Author Topic: Padding (Read 623 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** August 30, 2009, 04:59:03 PM »

What kind of knee/shin guards do you guys use?

I have a pair like this style - not these exactly:

There pretty decent, but the problem is stronger currents sneak in the sides and cause them to constantly twist and slip. I find myself wasting precious time reaching down to reorient them. No doubt though they really do come in handy in comp. Not ever having to worry about dropping to your knees on the ground or a rock is clutch.

I've been thinking lately that the best would be padding directly sewn into your waders!!! How kick ass would that be. I realized in the Canadian Nationals, and mind you the Diable was a very unique river in how hard it was to wade, BUT in general you want to be able to go full bore no matter what the conditions. I mean literally hit your beat like a running-back into the end zone. You can't do that if you're constantly worrying about where to put your next step and banging up your knees, shins, thighs, elbows, and hands on hard falls. Padding can alleviate a lot of that worry.

I'm currently trying to find a friend or family member who wouldn't mind helping me customize some of these products on the market. For instance, the shin guards above should have a full elastic type cover with tight sealing buckles or velcro that goes from the very top to the very bottom to keep rushing water out and keep them in place.

I also think thigh pads that protect your front and side thighs could be really helpful. I took some brutal falls on the Diable that absolutely crushed my left thigh. I had huge welts and was hobbling around for days afterwards - luckily it was my last session.

Of course, you don't need this protection all the time, but having it handy just like a selection of rods would give you the edge on the rivers.

What do you guys use? Any ideas for better stuff?

Paul Bourcq · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2009, 07:55:14 PM »

I just suffer for right now. Im tall 6'3" inches so its a long way down. I grew up fishing small brookie streams so I naturally try to stay low or fish on my knees alot but it does hurt. I did by some xl volleyball kneepads. They are good under waders and dont slip much. One thing ive been thinking about is these tactical kneepads. I use them when i shoot alot and they are good. http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum6075.php If somebody could sew a pair into waders it would work. I have tactical pants that have sewn in pockets for these kneepads and they do stay in place well.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2009, 08:17:49 PM »

That would be absolutely ideal!!!!!!!! A pair of high quality waders that had pockets sewn in at all the right places so you could add padding if you wanted it... or not.

Anyone reading this from any wader companies?

??

Paul Bourcq · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2009, 08:18:48 PM »

i have an old pair of waders and my buddy has a sewing machine. Im gonna figure this out.....more later.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2010, 12:58:32 PM »

Where did you guys buy your knee and shin pads from?

Loren Williams · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2010, 01:48:59 PM »

Dejon,

I use duct tape around the flaps of my pads to get them a bit more secure and, more importantly, keep the tabs from grabbing my lien and what not.

I don't always wear them but after Sweden I will always have a pair with me!

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2010, 02:00:09 PM »

I have and always carry a small pair of knee pads, but rarely wear them during competition sessions.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2010, 02:18:59 PM »

Todd,

That is exactly what I was leaning towards something that would fit in my pack if I needed them. Do you have any preference to a company or style?

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2010, 02:33:34 PM »

I just use an inexpensive pair that i pruchased at Home Depot. They only cost around $12.00 and seem to last a few seasons. I use duct tape to keep them from spinning and sliding down my shins.

Here's a link to a pair that is quite similar to mine: http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=948019&Ntt=948019&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&recN=0&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:17:17 PM »

Duct Tape Check! Now i just need to get to Home Depot.

Todd,

You must find more fly fishing related supplies than anyone at Home Depot. I love the resourcefullness.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:26:02 PM »

As I own and operate an automotive collision repair and restoration shop (Autobody shop), shopping at Home Depot is about the only way I can technically "write off" a very small portion of my fishing equipment.

So don't be surprised if you happen to spot some grease or bondo dust on my kneepads the next time you see me on a river or stream...

Jordan Ewing · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:47:09 PM »

Quote from: Paul Bourcq on August 30, 2009, 07:55:14 PM

I have tactical pants that have sewn in pockets for these kneepads and they do stay in place well.

5.11? Yeah, I use those too. Those knee pads are kind of crap on duty (EMT.) They tend to get hot and make my knees all sweaty. I was thinking of putting them in my fire turnout gear, but waders wouldn't be a bad idea either. I also have the height challenge/advantage (6'5")

Kevin Lowe · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2010, 09:07:37 PM »

I have used a few kinds and styles. I lean torward a pad with a hard plastic cover. That way you can really bang if needed! I just tested a pair from lowes this past weekend. 30 bucks they are light and simple a slim shin guard with elastic\velcro straps. Then the knee area kind just sticks up in front of the knee. I wasn't sure if I would like this but it works well and is super confy. I thumped my knee good in a recent tournyand it slowe me down alot . I wont go without the pads againg in a tourny. I will try to post up a pic in a few .

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2010, 09:30:19 PM »

I can't find the exact ones I bought a couple years ago, but here's one that's pretty close:
http://www.galaxyarmynavy.com/item-3568.asp

Loren, my sister-in-law added one of those dinky little bra clips for each strap... they stay put now. Highly recommended.

Eugene Shuler · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2010, 09:26:39 AM »

I use soccer shin gaurds under my waders, I get them at Walmart, the brand name is Mitre. They have a hard plastic shell with foam padding, they also have ankle padding that isnt too thick but is just right. They slip on over your socks and dont slip around because of a velcro starp that tightens them down at the top.
I use knee pads that tile layers use. Home Depot or Lowes has these things in spades. They have a rubber outside shell with a tread pattern to them, they grip rocks well and the rubber keeps you quiet while crawling around. The hard plastic knee pads are noisey clanking around on rocks. And we already know how well sound travels in the water.