UF Product Review
by ez

One of the things that really worries me about most traceurs is that they show almost complete ignorance when it comes to self preservation.  I hardly see anyone using correct warm up routines before training and just as importantly, when warming down at the end of a session.  This in itself will just buy you a one way ticket to injury central.  For most of the younger kids out there training, they will be able to escape niggling injurues as they have youth and fast levels of recuperation on their side, but when it comes to injuries in general, they are very patient sons of bitches and will bide their time before striking at the most inconvenient of times.

If you feel that none of the strap stuff applies to you, at the very least try to educate yourselves in the importance of stretching before and after training.  Yes, its boring but at the same time it'll extend your PK shelf life and help ensure that you enjoy the sport for as long as possible without unnecessarily pulling any muscles or tendons.

Parkour, whether you like it or not, can be extremely high impact.  Especially on the knee joints which take a pounding from all the jumping around.  You'll find that over a period of time your body will get accustomed to all the jumping anyway and with correct technique, the aches start to fade.  But if on a jam for too long, there is no escaping the aches that come hand in hand with our art.

From my personal point of view, I've always had a fear of damaging my knees.  I spoke to Stephane Vigroux (from Jump London fame) in length about his own knee injury, which put him out of action for a year and a half, and it just enforced my opinion that the knees are something that need to be looked after at all costs.  So here's a run down on what I use.

*Note......I'm only suggesting that these work for me.  Most recently Mogli from the UF Krew has started to use straps and he has reported that they make him feel more comfortable and confident when doing regular drills in safety.  This isn't to say that they will work for everyone.  My suggestion would be to try them and see for yourself.

Before any PK training I make a concerted effort to stretch and warm up properly.  I use a rubbing ointment called 'Fiery Jack' which is like tiger balm but about 20 times stronger.  You only need to use a tiny bit but once you start to move around and sweat its like having napalm on your knees.  The purpose of this is to keep the knee area hot at all times.  I then put on a pair of Cho Pat knee straps.  These sit under the knee cap and provide protection from heavy drops/landings.  Over the top of these I put on the Vulkan neoprene protectors.  With the neoprene protectors, they stabilize the knee and most importantly, keep the heat from the Fiery Jack contained.

Does any of this kit restrict movement?  Not at all.  The neoprene protectors have a hole situated over the knee cap area and are hinged.  This allows for total freedom of movement.  The Cho pat straps can be adjusted to fit exactly as required and once on, you forget they are there.  As for the Fiery Jack, depending on how much you use, your knees will be on fire and in turn will make you want to keep on moving. A perfect recipe for PK progression. lol 

Vulkan protectors

 
5mm thickness neoprene for maximum support, with patented spiral lining to remove excess perspiration. Contoured 3-piece design provides comfortable fit. Cut out helps avoid excessive pressure on the kneecap and also helps align kneecap tracking.

Cho pat straps


Cho Pat applies pressure over the patellar tendon. Indicated for chondromalacia, Strap does not impede circulation or restrict mobility, Strap functions dynamically as knee flexes and extends, Easy to apply and adjust.

*Another important thing to take into consideration.....Do not rely solely on these protectors.  I only ever use mine for Parkour but make a point of leaving them off when using weights, running and cycling.  If you get into the habit of wearing them all the time, you will (over a period) start to weaken the areas you are trying to protect as they will start to lose natural resistance.



Style: Won't win you any fashion awards.  They are simply there to offer protection.....Nothing else.  2/5

Fit: Vulkan protectors come in various sizes from small to XL.  Need to try before you buy but once you have the right size, these babies are very snug without being restrictive.Cho pat straps are fully adjustable with velcro fastening.   5/5

Weight: Vulkan protectors are made from neoprene which is lightweight. Cho pat straps weight next to nothing.  4/5


Durability: Had mine for a year and a half and they are still perfect.  Make sure you wash them regularly or you'll end up smelling like a running lump of cheese.  5/5


Value: Vulkan protectors are about £17 uk each.  Cho pat are about £20 UK each.  Not cheap but are worthy investment. 3/5


Overall: I would recommend these to any traceur who is serious about their game and wants to help prevent possible injury. These aren't essential bits of kit, but for those who have suffered from sore knees while training, or those who want to take the self preservation route, these are a must have item.  I wear mine every time I do Parkour and am 100% happy in the service that they have provided so far. 4/5