Bauerfeind - GenuTrain S - Hinged Knee Brace Support - Advanced Stability of the knee joint

This is such a great product that actually works, that after spending a lot of time researching and trying braces on, I'm going to take a moment to help others looking for a true knee stability brace that works. First, my sincere thanks and gratitude to the folks at Bauerfiend who developed this brace. It provides such a high level of active knee support that I have long sought, that I am compelled to share with you that this brace has actually improved my quality of life. Not only has it helped me during exercise, but all day long. My knee aches while on my feet without the brace; with the brace, I can keep on my feet longer, and at the end of day after removing the brace, my knee feels great, like I sat all day. Again, thank you.To those looking at the brace, know that I'm a fit and active 45 yr-old guy with a knee injury from a motorcycle accident 14-yrs ago that fractured my tibia in 4 places, which came with an ACL replacement surgery and 4 more surgeries for torn meniscus; I now have osteoarthritis. I exercise regularly without any impact activities (weight lifting, cycle, row, elliptical cross-trainer). Being too young for a knee replacement, I must make do with what God gave me for as long as possible without further injury. However, my knee keeps slipping and tearing my meniscus further. Hence, the brace. I've tried neoprene braces, but I sweat so hard in them during workouts, that they are no fun. Note, once you add a hinge to a brace, the price will jump. Although this brace is up there at $200, the fabric and hinge construction allow for continuous daily wearing, which makes it worth the extra expense. For prospective buyers:1) Make sure to follow the measurement guide for the best fit.2) When first putting the brace on, the outer hinges will squeeze tightly and uncomfortably against your leg/knee. It took me about 2 days to get used to it. Now I wear it all the time, and I'm grateful for it.3) Position the brace properly; find your sweet spot. I have found that when the top of my knee cap is just inside the top of the gel ring, it is properly positioned. In position, I can fully bend my knee and the brace doesn't shift.4) Tighten it properly while standing with a slightly bent knee. The lower back strap should tighten just above the bulge of your calf. If both lower straps aren't cinched tight, it will slip. Then tighten the upper quad straps. Tight, but not constrictive.5) The leg loops are helpful for slipping on/off, but also allow for you to grab thru your pants to pull it up just a bit if it slips during the day.6) I wear the brace for exercise and daily use. With the brace on, I can fit into most pants, just not the tight millennial jeans that seem so popular these days.7) I think the 4 Velcro straps can be replaced. (I'll provide an update when the time comes).8) Questions I still have: a) How long will it last?; b) How well will it survive the washing machine?

For BJJ / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, look no further... I've tried a myriad of braces (including the standard Genutrain) + Futoro Active's & the Shock Doctor. Been having issues (meniscus, ACL, etc...), resulting in instability when making cuts (i.e., Carioca warm-ups, side-to-side), De La Riva guard, etc... Aforementioned braces would either provide too little support or too much support (bulky/uncomfortable for both me or my training partner).The GenuTrain S provides amazing support/stability (knee doesn't feel like it's going anywhere except bending in its natural/intended range of motion). When rolling, I forget it's even on (hasn't hindered me AT ALL), nor has anyone complained of having a bulky knee braces pressing against their stomach/ribs/chest, etc... Even during very aggressive rolling, my ROM hasn't been hindered (& again, I don't even realize it's there). When I remove the brace, however? Back to feeling the instability (& depression, realizing my knee isn't @ 100%). Once healed, I'll likely STILL wear this brace as a psychological crutch (though knowing that it's protecting my knee regardless).Amazing product, though uncertain as to how long this $200 brace will last. I've only one brace currently & roll 5+ days a week (hang drying after each use). I may have to pick-up another just to extend the life (or one for every Shoyoroll & A&P Gi I have for each day of training)... I kid… (not about the Gi’s, but about the braces that is)…As a tip, if you’re at the top of the range, I’d suggest going with the recommended sizing (DO NOT GO UP). This thing fits like a sock & going up will reduce the effectiveness of the brace around your knee (also resulting in slippage), etc… An absolutely AMAZING product…

This is the most comfortable and supportive knee brace I have ever used. I just wish it were a little more durable. I train BJJ and I have broke two of these the same way - the plastic tab at the top caught and snapped the inner support in two.One of them broke after a year's use and was out of warranty. Its replacement broke after a month and was replaced by the company with minimal hassle. I now wear this one only on gi days when it can be covered by my pants and use a different brace with shorts.

I cant begin to describe the depression I felt when my knee decided to stop being a knee. After years of sports, military service and long hikes the cartilage in my knee wore away leaving me with a swollen and weak knee, incapable of painlessly receiving any type of impact or pressure. Physical therapy worked to a point, it got me back to a “normal” life of being able to walk without pain but nothing more. Most of the other cheaper knee supports are just a tight bit of fabric you put over your knee and are all largely ineffective. The Bauerfeind is not cheap, but you pay for quality. To me there is no price on being able to go hiking again and being able to ski! And the Bauerfeind enables me to do those activities. I still can’t run any significant length, but simply being able to be active again is life changing.

Great support but for a 200 dollar brace, the seam holding the donut support should not be separating after a few weeks of use.

These China made sleeves tend to all from the same company, colored differently. This German made product, a bit pricey, is exceptional.

I wear the brace when I play golf. Had knee replacement 7 months ago and finally being able to play golf again. Brace is very comfortable and adds support and stability. Very comfortable too. I like it very much.