Pro-Tec Athletics  Gel Force Knee Sleeve

Provides good knee stabilization with comfort. Stays cool (important - I live in Phoenix). I had knee surgery in March 2011 for tears in both meniscus pads of my left knee. Additionally, I experienced a partial tear of my medial collateral ligament in my left knee 16 years ago. Since then it has always been a bit loose. This brace stabilizes my knee with good compression but is comfortable. Haven't used it long enough to know if it will hold up over time but it seems to be rugged. It's been washed a few times with no ill effects. I'd give it 5 stars but haven't used it long enough to know if it will hold up over the long term but as far as working correctly, it is a 5 star product.

This product is very well made and does exactly as it describes. However, I measured 1" above my patella and got 19. But the Large doesn't fit. I think it's because my legs are not tubular. I have somewhat meaty calfs and quads and the upper half was too tight and restrictive. Perhaps the XL would work for me but REI doesn't offer it. I bought this for downhill skiing and I think it would be perfect. I do not think activities requiring repeated motion, like cycling, would be good for this brace.

This item was great. Have been feeling a lot of knee pain, almost as if it is about to give out and wants to hyperextend. With this brace it felt completely secure and there was no pain after my hikes. Only negative is that the back of my leg/knee got a bit irritated from the sweat—nothing serious though. Overall, saved me from tons of pain and has secured my knee.

When the gyms closed in spring of 2020, I had to switch to outdoor (pavement) running. My right knee was not happy about the transition. I bought one of these in April of 2020 and it was tremendously effective, and I have been able to get in 5-6 mile runs 4 or 5 days of the week since then. No more knee pain whatsoever! I had to ding it a star for falling apart starting in July of 2021. I was very careful with it, only ever handwashed it. But I guess these things only really last about 15 months.

I do most of my hiking where the trails are on the steep side (10 or 20 percent grade) and sometimes even have steps. My left knee in particular gets sore after a few miles. The knee sleeve seems to keep the patella centered so that it doesn't press against stuff that doesn't like being pressed against. When I wear it I don't get the usual soreness and swelling, and I can hike some more the next day.

A manager at the Arcadia REI recommended this for my left knee which I injured descending Mount Wilson. Not bragging. It took me 45 minutes longer than my fellow Sierra Club Wilderness Training Course participants so the sun went down by the time I was descending and hence my knee injury. I used it at North Rim Grand Canyon and for my daily workouts and thank the Lord it has prevented further damage to my left knee.

I bought two of these on may 2014, after injuring my right and left knee in 2013 and they have hold up pretty well to all the abuse that I put them through. They have saved my knees from much pain. I have used these knee braces for hiking, aikido, and for the gym.

I've tried a few different knee compression sleeves. This one has a little donut over the knee. It does kind of make it a bit more cumbersome to get on and off and not sure the benefit. That being said the sleeve seems to stay up better than others I've used rather than clumping down and becoming uncomfortable

Used for the first time the day of the half marathon. Held strong and kept the knee in place. Uncomfortable to wear around casually.

Comfortable, fits well and doesn’t fall down. I bought to use while playing volleyball and running since I have patellar tendinitis and so far it has helped reduce the pain I usually have in my knee.