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SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves vs Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Knee Sleeves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
SBD publishes the one number that matters for competition, the 30 centimetre maximum length, alongside IPF approval, reinforced seams, an antimicrobial treatment and British manufacture. Gymreapers carries more federation approvals and also publishes the knee circumference each size fits, for less money.
SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves
Buy itIPF approved, IWF compliant at the legal maximum length, and the only maker here that states it.
- IPF approved and IWF compliant at the maximum allowable 30 centimetre length, which is the only sleeve length published by any maker in this comparison.
- High grade 7mm neoprene with reinforced seam construction specifically to extend service life, on a patented design.
- An antimicrobial treatment to limit bacterial build-up and odour, manufactured in Great Britain, sold as a pair, in sizes from 3XS to 5XL with a knee circumference chart from 23 to 51.5 cm.
- The most expensive sleeves in this comparison by a clear margin.
- SBD advises hand washing and air drying, and warns against machine spin cycles and high heat.
- This model is 7mm only, so lighter conditioning work means buying a different sleeve.
Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves
Buy itFour federation approvals, and every size given as an actual knee measurement.
- Approved by the IPF, IPL, USPA and USAPL, tied with A7 for the broadest federation coverage here, and the official knee sleeves of USAW and Wodapalooza.
- Every size is published as a knee circumference range, from small at 11.8 to 13 inches up to 2XL at 17 to 18.3 inches, which is one of the most useful things a maker can give you in this category.
- 7mm neoprene for compression and warmth, sold as a pair, for well under the SBD price.
- No sleeve length is published, which matters because IPF rules cap it at 30 centimetres.
- The neoprene is described only as premium 7mm neoprene, with no seam construction or panel count given.
- No country of manufacture and no antimicrobial treatment are mentioned.
Side by side
The 9 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves Our pick | Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Competitive powerlifting and heavy training, where the sleeve has to pass a bar check and last years. | A first pair of sleeves, and anyone who wants to size from a tape measure rather than a guess. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $ · budget |
| Thickness | 7mm | 7mm |
| Federation approval | IPF approved, IWF compliant | IPF, IPL, USPA, USAPL |
| Length published | 30 cm, the legal maximum | No |
| Material named | High grade neoprene | Premium neoprene |
| Construction detail | Reinforced seams, patented | Not published |
| Sizing by knee circumference | Yes, 3XS to 5XL | Yes, every size |
| Antimicrobial treatment | Yes | Not published |
| Care instructions | Hand wash, air dry | Hand wash, no machine or dryer |
| Made in | Great Britain | Not published |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves if
competitive powerlifting and heavy training, where the sleeve has to pass a bar check and last years.
Know before buying: the most expensive sleeves in this comparison by a clear margin.
Pick the Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves if
a first pair of sleeves, and anyone who wants to size from a tape measure rather than a guess.
Know before buying: no sleeve length is published, which matters because IPF rules cap it at 30 centimetres.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the SBD 7mm Knee Sleeves - IPF approved, IWF compliant at the legal maximum length, and the only maker here that states it. Choose the Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves instead if a first pair of sleeves, and anyone who wants to size from a tape measure rather than a guess.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Knee Sleeves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).