It took a while for me to finally give in to the urge to sign up for mixed martial arts. I was traveling a lot and thought mastering some self-defense skills would be great. At the time, my muscle endurance and overall physical fitness levels were laughable, so finding the best safety gear was a do or die thing for me.
Finding quality hand wraps, boxing gloves, and mouth guards was remarkably easy. I was, however, not prepared for the jungles of options at my disposal when it came to choosing shin guards.
Dive in, and let’s do a Hayabusa T3 striking shin guards review. After testing a range of brands and models, I recommend this as the best gear to protect your shins.
Pros
- Pre-curved design for optimal flexibility
- Designed ergonomically to outline the leg and knee
- Sturdy construction, yet lightweight shin guards
- Thick padding for reliable shock absorption
- Dual straps are easy to secure
- Inner silicon grip to ensure a secure fit1
- Open-back design for better air circulation
Cons
- Long insteps, some people have challenges getting used to this design
- Thick padding takes longer to dry
About Hayabusa T3 Striking Shin Guards
If you have been using shin guards for a while, the chances are that you are well acquainted with the Hayabusa’s Tokushu and Ikusa range.
Well, the T3 series is an updated version of these models, and it’s better and more versatile. This new model is optimized for striking and hence provides greater levels of protection.
Visuals
What makes this model revolutionary is that it has an angular and segmented appearance. This design stems from the fact that instead of having a single, seamless leather construction, these shin guards use several different leather panels.
The main segment of the guards is covered in black leather, and two front parts have colored leather. Additionally, one section has a carbon-fiber panel.
You are possibly wondering what the fuss about this design is. Well, we all love cool stuff. The segmentation slightly enhances flexibility when striking, although it does a superb job at giving the T3 shin guards and artistic flair.
I also noticed that the segment design on the shin guards pairs well with the segmented design profile of the T3 boxing gloves.
You can choose from several color options, which include grey, green, purple, blue and red. It’s hard to deny that these guards are designed to be visually appealing.
I mean, irrespective of the color you choose, the inner lining and stitches will come with a different color to enhance the details on the equipment. For those that do not love the bold colors, you can opt for the all-white or vintage brown T3 shin guard versions.
Materials
Let’s start with the front material. You can tell its quality leather and the Hayabusa dub is Vylar engineered leather. As good as the fabric may appear, it is synthetic leather, and none of the materials used in its making come from animals.
From my experience using equipment made from pure leather, I can confidently say that this synthetic leather is a clear winner because it performs much better.
Here’s the deal, these guards are made using synthetic leather because the manufacturers wanted to settle for the most durable material. Vylar has the appearance and feel of pure leather, only because it is uniquely engineered to be stronger.
When you study the inner area of the equipment, you will notice that the lining has tiny silicon grip dots. Be with me, and I’ll be explaining their use shortly in the comfort and use section.
In the meantime, allow me to share some facts about the lining material. Well, the lining fabric is unique. It has traces of silver known to offer antibacterial properties that keep foul smells at bay. The material may not be smooth, but it’s comfortable on the skin with a pretty natural feel.
Just like all other shin guard models I have tested and used in the past, these also retain considerable amounts of moisture. I’m guessing this concern is more noticeable because the padding cover color is brighter, and other models typically have black linings.
All the same, ensure you air dry the equipment effectively to avoid any potential problems.
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Comfort/Use
Welcome to the comfort/use section. This is where I pay my debts and shed light on the use of the small silicon dots, as I had earlier promised. So these dots on the lining are not for aesthetic reasons.
They are designed to ensure the shin guards get a proper grip on your leg. I must admit that they feel weird against the skin, although they help to prevent the guards from sliding, especially once you start sweating.
Unfortunately, there is still a minor risk of the equipment sliding out of position. On the bright side, these lightweight shin guards offer maximum protection. The generous padding at the front and sides keep the whole leg, including the instep and knee well protected.
Cost
Let’s face it; nobody is giving freebies nowadays. The cost of the gear is indeed a little on the higher side, though I must insist that they offer great value for the money. They offer several unique features that you will not find, even in other dominating brands.
So is their price justifiable? Well, it all depends on whether you find the extra features to be worth digging a little deeper into your wallet. For someone who trains regularly or even participates in tournaments, the extra bucks are nothing compared to the benefits you stand to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I be sure the T3 striking shin guards will adapt to the shape of my shin?
Usually, shin guards fit well because they are contoured to adapt to the shape of the front curve of the shin. With this model, you can anticipate enjoying optimal comfort as long as you choose the right equipment size.
2. Is there a need to wear shin guards during private training sessions?
If your training involves striking and kicking, then wearing safety equipment is essential. When practicing low strikes and kicks with a heavy bag, for instance, you risk getting injured if you do not use your shin guards
3. Do I wear my shin guards under or over my socks?
Whether to wear the gear over or under your socks is a very personal matter. However, it is better when they are worn under the socks. When playing for a team, for example, the chances are that different players will have different shin guard designs or colors.
Wearing them under your socks will help ensure that your unit maintains a uniform and professional look.
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Final Words
Even though my muscles are now stronger, more flexible, and less likely to get injured, I believe that prevention is better than cure. If you have nursed an injured shin in the past, then you understand the need to use tested shin guard brands.
We have done a comprehensive Hayabusa T3 striking shin guards review, and now you know about the exclusive perks it has to offer. To keep the guards in a pristine state for longer, clean them after each use and air them to dry.