I'm planning on actually competing in 2011 - something I never thought I'd be doing!
I have some sparring gear that I use in the dojo, but I'm not that fond of it.
Currently, I'm using Sparmaster gear - but it's essentially identical to a lot of other brands; that is, it's foam covered with a flexible plastic coating. I especially don't like the foot protector. The way the foot is designed, it makes my feet hurt - it just so happens that my big toes point UP, and the toenail digs into the plastic covering of the foot protector and it starts to hurt rather quickly. Not a dis on Sparmaster, their footgear just isn't working for me. I tried the next size up, but it's so big it flops around on my feet. It's not the size, it's the design.
So, I'm looking for some advice. I don't want to spend a ton, but I've got some time to save up, so I'll spend if I have to. Looking for sparring gear that YOU have used and recommend for competition; please no listings from Google searches, I can search Google too. I'd really like advice from those who have competed and have a preference for a certain type, brand, or style of gear.
This is for Isshin-Ryu karate competition, which is pretty generic in terms of rules - generally requiring head, foot, and hand protection, shin guard recommended. Some specifically forbid shoes that have covered soles, so tennis-shoe style shoes would not be permitted.
Any opinions, competitors?
I have some sparring gear that I use in the dojo, but I'm not that fond of it.
Currently, I'm using Sparmaster gear - but it's essentially identical to a lot of other brands; that is, it's foam covered with a flexible plastic coating. I especially don't like the foot protector. The way the foot is designed, it makes my feet hurt - it just so happens that my big toes point UP, and the toenail digs into the plastic covering of the foot protector and it starts to hurt rather quickly. Not a dis on Sparmaster, their footgear just isn't working for me. I tried the next size up, but it's so big it flops around on my feet. It's not the size, it's the design.
So, I'm looking for some advice. I don't want to spend a ton, but I've got some time to save up, so I'll spend if I have to. Looking for sparring gear that YOU have used and recommend for competition; please no listings from Google searches, I can search Google too. I'd really like advice from those who have competed and have a preference for a certain type, brand, or style of gear.
This is for Isshin-Ryu karate competition, which is pretty generic in terms of rules - generally requiring head, foot, and hand protection, shin guard recommended. Some specifically forbid shoes that have covered soles, so tennis-shoe style shoes would not be permitted.
Any opinions, competitors?