SBD Knee Sleeves vs Bay Gear Co.: An Honest Comparison

Quick answer: SBD's 7mm Knee Sleeves are $110, and the stiffer 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves are $145. Both are IPF approved, made by SBD in the United Kingdom, cut to the full 30 cm length, and sized from 3XS to 5XL. They're highly rated too: 4.96 across 224 reviews for the 7mm pair. Bay Gear Co. 7mm Knee Sleeves are $59.99 a pair, $50.01 less than SBD's 7mm, from a veteran-owned brand. One pair ships free (SBD's free shipping starts at $150), a free 50 ml liquid chalk deal comes at the same price, and returns come with a prepaid label. Pick SBD if you compete, want the most proven sleeve in powerlifting, or need a size outside S–XL. Pick Bay Gear Co. if you want 7mm sleeves for training at about half the price.

Searching "SBD knee sleeves" or "SBD knee sleeves alternative"? SBD is one of the most respected names in powerlifting, and its sleeves are a fixture at major meets. We're Bay Gear Co., a veteran-owned brand that also makes 7mm knee sleeves, so we get asked how ours compare.

This post compares the two using only what each brand lists on its own website. We'll also be clear about where SBD wins.

Bay Gear Co. isn't affiliated with SBD Apparel. "SBD" is used here only to identify their products. All SBD details come from us.sbdapparel.com (SBD's U.S. store), checked October 11, 2026, unless noted.

SBD vs Bay Gear Co. Knee Sleeves at a Glance

Prices checked Oct 11, 2026; may change.

Sources: SBD's 7mm Knee Sleeves, 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves, 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeves, knee sleeve selector, shipping policy and refund policy, plus SBD's UK 7mm Knee Sleeves page for the "sold as a pair" note. For Bay Gear Co., our 7mm knee sleeves page and size chart, the Knee Sleeves Deal (Free Liquid Chalk), and our shipping and refund policies.

Where SBD Is the Better Pick

• You compete. SBD lists its knee sleeves as IPF approved, USAPL and USPA compliant, and IWF compliant. SBD also says its 7mm sleeves are at the maximum specs the IPF allows, including the full 30 cm length. We don't list federation approval for ours. For meet day, SBD is the clear choice. Always check your federation's current approved list.
• You want the most proven name. SBD makes its sleeves itself in the United Kingdom and says every sleeve gets a full quality-control check. The 7mm pair averages 4.96 across 224 reviews, and the Powerlifting version averages 4.88 across 295. Ours average 4.45 across 22.
• You want a choice of fit. SBD makes three sleeves: the 7mm Knee Sleeves for all-round strength training, the tighter 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves for competition and max attempts, and 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeves for Olympic lifting and fitness work. We make one 7mm sleeve.
• You need a size outside S–XL. SBD offers 11 sizes, from 3XS (9 in) to 5XL (20.3 in). Ours run Small to Xtra Large.
• You want a print. SBD sells its sleeves in several limited designs, including Serenity, Nova, Resolve, Aspire, Forge and Reflect, mostly $115 to $150. Ours come in all black.

Where Bay Gear Co. Stands Out

• About half the price. Our 7mm sleeves are $59.99 a pair. SBD's 7mm Knee Sleeves are $110 and the Powerlifting version is $145.
• One pair ships free. Orders of $49 or more ship free. SBD's free shipping starts at $150, so even its $145 Powerlifting sleeves pay the $5 flat rate on their own. Our orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the same day.
• Free liquid chalk at the same price. Our Knee Sleeves Deal adds a free 50 ml bottle of liquid chalk, still $59.99.
• An easier return. Return unused items within 30 days, and we email you a prepaid label. SBD's policy has you pay return postage.
• A full kit for about the price of premium sleeves. The Lock & Load Bundle pairs our knee sleeves with a quick-locking belt, wrist wraps and lifting straps for $124.96 (regularly $139.96). That's less than SBD's $145 Powerlifting sleeves alone. The Heavy Hitter Bundle swaps in our 10mm lever belt for $204.96 (regularly $234.96). Training elbows too? Our Knee Sleeves + Elbow Sleeves Bundle is $99.98.
• Veteran-owned. Brian Young founded Bay Gear Co. in 2017 as an active-duty U.S. Marine, working out of his barracks room at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. We're veteran-owned and operated.

Which SBD Knee Sleeve Should You Get?

If you've decided on SBD, here's how its three sleeves compare, based on SBD's own descriptions:

• 7mm Knee Sleeves ($110): high compression and a moderate, snug fit. SBD calls these its most versatile sleeve, for powerlifting and heavy strength training.
• 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves ($145): maximal compression and a tight fit. SBD designs them for competitive powerlifters and max attempts.
• 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeves ($110): moderate compression and the easiest fit. SBD aims them at Olympic weightlifting and fitness training.

All three are IPF approved, according to SBD. If you mostly train and don't compete, a 7mm training sleeve like ours covers the same heavy squat days for less. Our best knee sleeves guide explains 5mm vs 7mm in more detail.

SBD Knee Sleeve Sizing vs Ours

SBD and Bay Gear Co. both measure around the knee, but the size ranges are different.

• SBD: with your leg straight and muscles relaxed, measure around the center of your kneecap. S is 12–13 in, M 13–14 in, L 14–15 in and XL 15–16 in, with sizes from 3XS (9–10 in) up to 5XL (18.9–20.3 in). SBD suggests sizing up if your calf is more than 1.6 inches bigger than your knee. For a tight powerlifting fit, it suggests sizing down. If you're new to sleeves, especially at Medium or smaller, it suggests the recommended size.
• Bay Gear Co.: measure tightly around your knee. S is 12.6–13.7 in, M 13.7–14.5 in, L 14.5–15.7 in and XL 15.7–16.9 in. If you land right between two sizes, our chart says to pick the smaller one.

For example, a 13.5-inch knee is a Medium at SBD but a Small with us. Measure fresh for each brand. Our knee sleeve sizing guide walks through it step by step.

Are SBD Knee Sleeves Worth It?

For competitive powerlifters, the case is strong. You get IPF approval, the full 30 cm length, a choice of three fits, 11 sizes, and a 4.96 average across 224 reviews on the 7mm pair. If you train hard but don't compete, the extra cost buys things you may not need on a regular squat day. In that case, a 7mm pair for $59.99 that ships free may be the better use of your money.

Which Should You Buy?

• Buy SBD if you compete in the IPF, USAPL or USPA, want the tightest competition fit, need a size outside S–XL, or want a limited-edition print.
• Buy Bay Gear Co. if you want 7mm sleeves for training at $59.99 with free shipping on one pair, free liquid chalk, a prepaid return label, and to support a veteran-owned brand.
• Comparing other knee sleeves? See Gymreapers vs Bay Gear Co. and Rogue vs Bay Gear Co. knee sleeves.
• Looking at SBD's belt too? Read SBD Lever Belt vs Bay Gear Co. Lever Belt.
• Sleeves or wraps for heavy singles? Read Knee Sleeves vs Knee Wraps for Squats. Prepping for a meet? See our powerlifting meet checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are SBD knee sleeves?

When we checked on October 11, 2026, SBD's U.S. store listed the 7mm Knee Sleeves at $110, the 7mm Powerlifting Knee Sleeves at $145 and the 5mm Weightlifting Knee Sleeves at $110. Most limited designs ran $115 to $150. Prices may change.

Are SBD knee sleeves sold as a pair?

SBD's UK site describes its 7mm Knee Sleeves as "sold as a pair." The U.S. product page we checked doesn't say either way, so confirm with SBD before you order. Bay Gear Co. knee sleeves are sold as a pair.

Are SBD knee sleeves IPF approved?

Yes. SBD lists its 7mm, 7mm Powerlifting and 5mm Weightlifting sleeves as IPF approved, USAPL/USPA compliant and IWF compliant.

How do SBD knee sleeves fit?

SBD sizes by knee circumference, measured around the center of the kneecap with your leg straight. It offers 11 sizes, 3XS to 5XL. For a tighter powerlifting fit, SBD suggests sizing down. If you're new to sleeves, it suggests the recommended size.

What's the difference between SBD 7mm and Powerlifting knee sleeves?

Both are 7mm and IPF approved. SBD describes the Knee Sleeves as its versatile training sleeve, with high compression and a snug fit. The Powerlifting Knee Sleeves have maximal compression and a tight fit for competition and max attempts, and cost $35 more.

Are Bay Gear Co. knee sleeves competition legal?

We don't list federation approval for our knee sleeves. Some federations, including the IPF, only allow sleeves from approved manufacturers, so check your rulebook before you wear any sleeve at a meet. Ours are built for training.

Where are Bay Gear Co. knee sleeves made?

Our product page doesn't list a country of manufacture. SBD lists its sleeves as made by SBD in the United Kingdom.

Veteran-Owned and Built for Squat Day

Brian Young started Bay Gear Co. in 2017 as an active-duty Marine at Camp Lejeune. We're still veteran-owned and operated, now based in Sebastian, Florida, and we pack and ship every order ourselves.

Find Your Fit

• Knee sleeves: Shop 7mm knee sleeves, $59.99
• Sleeves + free chalk: Knee Sleeves Deal, $59.99
• Full kits: Lock & Load and Heavy Hitter bundles
• More deals: Shop deals

Free shipping on orders $49+, orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the same day, and unused items can be returned within 30 days.