To find the right Under Armour knee savers size, measure your thigh circumference about 6 inches above the center of your kneecap. Compare this measurement to Under Armour’s sizing chart. A snug but comfortable fit ensures protection without restricting movement.
Playing catcher is tough on the knees. You’re in a crouch for innings, blocking pitches, and taking foul tips. That’s where knee savers, or shin guards, come in. They’re your best defense against bruises and pain. But what happens when they don’t fit right? They can slide around, feel awkward, or even move out of place when you need them most.
That’s why getting the sizing right for your Under Armour knee savers is super important. Don’t worry, though! With a little guidance, you’ll be able to pick the perfect pair that feels like a second skin, keeping you protected and focused on the game. We’ll break down exactly how to measure and what to look for so you can hit the field with confidence.
Why Proper Sizing Matters for Under Armour Knee Savers
Think of your knee savers like a glove; they have to fit perfectly to do their job. If they’re too big, they’ll slip down your leg, leaving your knee exposed. If they’re too small, they can be uncomfortable, cut off circulation, or restrict your ability to move quickly. For catchers, this means digging into the dirt on a block, hindering your ability to pop up, or just being a constant distraction. Under Armour makes great gear, and getting the right size ensures you get the full benefit of their protective technology. A well-fitting pair isn’t just about comfort; it’s about effective protection and allowing you to perform at your best, inning after inning.
Understanding Under Armour’s Knee Saver Design
Under Armour’s approach to catcher’s gear, including their knee savers, often focuses on a blend of protection, mobility, and light weight. Their designs typically feature:
- Anatomical Fit: Built to follow the natural shape of the leg.
- Adjustable Straps: Allowing for fine-tuning the fit.
- Durable Padding: Designed to absorb impact from fastballs and foul tips.
- Breathable Materials: To help manage heat during long games.
Knowing this helps you understand why a precise measurement is key. The straps work best when they have enough material to secure properly, and the anatomical shape needs to align with your leg for maximum coverage.
The Ultimate Under Armour Knee Savers Sizing Guide
Ready to find your perfect fit? It’s simpler than you might think. We’ll walk you through the easy steps to measure your leg accurately and ensure your Under Armour knee savers are just right.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You won’t need much, just a few common items:
- A Soft Measuring Tape: The kind you’d use for sewing or general body measurements is ideal. A metal tape measure can work in a pinch, but be careful not to pinch your skin.
- A Pen and Paper: To jot down your measurements.
- A Mirror or a Friend: To help you get an accurate reading, especially for the back of your leg.
Step 2: Find the Right Spot on Your Leg
This is the most crucial step. For most catcher’s knee savers, the primary measurement is based on your thigh circumference. Here’s how to find that spot:
- Locate Your Kneecap: Sit on a chair or bench with your feet flat on the ground and your legs at about a 90-degree angle. Find the knobby part of your kneecap.
- Measure Above the Kneecap: From the center of your kneecap, measure approximately 6 inches straight up your thigh. This is generally where the top strap or the main supportive section of the knee saver will sit. Ensure you’re measuring over the thickest part of your thigh at that point.
- Mark the Spot (Optional): If you’re having trouble visualizing, you can lightly mark the spot with a pen.
Step 3: Take Your Thigh Measurement
Now, wrap the soft measuring tape around your thigh exactly at the 6-inch mark you identified. Make sure the tape is snug against your skin but not digging in or constricting your leg. It should feel like a comfortable fit, similar to how you’d want your knee savers to feel when worn.
- Be Accurate: Read the measurement directly from the tape. If you’re using a non-flexible tape measure, you might want to mark where the end meets the rest of the tape and then measure that length against a ruler.
- Record the Measurement: Write down this number clearly. This is your key measurement for sizing.
Step 4: Check the Under Armour Sizing Chart
Under Armour, like most sporting goods manufacturers, provides sizing charts for their products. You can usually find these on the product page on their official website, or sometimes on the packaging of the knee savers themselves.
Look for “Men’s,” “Youth,” or “Women’s” sizing depending on who the knee savers are for. Then, find the section for leg protection or shin guards. Compare the thigh circumference measurement you took to the chart. The chart will typically look something like this (note: this is a sample, always refer to the official UA chart for the specific product):
| Size | Thigh Circumference (Inches) | Thigh Circumference (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 15″ – 17″ | 38 – 43 cm |
| Medium (M) | 17″ – 19″ | 43 – 48 cm |
| Large (L) | 19″ – 21″ | 48 – 53 cm |
| Extra Large (XL) | 21″ – 23″ | 53 – 58 cm |
Pro Tip: If your measurement falls exactly between two sizes, it’s often best to order the larger size. This is because you can usually tighten adjustable straps for a more secure fit if they’re a bit loose, but there’s not much you can do if they’re too tight.
Step 5: Consider Other Fit Factors
While thigh circumference is the primary guide, consider these points:
- Strap Adjustability: Most Under Armour knee savers have multiple Velcro straps. This is your friend! It allows for significant adjustment. Even if you’re at the very edge of a size range, the straps can often compensate.
- Leg Shape: Some players have significantly more muscular or slender thighs than average. If you know your leg shape is non-standard, factoring that in can help.
- Desired Coverage: Some knee savers offer slightly different coverage areas. While sizing is based on thigh measurement, ensure the overall length and shape of the guard meet your expectations for protection.
- Trying Them On: If possible, try them on over your baseball pants. The thickness of your pants can affect the fit. You want the knee savers to feel snug and secure without being painful.
Common Sizing Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with a guide, mistakes can happen. Here are some common issues and how to sidestep them:
- Measuring Incorrectly: Simply guessing or measuring too low/high on the thigh will lead to an inaccurate size. Always follow the 6-inch rule from the kneecap.
- Not Using a Soft Tape Measure: A rigid tape can give inaccurate readings around a curved surface.
- Assuming One Size Fits All: Different models or brands can have slightly different sizing. Always consult the specific chart for the Under Armour knee savers you’re interested in.
- Forgetting About Pant Thickness: Baseball pants add bulk. If you plan to wear your knee savers over them, ensure your measurement accounts for this. For general sizing, measure directly on your leg, then adjust mentally or test the guards over pants when they arrive.
- Ignoring Strap Adjustments: Don’t dismiss a size just because it’s slightly snug or loose before adjusting the straps. Those straps are designed to customize the fit.
The Importance of the “Snug but Not Tight” Feel
When you put on the knee savers after determining your size, pay close attention to how they feel. The goal is a secure fit that doesn’t move when you bend your knees or shift your weight.
- Too Loose: You’ll feel them sliding down, especially when you move. This compromises protection and can be a major distraction.
- Too Tight: This can be uncomfortable, restrict blood flow, and actually impede your agility. You’ll feel them digging in or constricting your muscles.
- Just Right: They should feel firmly in place, providing a comfortable, supportive cushion around your knee and lower thigh. You should be able to squat, bend, and move freely without the guards shifting.
Under Armour Knee Saver Sizing for Youth Players
When sizing knee savers for younger players, remember that children grow! It might be tempting to buy a size up to account for future growth, but this can lead to poor fit now. A poorly fitting guard is less protective and can be uncomfortable, discouraging a young player.
Follow the same measurement steps (Step 2 and Step 3). Youth sizing charts will be different from adult charts. Focus on getting the current best fit. If a player is on the cusp of sizes, consider the length of the season and the child’s growth rate. For younger or rapidly growing players, adjustable straps are even more critical.
It’s also worth noting where the knee savers sit in relation to the player’s shin guards. The top of the knee saver should ideally meet or slightly overlap with the top of the shin guard to create a seamless protective barrier. Visit resources like USA Baseball’s coaching resources for general youth development tips, which often touch upon proper equipment fit.
When to Consider a Different Size or Model
Even after careful measurement, sometimes a product isn’t the right fit. Here are signs it might be time to reconsider:
- Consistent Slipping: No matter how you adjust the straps, the knee savers slide down your leg.
- Pinching or Discomfort: You feel straps or padding digging into your leg, especially after a few minutes of wear.
- Restricted Movement: You find it harder to squat deeply, move quickly, or get up from your stance because of the guards.
- Inadequate Protection: When you squat, the knee joint itself is exposed, or the guards don’t cover the areas you expect.
- Irritation or Chafing: The material or fit causes raw spots on your skin.
In these cases, it might be worth looking at a different size within the same Under Armour model, or even a different Under Armour model that might have a slightly different cut or strap system. Sometimes, comparing to other reputable brands that specialize in catcher’s gear might offer alternatives, though sticking with Under Armour ensures compatibility with other UA gear you might own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Under Armour Knee Saver Sizing
Here are some common questions beginner players and parents have:
Q1: Should I measure over my baseball pants or directly on my leg?
It’s best to measure directly on your leg first to get your baseline measurement. Then, when the knee savers arrive, try them on over your baseball pants to ensure they fit comfortably with your game attire. The thickness of your pants can make a difference in the overall snugness.
Q2: What’s the difference between knee savers and shin guards?
Often, these terms are used interchangeably. “Knee savers” usually refers to the padded guards that wrap around the knee and part of the thigh. “Shin guards” (or “catcher’s leg guards”) are typically a more extensive piece of equipment covering the shin and foot as well. Under Armour’s product naming might vary, so always check the product description to understand the coverage.
Q3: My measurement is exactly between two sizes on the Under Armour chart. Which should I choose?
If your measurement falls precisely on the line between two sizes, it is generally recommended to choose the larger size. You can often tighten the adjustable straps for a more secure fit, but if they are too small, there’s little you can do to make them bigger.
Q4: How tight should Under Armour knee savers be?
They should be snug enough to stay in place without sliding down but not so tight that they cause discomfort, restrict blood flow, or limit flexibility. You should be able to move freely and squat without them shifting significantly. Think “secure support,” not “constricting.”
Q5: Can I use youth knee savers if I’m an adult with small legs?
While it’s possible, adult knee savers are designed for adult leg dimensions, and youth ones for smaller legs. Generally, it’s best to stick within the adult or youth sizing categories as intended by the manufacturer. Measure yourself and consult the appropriate chart. If you have an unusually small thigh circumference for an adult, you might find a youth XL or even a men’s small to be the right fit, but always verify with measurements.
Q6: How do I know if my Under Armour knee savers are providing enough protection?
Proper sizing is the first step. Beyond that, ensure the padding is aligned with your kneecap and extends sufficiently up your thigh and down your shin. When you squat, the primary impact areas should be covered. If you’re concerned about impact absorption, consider models known for their advanced padding technology, like those used in professional leagues – you can find info on general baseball equipment standards from the American Association of Professional Sports (though they focus on sports medicine, it illustrates the importance of proper gear).
Conclusion: Protecting Your Knees for Peak Performance
Getting the right size for your Under Armour knee savers isn’t just about comfort; it’s a fundamental part of staying safe and performing your best on the baseball field. By taking a careful measurement of your thigh circumference (about 6 inches above the kneecap) and consulting the Under Armour sizing chart, you can ensure a secure, protective fit.
Remember that adjustable straps offer flexibility, and if you’re between sizes, leaning towards the larger one is usually a smart move. Don’t let ill-fitting gear hold you back from making those crucial plays or enjoying the game. With the proper knee savers, you can focus on your stance, your throws, and your team, knowing your knees are well-protected. Now go out there, play hard, and play smart – your knees will thank you!