| Image | Product Name | Buy |
|---|---|---|
  | Sanabul Battle Forged Thai Kick Pads (Pair) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads (Pair) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | RDX MMA Strike Shield (Pair) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | Overmont Taekwondo Kick Pad (single) | Check Price On Amazon |
  | Juvale Taekwondo Kick Pads (Pair) | Check Price On Amazon |
Muay Thai pads, or kick pads, are an essential piece of equipment for anyone training their Muay Thai, Taewkondo, Kickboxing or MMA kicks and knees.
However, you may not always be able to rely on the use of a gym equipment to practise your kicks with. That’s when you will want to invest in your own Thai kick pads, to use at your own leisure.
Like most gear, they come in different sizes and styles. You can even get straight pads or curved pads. In this kick pad buying guide for the USA, we will be reviewing the best curved pads.
Curved pads are fantastic because the natural curvature of the pad itself makes it easier for you to target the centre mark of the pad. It’s also been found to be easier for the pad holder to absorb the blow!
You can also choose between sizes. Giant pads tend to be used as single items, whereas other pads are worn on the forearm, using straps, and typically come in pairs.
This buying guide has reviewed the best 5 kick pads which you can get in the USA.
Table of Contents
Fairtex Standard Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads – Pair
Fairtex are an extremely popular brand in Thailand, the home of Muay Thai. Many Thai gyms can be seen using Fairtex pads to drill knees and kicks.
Their curved, lightweight shield pads can be used with ease. The lightness doesn’t come at the expense of quality however, as the pads are made from high quality leather which is built to last session after session.
In order to provide full stability for the padholder, they also come with a reinforced handle and 2 forearms straps. Meaning you won’t drop the pads and they won’t slip out of position halfway through a drill with your partner.
A bullseye target is also present in the middle of the pad so you can hone your precision kicking too. The pad material is soft which makes it perfect to practice your jabs too if you want to mix it up!
Pros
- Durable but soft material
- Bullseye in centre for precision practice
- Lasts well even with heavy kicking
Cons
- Aesthetic starts to wear after a few months
You can get your hands on these pads from $104.99 right here – Fairtex Standard Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads – Pair
RDX Muay Thai Pad for Training – Sold AS Single
RDX are another brand to provide a top of the range Thai kick pad for your home, or gym.
Their pad technology uses 3 layers of gel foam padding which is specifically designed to handle even the most vicious punishment. The foam also plays an important part in your safety, as it distributes the impact of your kicks over the surface of the pad.
The forearm handle is reinforced with triple stitching and is made from rough textile material to give you a solid grip. So you won’t have to worry about the handle tearing or coming off.
The material across the surface of the pads is Maya Hide leather, which is probably the most popular, high quality you will find among MMA sports manufacturers.
Pros
- Most users found the pad very durable
- Adjustable straps for pad holder
- High quality materials
Cons
- Sold as a single item, not a pair
- Material can tear after excessive use
You can buy this SINGLE item for $46.99 right here – RDX Muay Thai Pad for Training – Sold AS Single
Elite Sports Muay Thai Kickboxing Pads
Elite Sports offer a PAIR of kick pads for a very reasonable price, to be delivered anywhere in America.
This pair are made with Nylex leather which is extremely light-weight and makes it a comfortable pad to use for long periods of time (something your pad holder will be thankful for!).
Like the RDX item reviewed above, Elite Sports have designed these with gel foam padding to give them high impact absorption.
If you like the look of these Muay Thai pads, but you’re worried about the graphics wearing off after a few practice sessions then don’t! The graphics are imprinted using sublimation, so they can be used, and cleaned without losing their look!
Pros
- Pad is very durable
- Very affordable, especially compared to competitors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some users found the straps to tear after only a few uses
- They are made affordable because they don’t use the highest quality materials
This item is available to buy from $59.99 right here – Elite Sports Muay Thai Kickboxing Pads
Contender Fight Sports MMA Muay Thai Pads – Pair
The Contender Fight Sports are for those of you after a straight style Thai pad. You get 2 pads included with this reviewed item and they are just as affordable as the Elite Sports product.
These Thai pads come with a hook and loop system for your arm straps which will keep them securely fastened through training practise.
If you’re after a simple look, that isn’t ruined by enlarged logos or graphics, then the simple, plain black design of the Contender Fight Sports option is definitely for you.
These Muay Thai kick pads are fantastic for entry level kickboxers or MMA practitioners, however, they don’t have the same level of padding as other market competitors. This means that holding these pads against a heavy kicker may cause bruising on your forearms, and you’ll really feel the force of the kick reverberate through your body.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Can withstand enormous abuse
- Solid straps
Cons
- Some users have mentioned a smell on the pads after use
- They don’t have the same level of padding as top of the range Thai pads
- Slightly heavier than some other competitor products
Available to buy from $65.79 right here – Contender Fight Sports MMA Muay Thai Pads – Pair
Overmont Taekwondo Kick Pad
If you’re on a budget, and your main driving force for a purchase is price, then the Overmont Taekwondo curved kick pad may be the best option for you.
At $18.98 this SINGLE pad can be used for at home practice with family or friends. The training pad is made to be extremely breathable so it won’t adopt a horrid smell after a few uses.
The grip for the pad holder is meant to be held like a shield, meaning your palm faces you (most Thai pads are designed to be held with the palm facing away from the holder. TWhether you’re bothered by this or not is totally down to personal preference and whether you think the grip would be awkward for you or not.
This pad is a great intro for beginners, or children, to use, however, if you’re after equipment which can absorb serious abuse from a seasoned kicker, then you’d be better off choosing one of the more high-end options reviewed in this buying guide.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Durable
- Perfect for children
- Very light
Cons
- Offers little protection when used with a seasoned kicker
- Sized more like a focus mitt than a kick shield
Available to buy from $18.98 right here – Overmont Taekwondo Kick Pad
