The Best Training Thai Pads Worth Striking: Review, Pro Tips + Buyer's Guide
Contents
- The 5 Best Thai Pads Reviewed
- 1. Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads - Top pick
- 2. Valleycomfy Curved Muay Thai Kick Pads – Best Budget
- 3. Venum Giant Kick Pads – Largest Pads
- 4. Farabi Sports Thai Pad - Best Single Pad
- 5. Contender Fight Sports Pads – Alternative Budget Option
- Thai Pads Buyers’ Guide
- Size
- Thickness
- Shape Of Pads: Curved vs. Straight
- Quality & Price
- Wrapping Up
- Sources
Anyone that has done some form of combat training knows the importance of Thai pads in developing different aspects of your striking game - kicking or punching.
Muay Thai pads, commonly called “Thai pads” or “kick pads,” are an essential tool for beginners and pros. They let you practice the full Muay Thai arsenal of fists, elbows, knees, and kicks that IFMA competition rules score.
Now…
Whether you’re into MMA, kickboxing, or Muay Thai, Thai pads let a partner hold targets for full-power kicks, knees, elbows, and punches.
Many local gyms have Thai pads available for training, but the chances of it being the right fit for you is low. So you’re going to have to consider purchasing your pair of kick pads. Factors like size, budget, thickness, quality, etc., have to be considered before purchasing a Thai pad. It is easy to get confused about choosing the right one for you with several things to consider.
No worries.
I’ve reviewed the best Thai pads with these factors in mind. It would serve as a comprehensive guide, and in no time, you would be sweating it out in the gym with your Thai pads.
This early, let me also mention, our top pick is the Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads for its versatility for those in a hurry.
The 5 Best Thai Pads Reviewed
1. Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads - Top pick
Fairtex is a reputable brand known for producing quality sporting products, and our top pick is a prime example of that.
If you ask several fighters what they like most about the Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads, the typical response you’ll get is versatility. Irrespective of fighting style, the pad would prove essential for your training.
It is made from premium cowhide leather, making it durable and an effective shock absorber. Experienced fighters would also find it thick enough to absorb their powerful kicks and punches. It also has a lightweight design to prevent arm fatigue during training.
The curved design makes kicks land squarely, which helps beginners. The arm fit is snug, so the pad stays put when it takes a hit.
It comes in different sizes – small, standard, extra-long, and extra thick. The standard size is usually the preferred option for athletes of all skill levels.
The biggest drawback to Fairtex Thai pads is they’re not budget-friendly. So if you won’t be a regular user of the pads, you might want to consider a cheaper alternative.
Regardless, it is a great Thai pad for either beginners or pro fighters.
Pros
- A versatile pad that’s suitable for several fighting disciplines
- Effective shock absorption
- Tight fit on the forearm
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting construction
Cons
- Adjustable straps are short.
- Pricey
Takeaways
The Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pad is the best Thai pad you can get. While pricey, it is worth every penny with its high-quality construction. It would be an excellent training aid for beginners. With proper care, it sure would last for years.
2. Valleycomfy Curved Muay Thai Kick Pads – Best Budget
Like Fairtex Thai Pads in terms of versatility, the Valleycomfy kick pads are more affordable. They are the cheapest Muay Thai pads on this list.
The pads have a practical design for kicks, knees, and punches. They are made easy to handle, so it doesn’t hinder your training technique.
Valleycomfy pads are made from quality leather that is soft, comfortable, and non-toxic. For the price it goes for, it has terrific shock-absorbing capabilities. You wouldn’t normally expect this from a cheap kick pad.
Another nice feature is the sweat-resistant lining, which helps keep the pads from slipping. Wipe them down after each session to limit bacteria.
Many, myself inclusive, do not like the one size fits most design. People with bigger or smaller hands wouldn’t find it as comfortable. The wrist strap may need a few adjustments to get a proper fit.
Valleycomfy’s mission is to provide sporting goods equipment at an affordable price, and these Muay Thai kick pads are a great example.
Pros
- Versatile
- Excellent shock-absorbing pad
- Easy to transport
- Sweat-resistant and odor-free
- Very affordable
Cons
- One size fits all, not suitable for all.
Takeaways
Valleycomfy might not get as much attention from pro fighters, but it is an excellent pick for price-conscious fighters. It would offer similar performance to some of the best and more expensive Thai pads.
3. Venum Giant Kick Pads – Largest Pads
It is frustrating when you cannot find a pad that fits your large hands. If you’re big or tall, you likely have this issue. Well, Venum has giant kick pads that are made for you.
As the name suggests, Giant Kick Pads are perfect for “giant” athletes that pack really hard kicks. The large surface area means there is more room to catch kicks and punches. It features multi-layered foam padding built for hard kicks, knees, and elbows.
Venum Giant Kick Pads are built to last. They are made from premium Skintex leather and rip resistance laces. The adjustable straps made from Velcro are easily adjustable to fit snugly in your arm.
Venum Giant Kick Pads are not pre-curved, so it might only be suitable for experienced fighters. Beginners would require time to break in. Despite the straight design, they’re still an exceptional product.
Pros
- Suitable for large hands
- The large pads have a wide striking surface.
- Excellent padding for shock absorption
- Extremely durable
- It has a good grip handle.
Cons
- Expensive option
- Only one size available
- Stiff padding
- Heavier than most kick pads
Takeaways
Venum Giant Kick Pads are ideal for bigger and experienced fighters who need a large and super thick pad to absorb their powerful kicks.
Its thick, large padding softens hard strikes for the holder.
4. Farabi Sports Thai Pad - Best Single Pad
Farabi is still relatively unknown in the MMA world, but their quality products are beginning to catch fighters’ attention.
Farabi Sports Thai Pad is thick but still surprisingly lightweight. This is due to the synthetic PX-Fiber composition. Other thicker pads from other brands are usually heavy and can fatigue the holder’s arm quickly.
Its large surface is long and wide enough to block punches and kicks that might not hit the target, especially for beginners prone to miss.
Being thick, they are perfect for big guys with powerful strikes. Farabi says its EC-Gel C-Shock padding spreads out the force of each blow to cushion the holder.
Many users don’t like that it only comes as a single pad. They would have to purchase another pad to complete the pair. Therefore, even though it is an affordable pad, you have to buy two pads separately, increasing costs.
Pros
- Impressive quality for its price
- Thick padding to absorb powerful strikes
- Shock absorption technology is reliable
- Absorbs and redistributes shock effectively
- Lightweight
Cons
- It only comes as a single pad, so you have to purchase another to make a pair.
- Not as durable as other pricey options
Takeaways
Thick yet lightweight, the Farabi Thai Pad is a strong budget pick. It might be a single pad, but a variety of training can be done with one pad, especially for beginners in kickboxing training. You can also choose to buy another pair.
5. Contender Fight Sports Pads – Alternative Budget Option
This is another budget-friendly option. Contender Fight Sports has been around for a while, so they know a thing or two about quality sporting equipment.
Contender Thai pads stand out due to the design material. It is designed from vinyl, which makes it easy to clean. This is not a common material used to make MMA pads, but somehow, it works.
Dense foam padding gives it good impact absorption for the holder.
Even though the pads are not pre-curved, they are still a decent option for beginners as it has a large base for striking, but it requires time to get used to. The two hook and loop straps secure the hands for a comfortable fit.
Many users have complained about the odor of the pads. I recommend airing the pads regularly to help with this problem.
Pros
- Affordable
- Thick padding to absorb most punches and kicks
- A broad striking area that allows a large margin for error
- Strong handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not pre-curved
- Some fighters have complained about the pungent smell of the pad.
- Small straps
Takeaways
The Contender Fight Sports MMA Muay Thai Fight Pads are pads that are worth considering. They aren’t only budget-friendly; they also have an alternative vinyl construction instead of leather, which some users prefer as it is easy to clean.
Thai Pads Buyers’ Guide
Whether it’s kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, Thai pads have become an essential training tool for beginners and professional fighters. The general preference is a high-quality, long-lasting, and affordable pad that can actually withstand the fighter's kick even when he's wearing the best Muay Thai shin guards.
For each fighter, the decision to purchase a Thai pad comes down to personal preferences. Beginners, especially, might need to try out different pads before finding the right fit.
Some important criteria to consider before purchasing a Thai pad are listed below.
Size
Muay Thai pads come in varying sizes. Most brands offer four sizes ranging from small to extra-large for you to choose from. It is important to get the right size since you will be using it for years.
Most women and average built men would go for the small or medium sizes while the large sizes are suitable for tall or big kickboxers.
The size of the pad will dictate how it fits in your hands. Pads with adjustable straps are preferable as you can make sure it fits your arm by tightening or loosening the straps.
Smaller and lightweight pads are comfortable to hold and don’t tire your arm as much. A rule of thumb is that the bigger they are, the bulkier they are to hold.
Having said that, let's see how to properly hold these Thai Pads from this video, below:
Thickness
One of the first things to consider when purchasing a Thai pad is its thickness. Smaller pads might be more comfortable to hold and not tire your arms as much; however, they don’t provide the same protection level as thicker pads.
For most cheap kick pads, you feel the shock every time a strike lands on the pad. This could result in bruising, especially when you hold the pad for a heavy kicker.
A good Thai pad should have enough padding to soften each strike. Holding for a heavy kicker is hard on the arms and shoulders, so learn to brace and absorb kicks with your whole body.
Thick pads absorb more shock, which lowers the risk of bruises and strain for the holder.
Shape Of Pads: Curved vs. Straight
Thai pads are either curved or straight. Curved pads tend to be pricier than straight pads, but the benefits over straight pads are undeniable.
Curved pads are designed to make striking or kicking comfortable for the fighter delivering the strike and the trainer receiving it. The curve allows the kick to land on target without glancing off or sliding away.
Straight pads are usually more difficult to kick and take time to break in. They eventually get a natural curve, but the months of training beforehand are rough.
Experts recommend curved pads for beginners due to their low learning curve.
Quality & Price
Most times, quality and price are directly related. The higher the price, the more quality is expected. Premium leather Thai pads cost more, but with care they last for years.
Many fighters prefer pads made in Thailand, home of Muay Thai, where the major gear brands have long track records. Pad work is also a great workout for both partners, and it counts toward the CDC's 150 minutes of weekly moderate activity.
Wrapping Up
Finding the right Thai pad should no longer be an issue for you.
You should find one that fits your expertise level, budget, or size.
Most fighters want the most versatile Thai pads for a variety of training. They also want a long-lasting one. This is why I’d recommend the Fairtex Curved MMA Muay Thai Pads. It also comes in different sizes, so you will surely find the right fit for you.
If you’re on a budget, Valleycomfy Curved Muay Thai Kick Pads is your best option.
Sources
- Rules for International Competition or Tournaments, International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA)
- Adult Activity: An Overview, CDC
