Danger Equipment Super Max Sparring Shin Guards Review

Danger Equipment Super Max Sparring Shin Guards Review

Brand

Started in 2004, Danger Equipment is a brand who produce high quality gear, made in Thailand and deliver to countries across the world, with a strong focus on Western martial arts communities. Their goal is to provide customers with the broadest selection of Martial Arts gear and apparel, the highest level of service and the most competitive prices. In the UK you can find their gear over at Danger Boxing Shop.

Danger Boxing Shop sent us a pair of these shin guards to test out and provide our feedback for them.

About the shin guards

The Super Max Shinguard are one of several different lines that Danger produce – we’ve previously reviewed their Evolution Shinguards. Like the Evolution shin guards the Super Max are available in black and white. There is also the Super Max Neon range which are available in light and dark blue, green, orange, pink, purple, yellow, light and dark Red. We tested out the Super Max black, which are available in sizes small to extra large. These are striking shinguards, as opposed to an MMA style which fit tighter to the leg to allow for grappling.

I tested out a pair of the black shin guards, which are part of the Super Max range, not the Neon ones, so the review is based on those shinguards.

Aesthetics

I really like the aesthetics of these shin guards – the darker colours have a subtle look to them which means they’re always going to look good whereas the Neon range are bright and flashy and suit the classic, bright thai style. The majority of the shin guard is the chosen colour, in this case black, and there isn’t much additional decoration. On the front of the shin at the top is a Danger Equipment logo, and ‘Danger’ in a stylised font, both in white. The outside of the shinguard had a white ‘piping’ trim which goes around the foot and the shin, which contrasts with the darker body of the shinguard nicely.

This small amount of decoration is what I feel gives the shinguards such a nice, timeless look. But if you prefer the brighter flashier style then the Neon range is perfect for this.

Materials

If you’ve heard of Danger Equipment, or read one of our reviews of their equipment before, you may know that their equipment is made from Semi-Leather. As well as a way of reducing the costs, it’s actually also because the brand support People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and believe in avoiding animal products when alternatives are available. You can read about this on a page of their website, What is Semi Leather?

Normally when you think of synthetic leather it’s lower quality than animal leather, only providing a fraction of the durability of the real thing. However Dangers semi-leather is a bit different – they combine one layer of the synthetic ‘PU’ leather (which most synthetic leather products are made from) with two layers of microfibre, which results in a much stronger product, that feels much more like real leather. The inner lining of the shins is soft and comfortable, feeling almost like a neoprene type material, and they don’t rub against your skin even when you put in a long training session.

The shin guard is held in place by two velcro straps, which pass through metal loops and double back on themselves to provide a tight fit, as well as two elastic bands – one on the back of the ankle and one under the foot. These elasticated straps normally get the most wear and tear but Danger have used wide and strong straps, which seem to be holding up well to the strain.

I’ve been using these shin guards regularly for over a month now, and there’s no sign of any wear or tear to any of the materials.

Craftsmanship

These shin guards are very well put together – the padding contours to the shin very neatly, meaning they provide a secure fit once the straps are tightened up. Danger have also built in a thicker ridge of padding across the ridge of the shin and top of the foot to provide the most protection possible.

The stitching is very neatly done, there is no sign of any loose ones even after several weeks of using them, and the seams are positioned so that they’re as hidden as possible. The white piping around the outside of the shinguards is also very tidily done, and overall they seem very well put together, and very sturdily built.

Comfort/use

I’ve found it a pleasure using the Super Max Shin guards. They fit very well, as I previously mentioned, and the double straps means that they don’t slip around the leg too much, even when you have kicks caught. The padding is nice and thick, up to 3 centimetres, however because the shinguard is still very light, and fits so well, you don’t feel like they’re slowing you down. The contoured padding and great fit means that I can confidently throw my kicks in sparring, and know I won’t injure myself or my sparring partner.

The inner lining of the guard, a kind of neoprene materialism very comfortable. It stops them from rubbing against your shins and just improves the comfort of the shinguard.

I’m a big fan of this product, and would rate it as one of the nicest sets of shin guards I’ve tested – it is worth pointing out though, I’ve only used these for Muay Thai, not for MMA training, and they’re the bulkier striking style of shinguard, so I don’t think they’d be well suited to grapple in.

Cost

The regular retail price on these shinguards is £60, which I believe is reasonable for the quality of the product. There are cheaper options available, but the quality and durability of the Super Max means they will stand up to the hardships of training and you’ll get your money’s worth over their lifetime.