Package: 1x pair of knee pads.
Type: Gear / Protection
Rating: 5/5
Cost: $13-18 USD

I hate knee pads. They are hot, uncomfortable, and slide off the knee at the first hint of movement. While I do see the value and safety offered by knee pads in airsoft, I still hate them with the fire of 10,000 suns… which accounts for my many knee injuries while playing airsoft. To combat these injuries, I decided to bite the bullet and suck up the fact that knee pads are essential safety gear, second only to the eye-pro. I dusted off my old Blackhawk kneepads put them on, and shed a tear, remembering what a hassle/PITA they are. I told this tale of woe to a pal in SoCal and he sung the praises of the XTAK line from Hatch, suggesting I give it a go.

Hatch describes the XTAK as follows:

Extremely light and flexible, yet this all-new design provides superior protection and shock absorption with the flexibility to move the way your body moves. XTAK is the lightest, strongest product of its kind ever created.

• Unique X-shaped thermal plastic urethane (TPU) shell
• EVA high-density foam for superior shock absorption
• Lightweight TPU and Cordura® nylon construction
• Forceful spring-back action that gives you the protection you need
• Cool Max™ inner surface for wicking moisture away
• Anti-skid inner surface to keep pad secured
• Spandex adjustable straps with Hatch Rapid Deployment Clips and hook & loop closure for secure fit
• Available in black, desert tan, digitized camo and OD

 

I picked up my pair from a random Amazon vendor for $16 and two days later they were on my door step. My first impression was the XTAK were much smaller than my old Blackhawk pair but once I didn’t really care. Inside the pad, there is an anti-skid layer of what feels like neoprene that offers extra impact cushioning and keeps the pad from traveling.

Natually, the classic and beloved QD buckle system keeps the pad tight against the knee. I did a few jumping jacks, ran a few times up and down my 120′ driveway and to my surprise, the pads actually stayed in place! Also inside the pad is a Cool Max layer that is designed to wisk away moisture that I have yet to try out.

The front of the kneed pad is made of Cordura nylon wth a “Unique X-shaped thermal plastic urethane (TPU) shell” attached. When I took a knee, I was a little unstable at first but now I can definitely see the increase in mobility and movement the TPU shell gives the pad. The TPU shell is riveted onto the pad itself which gives me a sense of durability and longevity.

In conclusion, the Hatch XTAK might be the knee pad that wins me over. With its rugged design, comfortable padding and innovative TPU shell, this pad far exceeds any expectation I had when ordering. The only real con I can speak of is when standing and locking my knees, I feel like I’m going to teeter forward. This might just be me and without a significant field trial to really put the XTAK though the ringer, I’ll chalk this con up to being a concern more than a negative. I’ll update this review again once they have had some field time so I can answer a few of the lingering questions and concerns.