Elbows are the most devastating technique in Muay Thai.
Elbows that land clean will either KO your opponent or cut them leading to a TKO.
If you’re sparring using elbows, you should always use Muay Thai elbow pads as part of your protective equipment.
Elbow Pads are one of the most under-utilised pieces of equipment in combat sports. Muay Thai Elbow Pads protect fighters from being cut or being knocked out during training.
Finding the best Muay Thai elbow pads can be overwhelming. There are so many choices on the market, so where should you even begin?
You have questions, and we have answers.
Before we dive in, let’s examine the rules and etiquette of throwing elbow strikes during Muay Thai training.
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Should You Spar With Elbows?
If you plan on fighting professionally in Muay Thai, you need to understand how to throw and defend against elbows.
In Thailand, Muay Thai fighters will often fight every week. For that reason, they don’t have to spar using elbows, as they use them in the ring on a weekly basis.
In comparison, western fighters compete less regularly. Elbows are not used until fighters reach the professional ranks.
It’s not uncommon for western fighters to look out of their depth when fighting with elbows for the first time.
For this reason, we believe western fighters should spar using elbows.
If you get used to sparring with elbows, it will make you feel more comfortable in the ring.
5 Rules For Sparring With Elbows
Before we discuss the Best Muay Thai Elbow Pads on the market, we should discuss some of the rules and etiquette of sparring with elbows.
Below are our five rules for Muay Thai sparring with elbows.
Agree On Elbow Strikes Before Sparring
Firstly, make sure that you discuss with your partner before throwing elbow strikes during Muay Thai sparring.
Most gyms don’t allow elbows during Muay Thai sparring, so your partner needs to agree on using them.
Good training partners should agree on the rules, techniques and intensity used before any sparring session.
Always Wear Elbow Pads
Elbows are one of the most brutal techniques in Muay Thai.
Elbows that land clean will cut or knock out your opponent. Being cut during training can leave you out of action for weeks, or even months.
Never use elbows in sparring without using Muay Thai elbow pads.
Muay Thai elbow pads will soften the impact and reduce the risk of sustaining a cut during training.
You should still be careful when sparring with elbows in Muay Thai.
Make Sure Your Elbow Pads Fit Correctly
If your elbow pads slip down when throwing an elbow, you could cut or seriously injure your training partner.
Make sure your elbow pads fit snug and don’t move around during sparring.
Control Your Strikes
Whenever you are sparring, you should always control your strikes. Make sure you focus on technique instead of power.
A hard elbow strike can result in a knockout, a cut or a broken bone.
Although Muay Thai elbow pads offer some protection, you still need to make sure you are sparring under control to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Use Headgear
Wearing elbow pads will help reduce the impact of the strike. If you plan of throwing harder elbows, you should wear headgear as an extra form of protection.
Wearing high-quality headgear will reduce the risk of getting cut or sustaining injuries during sparring.
Best Muay Thai Elbow Pads
Let’s move on now that we’ve covered the basics.
In our list of recommended Muay Thai elbow pads, you will have all of the information you need to decide on your next pair of elbow pads.
Below is our list of the Best Muay Thai Elbow Pads available online.
Fairtex Elbow Pads
Fairtex manufactures Muay Thai and MMA (mixed martial arts) gear and clothing. The company was founded in 1958 in Bangkok, Thailand, and has since become a global distributor that’s well-known for its premium quality.
If you are an advanced Muay Thai fighter or even a beginner, it’s likely you have heard of Fairtex. And that’s for good reason, as the brand is at the top of our list. Take a look at the features and why we love Fairtex:
Features
- High impact padding offers premium protection
- Manufactured from soft, comfortable fabric
- Elastic loop tightens, allowing for a secure fit
- Available in three colours: blue, black, and red
What We Like About Fairtex Elbow Pads
We love that these elbow pads give us just the right amount of padding and don’t slip while we are sparring. Not only that, but Fairtex delivers on comfort and style.
So tighten that elastic loop and get to work. Fairtex is sure to keep your sparring session safe and sound.
RDX Elbow Pads
RDX was established in 1999 in Manchester, UK. The company’s mission was to deliver affordable, quality combat sports clothing and gear, and it has succeeded.
RDX is currently the fastest growing e-commerce based sports brand internationally, with over 200 million users enjoying its fight-worthy gear.
We’d say that’s reason enough to give them a try – and we did! Check out the features RDX delivers with its elbow pads:
Features
- Dri-Fit sweat management material is moisture-wicking
- Cross-over hook and loop strapping system so the pad stays securely in place
- Padding is made from extra light carbon fiber for maximum durability
- Stay firmly in place with a low-profile pad design
- Withstands multiple washes
What We Like About RDX Elbow Pads
We are big fans of RDX’s ultralight carbon fiber padding as it gives us all of the protection and support we need for those intense sparring sessions.
RDX elbow pads provide us with optimal comfort, as the material is not only soft but also keeps the sweat away with its Dri-Fit sweat management system.
You’ll have to check them out for yourself, but we’ve found that these pads, with their cross-over hook and loop strapping system, stay in place while we are in the ring. And when we feel secure and comfortable, we perform much better.
Combat Corner Elbow Pads
In 2007, Combat Corner Professional entered the world of fighting equipment. Combat Corner manufactures martial arts gear by using innovative designs and superior materials. Muay Thai fighters across the globe look to Combat Corner for its expertise in combat equipment.
So what innovative features actually take Combat Corner elbow pads to the top of our list? Let’s take a look:
Features
- Low and high density, multi-layered foam padding provides maximum protection
- Elastic sleeves that can be secured with an elastic Velcro strap
What We Like About Combat Corner Elbow Pads
Combat Corner elbow pads give us maximum protection, stay in place, and are comfortable without being too bulky.
The multi-layered foam padding delivers superior protection. It’s clear that Combat Corner looks at what fighters need in the ring and delivers with stellar, high-performing gear.
Venum Kontact Elbow Protector
With the help of top-notch fighters, Venum has developed a line of unstoppable combat gear with the use of innovative designs and quality materials.
Founded in Paris, France, in 2005 by Frank Dupuis and partner Jean-François Bandet, Venum has grown and become well known today for its fighting gear.
Features
- Made from high-quality cotton
- No-slip fit with Velcro enclosure
- Strategic reinforcement makes sure elbows are protected
- Machine washable
What We Like About Venum Kontact Elbow Protectors
While cotton might not seem ideal when compared to other materials, Venum has mastered a cotton elbow protector that is not only durable but provides effective padding and protection for light sparring.
A Velcro closure ensures an excellent, no-slip fit, and you can throw these protectors in the wash without worrying about a diminished performance.
Combat Sports Elbow Pads
Combat Sports International is all about the gear. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Combat Sports focuses on providing quality, affordable gear for all things Muay Thai or MMA related.
Features
- Neoprene sleeve with thick padding
- Striking surface made from synthetic leather
Combat Sports elbow pads tend to run small, so keep that in mind while shopping around.
Nationman Elbow Pads
Sanae Jaruwarapirom founded Nationman in 1981 with the goal of becoming Thailand’s top sporting goods producer. Nationman’s logo is easily recognized by fans of Muay Thai. Located in Bangkok, Nationman serves many countries and is looking to expand globally in order to support their home country of Thailand.
Features
- 100% Polyester made in Thailand
- One size fits all due to the ergonomically shaped design
What We Like About Nationman Elbow Pads
We love Nationman elbow pads because they provide great protection that’s both comfortable and affordable.
Many amateur Muay Thai fighters are seen in Nationman elbow pads.
Nationman products are reliable, tough, and worthy of sparring. However, if you have elbows that are outside of one-size-fits-all, meaning smaller or larger than average, be careful purchasing a pair of Nationman elbow pads.
Ring To Cage Elbow Pads
Ring To Cage is focused on providing high-quality gear that is always evolving to fit the needs of constantly evolving fighters.
Features
- Heavy sleeve cover made from neoprene
- Comfortable and effective elbow protection
- Designed specifically for combat sports
- MiM-Foam technology for ultimate protection
What We Like About Ring To Cage Elbow Pads
Ring to Cage designs products specifically for Muay Thai Fighters. By using heavy knit fabric, foam padding, and hook and loop strap, Ring to Cage elbow pads are secure and durable.
In Summary
Looking to spar with full Muay Thai rules? Then you (and your partner) should wear Muay Thai Elbow Pads.
Look, throwing an elbow is no joke.
Elbows can cause deep cuts or knockouts. Taking an unprotected elbow can leave you out of the ring for weeks, or even months.
When purchasing elbow pads, it’s important to consider a variety of factors, starting with the fit.
Make sure your elbow pads perform well. Functionality is important. Look for elbow pads that fit snug and securely. Make sure they allow for maximum mobility.
Muay Thai gear never seems to fail when it comes to style. So once you find your perfect fit, you are likely able to find a colour and look that fits your personality.
We hope that this guide provides you with the information you need to make the best decision possible when it comes to choosing the Best Muay Thai Elbow Pads.
