
Where to Find the Best MMA Gear: Complete Buying Guide
Pascal CadoretteDo you practice MMA? Here's everything you need to know to buy the best MMA gear!
Are you starting MMA and wondering where to find the best equipment for training or even for your fights? Looking for reliable and quality equipment can be quite an arduous journey in which you will probably have to test and test again and again several brands and equipment.
In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll help you make the best choice when it comes to finding the perfect fighting gloves, must-have shin guards, comfortable and quality rash guards, and more. Don’t compromise your performance in the ring by opting for inferior gear and learn how to find the right MMA gear for you!
In this comprehensive buying guide, you'll learn how to determine which factors influence the quality of a piece of MMA gear, how to guide your choices according to your preferences, and where to find the best brands for your equipment.
Table of Contents on How to Find the Best MMA Gear:
- The different types of MMA gear
- Things to Consider When Buying MMA Gear
- MMA Gear Quality Assessment
- Tips for Choosing the Right MMA Gear
- Where to find the best MMA gear
- Think about your current needs, but also your future needs in MMA gear
- Conclusion on the importance of choosing the right MMA Gear
The different types of MMA gear
MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a demanding sport that requires proper equipment to ensure your safety and performance. Imagine fighting with gloves that are too tight, an uncomfortable rash guard, or MMA shorts that are too baggy. It would be a disaster. A fighter must be 100% in his fight and his equipment should not be an obstacle to his fight.
Among the essential MMA gear are MMA gloves, which are designed to protect the hands while providing enough flexibility to grip the opponent. MMA gloves come in several types, including training gloves, competition gloves, and sparring gloves. In all cases, they should fit snugly in the fighter's hand without being too loose or too tight.
Each type has specific characteristics that meet different needs, and choosing the one that best suits your practice is crucial.
Another must-have piece of MMA gear is the shin guard. Shin guards are essential for preventing injuries when kicking. They come in different sizes and styles, with some made from soft materials for added comfort, while others offer enhanced protection and are made from genuine leather.
Depending on your level of experience and fighting style, it is important to select shin guards that provide both protection and mobility. When selecting shin guards, it is important to find a brand that will remain stable on your legs and not move depending on the blows you throw. There are several styles, some shin guards that strap around the leg and others that are put on like a sock. Of course, the level of protection is not the same.
MMA clothing , such as MMA shorts and rashguards, also play a fundamental role. These garments are designed to provide great freedom of movement while being durable and abrasion resistant.
They should also allow good sweat wicking, as workouts can be intense. A good MMA rashguard will keep you comfortable, wick away moisture, and allow you to move freely.
Things to Consider When Buying MMA Gear
When considering purchasing MMA gear, there are several things to consider to ensure you make a wise choice.
The size of your MMA gear
First of all, it is essential to check the size of the equipment. Poorly fitted equipment can lead to injuries or hinder your performance. This may seem obvious, but when it comes to rashguards, an intentionally tight garment, it often happens that you take a size too small.
Whether it's gloves, shin guards or clothing, be sure to check the size guides provided by the manufacturers to find the right fit. For example, for our rashguards and MMA shorts, we have provided a complete Size Guide to help you make the best choice of MMA gear .
It is also recommended to ask your training partners questions and compare with partners of the same height/weight as you to compare sizes. This is why on all our rashguards , we display the size and weight of the model, as a reference.
The materials used to make your MMA gear
Next, the manufacturing materials are crucial aspects. MMA gear must be made from sturdy, high-quality materials to withstand the rigors of training and fighting.
Some MMA gloves and shin guards are sometimes offered:
- Synthetic leather which will generally be lighter and more flexible, but less durable
- Genuine leather, which will generally be a little heavier and less flexible, but much more durable.
Additionally, some gear features advanced technologies, such as cushioning systems to reduce the impact of blows. Look for products that combine comfort, durability, and protection.
On MMA gear like clothing, rashguards, shorts, etc. the seams are often the first thing to break. On different MMA gear, this is the weak point. That is why on our MMA rashguards and shorts , we have opted for Flatlock type seams which are generally the most resistant and best suited for combat.
The price of your MMA gear
Another factor to consider is the price of the equipment. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, it is important to keep in mind that quality comes at a price.
Investing in high quality equipment can not only extend the life of your gear, but also improve your safety and performance. Safety is probably one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing your MMA gear . Considering that an injury can be very costly to your health, performance and career in MMA. I know, sometimes quality equipment costs more, but if you are an athlete, making a career out of it and income is not always easy to generate, then checking out our article on 5 Ways to Generate More Income as an Athlete can definitely help!
Take the time to compare different brands and models to find the one that fits your budget while meeting your quality requirements.
MMA Gear Quality Assessment
Evaluating the quality of the MMA gear you are considering purchasing is essential to ensure your safety, performance, and satisfaction!
Check out the positive customer reviews
A first method of evaluation is to look at customer reviews. Are there other fighters who wear the brand in question? Are they satisfied with this brand?
Many online shopping sites allow customers to leave product reviews, which can give you a clear idea of how satisfied other customers are. Take the time to read multiple reviews to get a comprehensive view of the pros and cons of each product. Take the time to see if the brand is present and offers good feedback following the comments.
What is the brand reputation?
Next, it's a good idea to research the brand's reputation. Some brands are particularly known for their commitment to quality and safety.
Research the long-standing martial arts manufacturers and check out their product lines. A reputable brand often means higher quality products. Don't hesitate to ask your trainer or other fighters for recommendations based on their experience.
Finally, review product warranties and return policies.
Quality equipment often comes with a manufacturer warranty, which shows their confidence in the durability of their product.
Return policies also allow you to test out equipment before fully committing, giving you the option to return or exchange items that don't meet your expectations. This gives you added protection in your purchasing process.
For example, at Solar we offer a 100% free exchange and return policy within 14 days. So, if you are not satisfied with your rashguard or MMA shorts, you can easily return them.
Tips for Choosing the Right MMA Gear
Choosing the right MMA gear can seem complicated, but a few practical tips can make your decision easier.
First, try on the gear before you buy it. Whether in-store or online, many retailers offer try-on options. Make sure the gloves, shin guards, and apparel are comfortable and fit your body. A proper fit is essential to prevent injuries and improve your performance. A good tip I can give you as well, when trying on shin guards, try doing a few roundkicks in the air to see if the inertia will push the shin guard down.
This is something that happened to me in the past: the shin guards were super comfortable and fit my size well, but later in training I realized that when I was doing middle kicks, the inertia was pushing my shin guards and they were sliding down my leg. Even though I adjusted them to be very tight.
Next, don't hesitate to invest in additional accessories. For example, hand wraps are essential to protect your joints and wrists when using MMA gloves.
Likewise, a good training bag can extend the life of your equipment by protecting it when not in use. Think about your overall training routine and how each piece of equipment can contribute to your success. A good mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment that is often forgotten when training.
Finally, stay informed about trends and innovations in the field of MMA gear.
Technologies are evolving rapidly, and new materials or designs may offer better protection or increased comfort.
Follow specialized blogs, forums or social networks to stay up to date on the latest trends and industry recommendations. This will help you make informed choices and optimize your equipment for your specific MMA needs.
Where to find the best MMA gear
Fortunately, today combat sports and martial arts are becoming more and more widespread and the places where we can buy our MMA gear are becoming more and more numerous.
Online stores: the most modern approach
Of course, you will be able to find several online stores from which to order your MMA gear. Online shopping has truly revolutionized the way MMA fighters equip themselves with quality gear.
This is the most common approach. With a good exchange and return policy, you can be sure that your purchase is safe. This is what has allowed us to help a host of MMA and Jiu Jitsu athletes equip themselves with rashguards, MMA shorts and grappling shorts with:
- Comfortable and durable MMA gear
- A local after-sales service
- Competitive prices and free delivery anywhere in Canada
- A flexible and free return policy
This is our promise and our mission: To help local athletes conquer the world and shine in their art with quality equipment.
Physical stores
Physical stores are still a very viable and useful option. You will have the chance to try the equipment directly on site before buying it and be able to see the quality right there in the store. Physical stores will always have an advantage that online stores will not have:
- The possibility to try MMA gear on site
- Instant availability and near-instant acquisition of MMA gear
- The opportunity to ask questions face-to-face with an advisor
- The ability to touch and feel the comfort of the material
Think about your current needs, but also your future needs in MMA gear
When shopping for your MMA gear , think about your current needs, but also think about any additional or future needs you may have.
For example, it's good to get a rashguard when you start in MMA or Jiu Jitsu, but reality will quickly catch up with you: you will need more than one rashguard! While one is in the wash, you will need a 2nd or even a 3rd depending on the pace at which you train. Same thing for MMA shorts. One is good, but two is better.
When buying boxing, sparring or MMA gloves, also think about wrist wraps. Are you well equipped in terms of bandages?
Along with MMA rashguards and shorts, we always recommend a good mouthguard . An often forgotten accessory, but which proves to be very useful when training or even during fights.
Conclusion on the importance of choosing the right MMA gear
Choosing the right MMA gear is crucial not only for your performance, but also for your safety. Good gear allows you to train and fight with confidence, minimizing the risk of injury. Investing in quality gear will ensure you are optimally protected and improve your abilities in the ring or during training sessions.
Additionally, the right gear can also impact your motivation and mindset. When you wear items that fit you and are of good quality, you feel more comfortable and confident in your skills. This can greatly impact your performance and progression in mixed martial arts.
In summary, whether you are an experienced fighter or a passionate novice, take the time to assess your needs and choose the equipment that will suit you best. Remember that MMA is a demanding sport, and the right equipment can make all the difference in your journey. Prepare to perform at your best with quality equipment that supports your passion for MMA.