Overiew and review of the Xtreme X Sleeves
The x treme X Sleeves are the follow up of the Grippy X Sleeves which are IPF approved. This is the stiffest you can get in knee sleeves and still use in an IPF competition for $85.
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Overview of the Xtreme X Sleeves
- IPF Approved
- Sold In Pairs
- 7mm thick
- Length: 29cm
- Sizes: S to 4XL
- Color: Black
The idea of the
x treme x sleeve is to get as close to the effects of a knee wrap in a knee sleeve. This makes this knee sleeve one of the stiffest on the market and ideal for 1 repetition maximum efforts. They are tighter than the
strong knee sleeves and thicker than the
grippy x.
Sizing for the Xtreme X Sleeves
The
extreme x sleeve is available in seven different sizes. These sleeves run very tight so take your measurements seriously before purchasing. Measure your knee circumference when the leg is straight to make your decision
S - knee circumference 13” -14
M - 14.25” - 15
L - 15.25” - 16
Xl- 16.25” - 17
2Xl - 17.25” - 18
3xl - 18.25” - 19
4xl - 19.25” - 20
Pros of the Xtreme X Sleeve
The main point for the
X Treme X Sleeve is that it is stiff. Its design will help you to squat more on a one-repetition maximum attempt. Therefore it does what it says on the tin and is worth the money for someone who is interested in this.
Compared to the
Grippy X Sleeve of Mark Bell the
X Ttreme X has the IPF approval as the components in question have been removed. There it is thicker and got the IPF approval. This sleeve can be used on an international stage without your attempts being voided.
Cons of the x treme x sleeve
The stiffness of the
X treme X Sleeve can work against it if your goal is something else than a maximum one repetition squat. Olympic lifters might prefer a little more flexibility to get into the hole fast. For this application, the
x treme x sleeve might be too stiff. The same goes for Crossfit athletes who want to run and move around while they still have the sleeves on. For these scenarios, you might be better off getting a
Rehband sleeve.
The
Xtreme X Sleeve is high quality and designed for the purpose of one repetition maximums and therefore comes with one of the highest price tags amongst knee sleeves. If you are in the game for personal records you probably are willing to pay 90 bucks for a knee sleeve. If you are more casual and just want to protect your ligaments you can do it cheaper with some of the less stiff no-name brands.
Alternatives to the Xtreme X Sleeve
The
grippy knee sleeves are the original design of the
X treme X Sleeves which was got approved by the IPF and then rejected based on the use of material which was not allowed. The
Extreme X Sleeves were the follow up to be in line with the IPF standards. If you want the "Cheater" sleeves from Mark Bell go for these as they have the same effect as the
Xtreme while being thinner. This is achieved by using different materials.
The
strong knee sleeves would be the all-purpose alternative to the
X Treme X Sleeves. These knee sleeves are also provided by Mark Bell but are less stiff. This makes them a little more versatile than the stiff sleeves out of the Mark Bell range.
The
Rehband knee sleeves are around for a long time across all sports. While Mark Bell's focus is more towards powerlifting, the
Rehband knee sleeves are designed with the entire sporting community in mind. The
Strong knee sleeves and
Rehband knee sleeves will be very close in the type of sleeve you will get. Here it is a choice between personal taste and budget, rather than functionality of the sleeve.
Summary for the Xtreme X sleeve
The
Xtreme X SLeeve is probably the best knee sleeve in the market when you want to increase your one-repetition maximum on the squat. Keep in mind that it has been designed for that purpose. High repetition work or running around in them might not be the best idea and other sleeves will do this job better. Between the
grippy and the X Sleeve, I would go for the X Sleeves it is IPF approved unless you like to own some pieces of powerlifting history.