complaints. Now that they’re a bit more worn in, they’re easier to get off and on. Were perfect for my comp. And showed up fast.
Cassandra Lambdin –
Love love love these sleeves! Have been using them for about 6 months now and still in perfect condition.
joseph.t.lewis91 (verified owner) –
These things are stiff!!! If you’re in between measurements on the chart size up. I was 15.5 inches around my calf and ordered XL and there was absolutely no way I was getting them on. The XXL are still VERY TIGHT and VERY STIFF. I haven’t squatted in them yet but I can tell they’re going to be great. Also, shout out to Megan for being freakin awesome at customer service! Thanks Pioneer!
Breckin Mazzoni (verified owner) –
Best sleeves in the game rn for the price
Fabian Garza Jr (verified owner) –
Without a doubt, these are the best knee sleeves available in the market! As a powerlifter, I use them for my training sessions and I strongly recommend them to anyone seeking reliable support while lifting heavy weights during squats.
reelmessedup (verified owner) –
I’m a vet, with garbage knees. These sleeves are stiff enough to not feel like I’ll launch a kneecap into orbit. I Zercher squat, and now can focus on progressive overload instead of my gimped out knees. Read the sizing instructions carefully, because there is no give in these. If I sized down, I’d have to cut them off post workout.
Susanne Nix (verified owner) –
My calves measure:
R: 14.5” L:14.75”
I ordered both L and XL. The L were too tight to even pull up so I decided to go with XL. Felt great in my workout this am. Before I was going to return the larges I decided to try them on again. I forced them on BUT COULD NOT GET THEM OFF!! TRIED ALL THE TECHNIQUES. My teenage son was trying to help. I was losing circulation and ended up having to cut them off! So now I’m out $75 but at least confident that the XL’s are the ones to stick with!! Overall, they are really good quality. Just make sure you get the correct size. Do not size down!
Susanne (verified owner) –
I bought both the L and XL.
My calves measure:
L: 14.75” R: 14.5”
Do NOT size down. I forced the larges on and could not get them off! I was losing circulation to my legs! My teenage son and I tried all the tricks to get them off but finally had to cut them off! $75 mistake! The XL’s are fantastic. Worked out in them today and was very pleased. Wish I would have listened to the reviews to NOT size down. Great customer service too!