Warmbac Knee Pads

[Gerbil007]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone else find that the new type of adjustable knee pad (single strap of 'double sided' velcro through a plastic clip) effectively stops working after not very many trips? I have a few sets which are basically useless now. It seems that the double sided velcro wears out after a handful of trips, causing the damn things to undo with infuriating regularity.

The old design, with conventional, overlapping velcro straps was far superior, but I can't seem to find any stockists.

Anyone know where I can find the older type?

 

[Fulk]

I'm on my second pair of knee pads (make unknown) with the type of velcro you mention, and I have not experienced this problem. In fact, I chucked away the first pair because the actual pads themselves were worn out, while the velcro still worked perfectly.

 

[MarkS]

I use the Warmbac elbow pads with the same double sided velcro and have never had a problem with them coming undone.

 

[topcat]

As above, indeed I switched some old style for the new as I found the old style difficult to get the tension right

 

[TheBitterEnd]

I agree with gerbil007, earlier this year I replaced my old double velcro ones with the (very) expensive new ones and find that they come undone too often and don't stay in place when they are fastened. Won't be buying any more with that type of velcro.

 

[estelle]

Why don't you give warmbac a call and have a chat? I have had a pair that the velcro wasn't so good on and the actual knee pad was still going strong and Kermit replaced the velcro and they've been fine since. The older style are still available too - again best chat to warmbac directly for help.

 

[Pete K]

Had several pairs with no problems. Might be something to do with my OCD cleaning of kit after each trip.

 

[aricooperdavis]

I've got a pair of these new knee pads and I have had no problem with the velcro whatsoever - I think it's inspired! I do look after it though, when I take them off I stick the velcro together so none of it's exposed to get full of fluff, and I also wash them pretty regularly. So maybe you need to think about how you're washing/storing them?

 

[topcat]

I'm also OCD with cleaning and have had no issues..... See above.

 

[PeteHall]

You are not alone Gerbil007. I know several people suffering the same knee pad problem.

I would say get the pull up ones, but I seem to remember they don't fit you, so how about stitching the velcro from your old ones onto the new ones.

Still, you shouldn't have to do that...

Warmbac have in my opinion started cutting too many corners and not just with the knee pads.

- Oversuits never used to shrink the way they do now.
- They've removed the neoprene cuffs from their undersuits and now the cuffs are so tight their pretty much cut the blood off to your hands and feet.
- My old wetsocks lasted 6 years, the latest set didn't last 6 trips before the soles wore through.

I do still think they make the best kit (for the type of caving I do), but my loyalty is faltering...

 

[Ali M]

I have been purchasing Warmbac kit for over 30 years and find it excellent. After trying out the various types of knee and elbow pads, I personally prefer the Warmtex pull-on variety as these last me by far the longest. As the "standard-sized" of these are too big (for me) and slip down, Rich very kindly makes me a smaller lady-sized version, which fit perfectly.
As Estelle suggests, if you have a problem the best thing is to phone Warmbac or call in and see them.

 

[estelle]

Rich has also customised oversuits and other kit to suit my needs over the 25+ years i've been using their kit. Always found Warmbac open to feedback and suggestions from the regular caving community to help make any improvements and enhancements.

 

[topcat]

Rich has also customised oversuits and other kit to suit my needs over the 25+ years i've been using their kit. Always found Warmbac open to feedback and suggestions from the regular caving community to help make any improvements and enhancements.

Likewise.  I have some extra long knee pads made as a custom job; very handy for folk who don't wear wellies, as the shins are very vulnerable in boots...........