If you’re a player who has to take a lot of hits and want to protect your elbows, then you need to invest in some paintball elbow pads. They can help prevent serious injuries by protecting your elbows from impacts. They are also very useful for players who have small frames and need to wear something on their elbows. Before you buy paintball elbow pads, you should know what to look for.
If you’re just getting started with this game, it can be hard to know where to start and what to buy—especially when it comes to protective gear. At Paintballnest I’m here to help! I’ve done my research and have put together comprehensive buying guides for all of your paintball needs: from paintball guns and other equipment to elbow pads and goggles.
Tested and Approved Choices
There are many versatile and comfortable elbow pads available in the market. I have tried to narrow down the options by sharing my personal experiences with some of the top brands.
Here I want to categorically share my top picks for best paintball elbow pads in 2023.
| Editors Choice | For Beginners | Best Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker Kings V2 Royal Guard Elbow Pads | HK Army HSTL Line Elbow Pads | Exalt Paintball T3 Elbow Pads |
In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying Top Rated elbow pads to find the right ones for you and your team.
| PREVIEW | PRODUCT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
|
For Bigger Players
 |
Bunker Kings V2 Royal Guard Elbow Pads
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Virtuepb |
|
Most comfortable
 |
Dye Paintball Performance Elbow Pads
|
Check on AmazonCheck on ebay |
|
For Occasional Paintball Players
 |
Professional Tactical Combat Knee and Elbow Protective Pads Sets
|
Check on AmazonCheck on Alibaba |
|
Affordable Elbow Pads
 |
HK Army HSTL Line Elbow Pads for paintball
|
Check on AmazonCheck on ebay |
|
Lightweight Elbow Pads
 |
Exalt Paintball T3 Elbow Pads
|
Check on AmazonCheck on ExaltPaintball |
Why do we need to buy elbow pads?
The purpose of elbow pads is simple: they protect your elbows while playing paintball. There are two types of elbow pads: full-length and half-length. Full-length pads cover the upper part of your forearm and are usually made from leather or composite materials like Kevlar fibers. Half-length pads cover only part of your forearm and can be made from soft materials like neoprene foam.
There are different types of elbow pads available today: basic ones made from soft materials; more expensive ones made from composite materials.
5 Best Elbow Pads for Paintball
I’ve put together a short list of tested and approved elbow pads that will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect set for your needs. I’ve also included product pros and cons so that you can see exactly what each product has to offer. Enjoy reading on!
1. Bunker Kings V2 Royal Guard Elbow Pads
- Material: Neoprene
- Size: M/L/XL/XXL available
- Weight: 0.45 Kilograms
These pads are comfortable and sleek. The price of these elbow pads is slightly more than its counterparts but still worth the investment. These are low profile elbow pads and can fit bigger players even.
I have tried many brands and labels of elbow pads but Bunker King Royal Guard elbow pads are by far the best choice available. I have their knee pads as well as they are very comfortable and have a nice feel alongside solid protection.
Unlike other brands, their foam padding is not stiff instead it’s molded in an arm shape. The pads breathe and flex well and don’t restrict movement in any way. Though the foam padding is thick still pads don’t feel heavy or bulky instead provides a snug feeling. Sizes are standard and rest assured it’ll fit you well. Unlike HK army pads these are designed to wear with a jersey and feel comfortable when worn under a jersey.
I got the pair that was well-fit and well-made. I have used them a few times only and I guess they will run for a long. The neoprene material used seems durable and of good quality. Overall a great pair of elbow pads for advanced as well as intermediate players.
- Soft and comfortable
- Standard size
- Nice low-profile design
- Slightly expensive
Expert Review
These are a great pair of comfortable elbow pads for paintball. These might be slightly more expensive than some other contemporary brands but are worth the investment.
2. Dye Paintball Performance Elbow Pads
- Material: Neoprene with Gel Inserts
- Weight: 0.27 kilograms
- Size: S/M/XL/XXL
Made out of airprene and neoprene materials, these are comfortable and durable elbow pads. The pads provide great protection to arm, elbows and hands.
Dye Paintball gear has always been one of my favorites for its great quality and nice construction. The pads come with EVA foam construction with gel inserts for further cushioning and protection. It also saves the joints from the high impact of shots or when falling on the ground.
The product description said these are hard-sized but a normal XL was too tight on my arms. It was difficult to put on and off and I had to pull it off with force. That resulted in my hand being ripped off of pads very soon. But overall these are well made and comfortable for other players who have got a good fit for themselves. I recommend choosing the right size before placing an order. Or getting a size bigger than your normal size.
- Comfortable
- Great alternative to jerseys and shirts
- Good Quality EVA foam and gel construction
- Tight Fit construction
Expert Review
I recommend these dye pads to everyone looking for snug-fitting elbow pads for full arm protection. Just be careful while choosing the right size.
3. Professional Tactical Combat Knee and Elbow Protective Pads Sets
- Material: Foam, Nylon
- Weight: Lightweight
- Size: One size
These knee and elbow pads are for general use too and serve as a good protection for knees and elbows. Its 10 mm thick EVA padding saves you from bruises and cuts. These are less expensive yet affordable for players.
One of my new fellow players was looking for a protective pad set but was not willing to invest heavy bucks and I recommended these tactical pads: a set of elbow pads and knee pads. The set came at a reasonable price and was made out of medium-quality material.
The best thing is that the sets are available in one size with adjustable nylon straps for fitting and usually fit all. These X-shaped pads are flexible and don’t restrict movement. The nice camouflage design and fitting straps allow easy putting on and off.
These can be used for airsoft, paintball, and skating purposes alike. Reasonable price point and good quality for the money. These would be a great purchase as starter sets of pads for new players.
- Economical set of pads
- One adjustable size
- Easy to put on and off
- Both knee and elbow pads included
- Short size only protects elbow and knee joint
Expert Review
I recommend these pads to all new and less frequent players. You need value for money without spending hundreds of bucks on protective pads.
4. HK Army HSTL Line Elbow Pads for paintball
- Material: Neoprene
- Weight: 0.36 Kilograms
- Size: S, M, L, XL
These pads are great and offer enough protection without restricting movements.
These are one popular elbow pads on my list that are famous among the paintballer community. These pads are longer in size and provide solid protection to the elbow and mid-arm area. Other than size and length these pads also do a great job in elbow protection.
Another powerful feature is that these are very easy to clean. I used to clean these with a simple sponge and cotton cloth. Besides all these factors, the price is also reasonable. In fact, these are among top rated elbow pads under $50.
The only issue was with the upper elbow part that goes tight and less elastic on the biceps which may feel uncomfortable. But I used to leave it unstrapped and it worked well for me.
- Easy to clean by hand
- Good quality
- Longer length
- Affordable
- Tight on biceps
Expert Review
I found these pads suitable for beginners and intermediate players. These are affordable and made of good quality materials. Overall a great starter pair for paintball players.
5. Exalt Paintball T3 Elbow Pads
- Material: Composite Material
- Weight: 0.18 kilograms
- Size: S/M/L/XL
These elbow pads are the newer and updated version of Thrasher series elbow pads. These are breathable and flexible with an improved protection. The pads are lightweight than any of the other choice on the list.
Exalt T3 elbow pads are the last on my list of infamous paintball elbow pads in 2023. I was looking for a pair of lightweight elbow pads for paintball and found these online. The pads were slightly different in design and construction than other elbow pads of the same length.
Silicon straps at both ends help the pad stay in place and don’t slip down. They are slightly longer and provide full arm protection. They seem to deflect any paintball that comes over them. The hand loop or glove is half and doesn’t have any padding which is suitable to wear any extra glove over them.
The only issue is with the composite material used in the elbow pads that look average quality and did not last longer too. Otherwise a good choice in lightweight paintball pads.
- Do not slip down
- Great fit and protection
- Breathable and flexible
- Average quality material
Expert Review
I highly recommend buying Exalt paintball gear. These elbow pads are nicely breathable and provide full protection. The material used in the lives is especially suitable for summers and got days.
FAQs
How tight should elbow pads be?
The tightness of your elbow pads is a matter of personal preference. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right fit for your elbow guards.
Mainly, you will want to make sure that they are snug enough that they don’t move around on your arms while you’re wearing them, but not so tight that they cut off circulation or cause numbness. If possible, try them on with a shirt or sweater underneath so you can see how they feel next to your skin. Personally, I think the tighter the better. You want to be able to move your arms and elbows without feeling restricted. If your elbow pad is too loose, it will not protect your elbow from impact.
How do I choose the elbow pad size?
You’ll need to know the size of your elbows in inches for this one. The size of the guard depends on how much protection it offers and how snugly it fits around your upper arm bones. Most people use a size larger than what they wear normally because they want more protection from impact injuries like broken bones and sprains. If you’re buying elbow pads for the first time, take note of how many sizes beyond your normal measurements are available at the store and buy accordingly!
How do I know my elbow pad size?
The most common size for an elbow protector is 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. That measurement does not include the Velcro strap, so if you are unsure of the size of your Velcro strap, measure from one end of the Velcro strap to the other.
How do I know my elbow pad size?
The most common size for an elbow protector is 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. That measurement does not include the Velcro strap, so if you are unsure of the size of your Velcro strap, measure from one end of the Velcro strap to the other.
How do you wear an elbow protector?
There are two ways to wear elbow pads. One is to wear them over the top of your sleeves. This is the most common way. The other is to wear them under your sleeve, which makes it easier to get a good fit and less likely that they will slip down your arm when you are moving around or playing your guitar.
Detailed Guide for Buyers- What to look for?
This buying guide will help you find the best elbow pads for paintball. It includes all the information needed to make an informed decision about your purchase. You will learn about the different types of elbow pads available, as well as their main features and benefits.
What are the best parameters?
Many factors should be considered when purchasing elbow pads or knee pads for paintball.
Durability
This is one of the most important aspects of any piece of equipment since it determines how long it lasts before wearing out or breaking down completely. Just like any other product out there, various factors affect durabilities such as material composition, construction techniques used during the manufacturing process, and maintenance schedule required by each individual item (if any). Therefore, choosing durable materials with high-quality construction techniques and a proper maintenance schedule should be given priority over.
Padding
The padding on your paintball elbow pads is going to be one of the most important factors in your decision, so it’s important to know how much padding you need and what kind of padding you want.
If you’re playing in a league with other people who play paintball, then you’ll want elbow pads that are at least as thick as their own equipment. In this case, it can be difficult to choose between the different padding types because they all have their advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of padding used in elbow pads is open-cell foam, but closed-cell foam (also known as closed-cell or closed-cell polyethylene) is gaining popularity as well. In addition to providing more support for your elbows, closed-cell foam also provides better protection against cuts and tears than open-cell foam due to its higher density.
Construction Materials
In addition to choosing between open-cell foam and closed-cell foam, there are several other materials that manufacturers use when constructing their products:
PVC: This material is ideal for those who want a lightweight product that won’t break easily if hit by a ball during play.
Neoprene: This is comfortable and long-lasting material that gives perfect protection without being bulky.
Composite material: The pads made out of composite materials are lightweight and nicely designed but they don’t last long.
Intended Usage
Think about how long you plan on using your elbow pads. If they’re going to be used for less than an hour at a time, then you can get by with cheaper pads. However, if you’re planning on spending more time playing and don’t want to skimp on quality, then it’s worth investing in some pricier pads.
Your Needs
What kind of elbow pad are you looking for; something more lightweight or something that offers more protection? This will help determine exactly what kind of elbow pad will fit your needs best!
Final Conclusion
Choosing the right protective gear is crucial in paintball. The best paintball elbow pads are those that offer great protection, and comfort, and that too at a reasonable price. While choosing a pair of elbow or knee pads for your paintball game you should also consult the buyer guide carefully. This is the only way you will be able to make a safe choice.
