[SEDur]

Has anyone come across these yet?

http://www.sendclimbing.com/collections/all-products/products/downgrader-strap-on-kneepad

Are they worth the neoprene they are made of?

Are they worth the £40 they cost?

Would anyone be interested in a bulk order to save on shipping?

[andyd]

I think the 5.10 ones are £40 at the Depot if you're not too fussed on which one you use. What's all this about downgrading? I've not heard anything about that before

[SEDur]

I just got an email back, and they say that shipping from the US is $30.
So if anyone was interested in buying one, let me know.

[krymson]

I heard the company is based out of Hueco Tanks, which apparently has its share of knee bars. That, plus the fact the company specializes in this one product makes me think the downgrader is probably better than the 5.10 knee pad .
Could be worth it!

[Sasquatch]

I've got one, and while I haven't had the chance to try the 5.10 version, I've been impressed with the Send product.  I've always been crap at kneebarring. Always thought they were more trouble than they were worth.  These though are a different story.....

[SEDur]

Cheers for that.

Im going to Think about putting an order in next month when I am less broke, to be here in time for Christmas.
PM to get involved.

[i_a_coops]

So what was the verdict? Better than 5.10?

[SEDur]

I got broke and didn't order the batch. Damn the ta man.

I bumped into a guy at the Tor before it wetted out who had one.

He rated it.

Still on my shopping list for the summer.

[Paul B]

anyone had the chance to try one of these? The FiveTen one didn't fit me at all...

[bendavison]

I tried one on and it seemed much better than the 5.10 pad. Easier to get on, doesn't slide as much, and the buckles seemed to hold (unlike the 5.10 velcro!). Its a bit thicker than that 5.10 one and doesn't chafe the back of your knee as much (at least not after my short test), but also seems to have been designed for a wider leg. It fit me well, but I've got moderate width legs I guess. If you've got thin legs then it might be quite baggy just above the knee (the straps will keep it on, but the material might be baggy), but nothing a sock or something underneath won't fix. I'm planning on getting one if its ever back in stock.

[Sasquatch]

Love mine, but never used a 5.10 pad so can't compare. 

Mine's gotten a fair bit of use now, and I'm starting to see kneebars and scums everywhere. 

[Paul B]

Thanks chaps.

I bought the 5.10 version and sent it back when it was first released as I couldn't wear it close enough to the knee (5.10 got confused by this and told me not to wear it over my knee joint) for it to be of any use at the Cornice where I was using it (I also wasn't willing to pay 5.10 £40 and then hack it to the correct shape as per Carlisle Slapper, it'd be like pre-emptively glueing my shoes together).

I've emailed about the Send pad to see when (or if) they'll have any in stock. Ben - if they get in touch do you want to try and save on postage with a joint buy (anyone else)?

I've been lent Stu's third pad so I'll see how that is. The kneebar in question isn't too technical and some padding may simply suffice as it's more of a pain thing. Failing all of the above I may get creative and see if Nat's Mum is better at stitching than Stu's.
 

[Doylo]

I'd be keen. How much are they?

[bendavison]

You have a deal.

I might have an old kneepad knocking about somewhere which you can use. Its a chopped up old wetsuit courtesy of gme but does a reasonable job at reducing the pain. Don't stitch any rubber to your leg just yet.

[Paul B]

I think they're $70 for the full size one and $60 for the mini. I'm not sure how much postage (and potential duty) might impact the final cost.

I've emailed them so we'll see...

[Gus]

I managed to get one of the send knee pads. It's well suave!! Definitely recommended, saved my bacon plenty of times in Kalymnos!

I usually keep it in the van so can show it you when I'm at The Foundry next. It fits my tree trunks really well so you might need the girls' (pink) one 

[Paul B]

You should skip leg day more often then.

[standard]

I had one delivered last month.
Like others, I've not tried the 5.10 version (avoided it due to the slagging off on here), so can't compare.

However, the Send pad is a very nice piece of kit.
It is very nicely manufactured. Reeks of quality.

If you have any particular questions, or want pictures from particular angles that the official website doesn't show, just ask.

[tommytwotone]

Having tried Dave's 5:10 the other week, found it a touch baggy for my pipecleaner legs but thought the kneepad would be a good addition for offwidthing as well.


Only problem is you'd probably want one for each leg which would get pretty pricey, plus you'd end up looking like (or in my case even more like) a bit of a dick.

[slackline]

Only problem is you'd probably want one for each leg which would get pretty pricey, plus you'd end up looking like (or in my case even more like) a bit of a dick.

If its good enough for Dave Graham it should be good enough for you TTT...



(although he too appears to find them a bit baggy)

[SA Chris]

I think with his legs even a child's sock would be baggy

[abarro81]

Ironically, DG is wearing neither the send nor the 5.10s there. Those rock and resole ones have more low key look to them.  Unfortunately they don't do the non-slip version any more, and they won't post direct to Europe. They are good pads if you can get them and don't mind gaffa tape faff tho

[Sasquatch]

Ironically, DG is wearing neither the send nor the 5.10s there.

Despite being a 5.10 athlete

Even he knows they're terrible.

[SEDur]

I didn't order a set in the end, got pretty broke.

I have only heard good things though...

[Paul B]

I didn't order a set in the end, got pretty broke.

I have only heard good things though...

They got back to me saying they were out of stock, which (given that info was in the email I sent) wasn't all too helpful.

[moose]

Paul, if you just need a temporary fix, you can borrow my knee pad - it's fairly simple number though - low profile, neoprene with a couple of velcro straps (I think it's actually a caving one).  If you want I'll sling it in my pack for when I next bump into you (current plans are Kilnsey tomorrow, conditions permitting, and Malham on Monday).

[Paul B]

Ta Moose. I've got Stu's third at the minute so there's no need.

[bendavison]

I've been contacted by the company and they have some more pads in stock now, though this isn't advertised on their website, so I'm about to put an order in. If anyone wants to order one and split the shipping costs just let me know. $70 for the regular sized pad, $60 for the mini, $30 for shipping and import duty.

[miso soup]

Presumably named the 'Downgrader' because you have to take off half a grade every time you use it?   

[bendavison]

There's only one proper kneebar on Hubble anyway, so it would still be a personal best!

[T_B]

Has anyone emailed Send Climbing (successfully) recently? I've tried emailing from three separate accounts but my email to info@sendclimbing.com bounce back.

[Paul B]

No, but try heather@

that's the email address that replied to me.

[abarro81]

Ditto. I messaged them on facebook and got a swift response. You thinking of ordering? I'd like to get one so would team up on postage if you want?

On that note - anyone in sheffield got one of the smaller sized ones I could try? Worried that the big one might be too big when in diet mode.

[T_B]

Thanks Paul - I'll try Heather@

Alex - yes and yes. I'll let u know if I get a response..

[tomtom]

A famous climber was using one at the Tor the other week and preferred the 5:10 one... apparently the Send one wasnt as secure on the leg and moved about quite a bit..
Just saying... I've never used a knee pad.. except when Shark made me so he'd feel less bad about using two...

[abarro81]

I've tried it already. I wouldn't wear it for on sighting as too clumpy but got my own for that. Felt like would be good for hard knees. From my brief play was way better than the 5.10s (and spray glue n tape can always be added when required!)

Who didn't like it?

[Ru]

Ditto. I messaged them on facebook and got a swift response. You thinking of ordering? I'd like to get one so would team up on postage if you want?

On that note - anyone in sheffield got one of the smaller sized ones I could try? Worried that the big one might be too big when in diet mode.

I'd also be keen to double up on the postage.

[Paul B]

anyone been stung for import duty on bringing these pads in? TBH that (and ruining a finger) put me off buying one originally. It'd be the mini for me.

[bendavison]

anyone been stung for import duty on bringing these pads in? TBH that (and ruining a finger) put me off buying one originally. It'd be the mini for me.

Yeah, when I ordered a few I think import duty amounted to 6.5% (or there abouts) of the cost of the pads. There was also an £8 handling fee. I think I ended having to pay £22 pounds extra when I ordered two normal pads and one mini.

[T_B]

Can you remember how long they took to arrive Ben? Ta.

Ru - have PMed you

[stone]

I got one recently and I've just had a card statement showing the full cost including shipping etc after currency change etc as being £62 I think. It didn't seem to take that long to arrive (8 days I think).
Its an indulgence I guess but for me its very comfy for climbing/strutting about in and doesn't slip. Before getting one myself, I tried on Haydn's and also a 5.10. My chubby legs seemed the wrong shape for the 5.10 but I know the 5.10 pad also works well for many people.
I'd be impressed if anyone had a "diet mode" under which which the Send pad no longer fitted. The pad is like a bandage, I think it would wrap equally snuggly around either stick-like or exceedingly plump legs.

[haydn jones]

Can confirm send pad fits round stick legs :p

[bendavison]

They took two weeks to arrive, T_B.

Regarding fit, I know Monkey Boy has to stuff a sock under his send pad to make it fit (also a good trick to stop 5.10 pads cutting the back of your knee). He didn't seem bothered by this and it didn't sound like it affected performance.

[Gus]

I've got a send pad and it's the best pad I've tried for my tree trunks!!

[T_B]

For folks info...

I ordered 3 pads, that were shipped in two packages. 1 was delivered after 8 days, the other two have been held onto by Royal Mail (£22.84 duty to pay). So split 3 ways the standard pad has worked out at £65.32 shipped.

I noticed Caff put prices against routes on a recent blog, I'm hoping I get at least one decent flash at Rodellar out of mine

[Bonjoy]

One for each knee, but what's the third for??

[T_B]

Shin pads innit

[i_a_coops]

I reckon the Quarryman groove would be a fair bit easier with rubber on your right bicep.... 

[Paul B]

I've been contacted by the company and they have some more pads in stock now, though this isn't advertised on their website, so I'm about to put an order in. If anyone wants to order one and split the shipping costs just let me know. $70 for the regular sized pad, $60 for the mini, $30 for shipping and import duty.

Ben, did this all work out easy enough in the end?

I'm thinking of ordering a mini if they have any stock.

[standard]

Ironically, DG is wearing neither the send nor the 5.10s there. Those rock and resole ones have more low key look to them.  Unfortunately they don't do the non-slip version any more, and they won't post direct to Europe. They are good pads if you can get them and don't mind gaffa tape faff tho

A shop in Kalymnos (of all places) is selling the rock and resole pads if anyone is after one. 55 euros.

[Doylo]

I've been using the Send pad and the 5.10 pad for a bit now and I actually think the 5.10 pad performs better on most kneebars. The Send is comfier and easier to put on but the rubber's too thick and rigid and on some kneebars just skids off. The 5.10 pad moulds into the rock and sticks better. The Send one will be better for really painful kneebars. If you're prepared to spend one of each is the way to go.

[a dense loner]

Cheers Alex. I'm gonna txt doylo and tell him you've eventually hacked him

[bendavison]

I've been contacted by the company and they have some more pads in stock now, though this isn't advertised on their website, so I'm about to put an order in. If anyone wants to order one and split the shipping costs just let me know. $70 for the regular sized pad, $60 for the mini, $30 for shipping and import duty.

Ben, did this all work out easy enough in the end?

I'm thinking of ordering a mini if they have any stock.

Yep. I can't remember how long delivery took, but I don't remember getting frustrated at the wait.

I had a similar experience to Doylo re thick/stiff rubber on the send. It softens up quite a bit though, and I think the rubber is stickier.


Sent from the place where beasts are made using will power

[abarro81]

I find the send better than the 5.10 for most knee bars

[cjsheps]

Sent from the place where beasts are made using will power

The library bathroom?

[Paul B]

I now have one but I'm out in RRG soon if you can pick these up 'locally' and anyone is in need I may be able to pick one up?