Knee Pads - any suggestions?

[stugotzo]

Shooting my second NHL game Tuesday - Maple Leafs at Lightning.

I shot the Bruins at Lightning a few weeks ago, and was not prepared for what I would encounter, shooting through the hole in the glass. I had no idea how low to the ground it was. I didn't have a stool, nor any knee pads, and my knees paid the price the following 3 days (not to mention the pain of kneeling on the cold cement the entire game).

I'm planning on bringing a low stool with me (the official Lightning photographer uses one). But, if I'm not allowed to bring it in the arena, I'd like a backup plan.... knee pads.

Any suggestions as to brand/type? I've got some roller blading type already, but those are hard plastic, and could see me sliding on the cement pretty easily in those. I was thinking some type of foamy variety.

Thanks!

[Cl!ckFoto]

i believe a lot of mason's, and construction workers use some sort of soft padded knee pads. you might want to look into something like that.

[Andrushka]

look at Home Depot (or equiv.) at the type construction guys use - i think they aren't plastic (as i recall)

[Andrushka]

i believe a lot of mason's, and construction workers use some sort of soft padded knee pads. you might want to look into something like that.
haha - quick work!

[SnapLocally.com]

If you plan on spending some time on your knees earning a living, there's nothing better than Fella Shee-o brand knee pads.

[scot079]

If you plan on spending some time on your knees earning a living, there's nothing better than Fella Shee-o brand knee pads.

Very nice, had to read it twice

[wyofizz]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=211429&highlight=kneepads

[DennisW1]

Shooting my second NHL game Tuesday - Maple Leafs at Lightning.

I shot the Bruins at Lightning a few weeks ago, and was not prepared for what I would encounter, shooting through the hole in the glass. I had no idea how low to the ground it was. I didn't have a stool, nor any knee pads, and my knees paid the price the following 3 days (not to mention the pain of kneeling on the cold cement the entire game).

I'm planning on bringing a low stool with me (the official Lightning photographer uses one). But, if I'm not allowed to bring it in the arena, I'd like a backup plan.... knee pads.

Any suggestions as to brand/type? I've got some roller blading type already, but those are hard plastic, and could see me sliding on the cement pretty easily in those. I was thinking some type of foamy variety.

Thanks!

you might also consider one of those little fold-up nylon stools that take up almost no room when packed up and might not get you even a second look if you walk in with it.

[stugotzo]

Wow, lots of replies already.... thanks!

Didn't even think of checking out Home Depot.... great idea!

[Cl!ckFoto]

haha - quick work!

ha, i was waiting for that

[Big K]

These are great. They fold up very small and are actually quite comfortable to sit in for an extended period of time.

http://www.walkstool.com/uk/product/indexframe.html

[cstewart]

For knee pads, I have a simple pair of Wilson volleyball kneepads.

[mtonsbeek]

May I suggest a very different approach: get a Peli case for your gear.
I have the big 1620. Great to keep your gear protected up to nuclear war fare levels but more importantly, it makes a great seat. Although it has wheels, you don't want to drag it along too far; it is heavy!

My knees are shot to pieces so kneeling down is not an option.

[LBaldwin]

Dude, kipe the goalies!!

[AdamLewis]

If you need kneepads, go to a sporting store and try to get the soft kind that volleyball players use.
If you need a seat, I second the Walkstool.

[northpointphoto]

I use kneepads when I shoot outdoor sports (lacrosse, baseball, soccer, etc) and I just went to home depot and bought a pair for $10.

They work great and if they get destroyed no problem. Plus with knee pads you can move away much quicker if you are on the sidelines and are about to get smashed into.

[canonnoob]

some thing like wrestling pads are good too.. they work well...

[dmwierz]

I third the Walkstool, however at the United Center there isn't enough room. I just bought a cheap-oh gardening pad and sit on that.

My favorites kneepads are the ones discussed here (Patella T):

http://www.sportsshooter.com/special_feature/2004_luau_video/shooting_football/index7.html

[DDCSD]

I got a pair of these at Lowe's. They are insanely comfortable.

http://iss.roostergroup.com/attachments/item_pictures/1L-22383%20Rev.jpg

I can't seem to find them on Lowe's website, but I saw them at the store last month.

I prefer flooring knee pads to athletic ones because they are designed to be knelt on for hours at a time, while athletic ones are designed to protect from momentary shock. I personally find flooring pads to be much more comfortable for constant kneeling.

The Patella T's that Dennis mentions are supposed to be outstanding.

[danaitch]

I wouldn't go for the sport-type kneepads, I'd go for carpet-fitter/builder ones. The simple reason is that the padded 'sport' ones slowly compress and become useless, and are actually designed to absorb quick impacts, not to be knelt on for hours on end. If you buy those that are designed to be knelt on all day, they're usually gel-filled and 'rebound' a lot better for long-term use.

Walkstool are excellent, so are pelicases. :D

[sk82712]

I use these at work, they are awesome and can take quite a drop to the knee. I've yet to actually bring them home and shoot with them on, but they are extremely comfortable and allow the back of your legs to breathe...it's really annoying when they are sweaty.. http://www.copsplus.com/prodnum2130.php