Paintball is thrilling and a definite way to fire up your adrenaline and enjoy endless hours of action-packed fun. But do you what can ruin your fun? Scrapes.
Scrapes and bruises?
They are an ever-present danger with every competitive and intense sport such as paintball.
As you dash and dive through the field or in the woods, the chances of getting a scraped knee are substantial. And these open wounds often lead to some very serious infections, which can have a devastating effect on your overall well-being and may, in some cases, be lethal.
So never take them lightly.
Not to worry though, because today, I will present to you some of the best paintball knee pads that offer you complete protection from all harms of the paintball field.
My personal favorite is the Tactical Emerson Combat ARC Style Knee Pads, but other products on this list will also impress you thoroughly.
Best Paintball Knee Pads Reviewed
1. Tactical Emerson Combat ARC Style Knee Pads – Best Overall
My top choice for any paintball-wear would be products that give off a militaristic vibe.
This is not only because MilSims are gaining popularity, but also because of the feeling they deliver to users. I, for one, am never left unimpressed by the excellence of such products, given that their manufacturing quality equals my standards.
This, I can say with surety for the product under scrutiny: Tactical Emerson Combat ARC Style Knee Pads are versatile, flexible, tough, and perfectly protective. This is the ultimate combination for facing the paintball field without fear, and these knee pads will help you do just that.
You can find the perfect fit for these pads using the buckle closure system so that they don’t come off mid-game. In paintball, as with any other high-paced game, loose protective gear can not only become very annoying but may also compromise your game.
This won’t be happening to you.
Since these pads are meant for all sorts of shooting activities, including paintball and airsoft duels, their durability is beyond question. I would easily brand them as one of the best knee pads for paintball considering the features they afford for a modest sum.
Pros
- The looks are aesthetically stunning.
- They are perfectly protective.
- They are tried and tested for their durability and endurance.
- You can ensure a perfect fit with the buckle closure system.
Cons
- Some people may be bothered by the fact that you can only get them in one color: dark earth.
Verdict
The Tactical Emerson Combat ARC Style Knee Pads are well worth your admiration in light of all that they bring to the table: a fine build quality, perfect protection, and tough endurance levels – the ultimate combo.
2. Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads – Best Budget 
Perfect protection doesn’t have to drill out all of your savings, you can go for some down to Earth options that deliver an excellent level of endurance to help you stay at the top of your game.
This is the case with the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads which offer fine protective excellence for those running on a tight budget. Boasting a unisex design, this pair allows both male and female paintballers to get the best out of them.
The mixture of materials involved is also worth mentioning as these pads get the best from polyester, EVA foam, and rubber, all the while excluding any low-quality latex materials. The highly dense EVA foam is perfect for cushioning the impact and keeping your knees safe.
These pads also provide a level of flexibility that perfectly preserves your moveability, ensuring that your precious protection doesn’t become a burden when you need to make a hasty retreat or a sudden advance.
The non-slip part is another bonus, considering how important it is that your protective knee pads stay on until you decide to take them off yourself.
What I love the most about these pads is just how breathable they are!
This may not seem like much but you’ll appreciate it during long and arduous paintballing sessions when they keep you cool and ready to engage the opponents.
I don’t know about anyone else but this much is enough to make them the most competent low-budget knee pads for paintball in my book.
Pros
- The material is very breathable.
- EVA foam is perfectly protective and will help cushion even the toughest blows.
- These pads are highly versatile and perfectly flexible.
- They will not hinder your movements, and instead, allow you to be quick in the field.
Cons
- These pads cannot compete with high-end and pricier products.
Verdict
The Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads are perfect for all who wish to secure their knees against scrapes and maintain their agility on the paintball field, all for a minor cost.
3. Exalt Paintball FreeFlex Knee Pads – Best Memory Foam Option
A perfect fit and an uncompromising protection standard, what else could you want from an ideal knee pad for paintball? Exalt Paintball FreeFlex Knee Pads delivers well in all areas that you would expect.
They can effectively absorb all impacts and keep your knees safely nestled in their comfy embrace.
The best part about these pads is the integrated memory foam that will mold the interior to perfectly accentuate the wearer’s knee shape. This means that the pads offer a personalized comfortable feeling and a perfect grip.
Lastly, I was thoroughly impressed by the Velcro straps located strategically to help you fasten it according to your preference. I know, some people don’t fancy Velcro all that much, but it is simple to use and pretty reliable too – works well for me.
Pros
- The pads won’t twist or slip-off mid-play.
- They will absorb impact and protect you from all sorts of damage.
- The memory foam embedded in the pads ensures a perfect fit.
- Velcro straps can be used to fasten the pads perfectly.
Cons
- Some people don’t fancy Velcro straps.
Verdict
The Exalt Paintball FreeFlex Knee Pads offer foolproof protection, a perfect fit, and flawless flexibility, without causing any discomfort. If that doesn’t say “best knee pads for paintball,” I don’t know what does.
4. DYE Precision Performance Knee Pads – Best Lightweight Option
Being the priciest option on this list, the DYE Precision Performance Paintball Knee Pads should not be judged by the features they boast (which are excellent) but rather scrutinized delicately to ensure that they are worth the money.
Well, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on this list, would they?
Based on years of practical research, customer expectations, and the highest field performance standards, DYE has put forward their magnum opus. I must say that I was shocked by how tough yet light these knee pads were when I first got my hands on them.
Of course, they may not be the lightest ones out there but the balance between lightness and protection is perfect. The all-time favorite for protection, Eva foam makes a return here and delivers perfect cushioning against even the most rattling blows.
Lastly, the adjustable straps and a perfect fit are the climactic pieces in this jigsaw puzzle of creating the ultimate knee pads for paintball.
Pros
- The EVA foam element provides flawless safety from all impacts.
- These pads are perfectly breathable and flexible.
- The comfort factor is very dominant, making these pads perfect for prolonged usage.
- The pads are lightweight, perfect for intense gameplay.
Cons
- They are pretty pricy too.
Verdict
The DYE Precision Performance Paintball Knee Pads are pricy but worth every cent considering the high-end features they afford us and how their comfort, lightness, and protection are all valuable in terms of gameplay quality.
5. AWP Tactical Hard Cap Knee Pads – Best Breathability 
This is another low-budget option for paintball aficionados who can’t afford to dole out their hard gotten gains over a hobby, especially amidst such hard times. However, despite their low cost, these pads are surprisingly efficient and provide perfect protection.
Breathability is a major plus point for this AWP Tactical Hard Cap Knee Pads which becomes all the more relevant when the game proceeds for hours at a time. As your body heats up, this feature will keep your knees relatively cool, allowing you to perform at your peak.
Best of all, you won’t be busy doing much cleaning either because the pads prevent debris buildup, keeping them cleaner and fresher for longer.
Pros
- The dense padding is perfect for protection.
- The cap is rigid enough to keep your knees safely housed inside.
- The tri-buckle system ensures a perfect fit and simple on/off.
- The pads prevent debris buildup, making them perfect for use in the woods.
Cons
- They cannot compete with high-end models.
Verdict
This product from AWP is a perfectly affordable pair of knee pads for paintball, and the features that this pair affords are enough to land it on my list of the best ones out there.
How To Pick The Perfect Paintball Knee Pad?
The paintball knee pad reviews above detail some of the most iconic products in this area and others that I added based on personal preference (due to their performance).
But considering the host of clothing options available both online and offline, it is only natural for you to want to dig further, on your own.
Well, it’s great if you want to, but before you do so, consider these features so that you only place your bet on the most premium-grade products available:
Outer Shells For Protection
You will come across several knee pads with hard shell coverings, and these shells are there for a reason. While the actual impact absorption job is in the hands of a soft cushion-like material, these hard cases play a major role in minimizing the initial blow.
Not to say that knee pads without these are useless, but if you can get ones with the casing, go for them. They are also tougher and ensure that the foam underneath stays safer for longer, drastically enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of the pads.
Knee scrapes are a serious affair, if you do get one (not wearing a pad), treat it immediately and properly to avoid infection.
Perfectly Padded
The cushion part is also just as important. EVA foam remains the predominant choice among manufacturers when building high-endurance and perfectly safe knee pads. Of course, there are other options too such as gel-based cushions and layered padding (several layers of fabric).
The cushioning material matters because the impact force has to pass through it to reach your knees, and a decent cushion will ensure that it is absorbed before that happens. Some pads also have memory foam present in them to deliver a more personalized fit for your knees.
Breathability
While it may not seem like much, breathability is among the core strengths of any paintball-wear. Like any other competitive sport, paintball can get rough, even worse at times. This is where you’ll have to keep your mind and body cool to stay at top of your game.
Breathable knee pads will see to it that your knees don’t overheat, allowing you to maintain your movements and not be hindered by discomfort. If you think I’m talking like a wee little girl, you haven’t been into competitive paintballing, and if you have, you already know why I’m saying so.
Flawless Fit
Most pads have a universal size with adjustable straps, mostly with Velcro or buckles, to help you get the best fit.
But despite this, some pads will feel loose while others, a bit too tight – this is because of individual variance between people. It is best to get something that fits perfectly, and for this, you’ll have to try them on yourself.
You may also get a clue by going through user comments on online stores.
And before we get this all wrapped up, here’s a super helpful YouTube video that sheds light on some beginner tips for paintball:
Bottom Line
Protective paintball gear is not meant for newbies or pros, it is a universal requirement for playing this game as safely as possible. Paintball is a highly competitive, and at times, risky, sport that is best played by the rules to avoid messing up badly.
My personal favorite from the aforementioned lot is the Tactical Emerson Combat ARC Style Knee Pads and the best low-budget option for me, are the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads.
You can’t go wrong with any of the options I have listed above but if you do go on a search mission by yourself, consider reading the buyer’s guide section to make an informed decision.
Play safe and have fun, until we meet again!
Last Updated on October 28, 2022