To day we are writing our review of the tried and true Fairtex KPLC2 Thai pads. If you’ve spent any time in a Muay Thai or Kickboxing gym, you’ve seen these being used. The KPLC2 is considered a bench mark for Thai pads and are usually the first pair of leather pads trainers buy.
Cost: The KPLC2 provides a lot of “bang for your buck”. They are cheaper than most decent leather Thai pads, while still delivering a quality product. Fairtex produces more pair of pads than other company’s, enabling them to keep cost lower.
Leather: The leather on the KPLC2 is surprisingly soft and only gets better with use. It offers a satisfying thud on impact as opposed to the slapping sound of microfiber. The leather used by Fairtex on the KPLC2 has more a refined feel instead of the “rugged” feel of premium brands.
Weight: The KPLC2 has a lighter feel than comparable brands. They feel slightly heavier than Fairtex’s microfiber version but, noticeably lighter than leather pads from competing brands. They don’t seem to absorb impact as well from heavier kickers but, they are easier on the shoulders when holding for extended periods of time.
Durability: While I don’t foresee them holding up for four to five years with heavy use like some of the higher end pads, I can say I have used a pair at least once a week for two years and they still have a lot of mileage left on them. Even with heavy use, if cared for properly, I think you could reasonably get two to three years out of a pair.
Overall: The Fairtex KPLC2 are a solid pair of pads and unrivaled as far as return on your dollar. I would not hesitate to recommend them for a casual practitioner or for commercial use. While there are higher quality pads, you certainly pay a fee for them. If you are looking for a no frills set of Thai pads without breaking the bank, feel safe picking up the KPLC2.
