Choosing Thai pads: what to look for
Choose Thai pads with thick firm padding, a curved shape, wide arm straps and leather; Twins KPL and Fairtex x Booster are the benchmark.
Good Thai pads have thick, firm padding that absorbs kicks at full power, a slightly curved shape that guides the kick to the centre, wide arm straps that don't shift and preferably a leather outer. The Twins KPL range and the Fairtex x Booster pads are the benchmark; keep an eye on the weight if you want to hold for long sessions.
What Thai pads need to do
Thai pads absorb the hardest techniques in kickboxing and muay thai: low kicks, high kicks, knees and elbows, sometimes all in one combination. They have to spread that force across the coach's forearm and at the same time be light enough to hold for an hour.
That is a tricky balance. A pad with a lot of padding is heavy; a light pad is something the coach feels in their arm. Good brands solve this with several layers of foam of different densities: a firm layer on the outside that spreads the blow and a softer layer against the arm. So when choosing, you look not just at the thickness but at how the padding is built up. In our shop that is described per model.
Shape: straight or curved
Thai pads come in a straight and a curved version. Straight pads offer a large, flat surface and are nice for punches and knees. Curved pads catch a kick better: the curve guides the shin to the centre and the pad twists away less on a hard kick. For kickboxing and muay thai, curved pads are the standard these days.
The degree of curve differs per brand. Twins KPL pads are slightly curved and wide; Fairtex x Booster pads have a somewhat stronger curve. A coach with long arms will prefer a larger pad; anyone who holds for a lot of youth can get by with a smaller size. There are also small Thai pads for children and for fast combinations.
Weight and thickness
A standard Thai pad weighs roughly between 800 grams and 1.2 kg each. That sounds like little, but after an hour of holding you feel every gram. If you mainly hold for heavy athletes who kick hard, go thick and heavy; if you often train long rounds or youth, choose a lighter model.
Thickness is a good indicator of protection. Pads of around 8 to 10 cm thick comfortably absorb a full low kick from a heavy athlete. Thinner pads are faster and lighter, but with hard kickers you feel the impact come through. If in doubt, choose the thicker model: a pad that protects too much does not exist, a pad that protects too little does.
Attachment to the arm
The arm straps determine whether the pad stays in place. There are three systems:
- Two wide velcro straps: quick and easy, fine for most coaches.
- Buckles with straps: the most secure, never shifts, but slower to swap.
- A combination of a fixed handle and one strap: the pad hangs from your hand and the strap holds the forearm.
Also check the handle on the inside: it should be sturdy and sit well in the hand, because that is what you steer the pad with. A padded inside protects the forearm. Slack or narrow straps are the most common reason a pad twists away on a hard kick.
Leather or synthetic leather
Thai pads take more punishment than gloves: hundreds of kicks per session in the same spot. Leather withstands that for years; synthetic leather wears on the impact zone and starts to crack. For a gym or a coach who holds pads daily, leather is the only sensible choice. For home use a few times a week, synthetic leather is worth considering.
Twins Special and Fairtex x Booster make their pads by hand from leather in Thailand, which explains the reputation of these brands. Booster and King Pro Boxing have both leather and synthetic leather models. When choosing, also look at the seams: double-stitched seams on the impact zone are a sign of quality.
Holding: the other half of the story
A good pad only works if it is held well. Hold the pad firmly against your forearm, tilted slightly forward, and meet the kick a little rather than letting it come to you. Tuck your elbows in, keep your core braced and catch a low kick with the pad angled downwards.
At Billy's pad sessions that holding is exactly what he does himself, so the student can kick at full power. If you want to learn to hold for a partner yourself, ask your coach for a short explanation. A badly held pad gives the kicker the wrong feel and strains the holder's wrist and elbow. Good holding is a skill that needs practising just as much as kicking.
| Feature | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Padding | Multi-layer, firm on the outside |
| Thickness | 8-10 cm for hard kickers |
| Shape | Curved for kicks, straight for punches and knees |
| Weight | 800-1200 g each; lighter for long rounds |
| Straps | Wide velcro or buckles, sturdy handle |
| Material | Leather for daily use, synthetic leather at home |
| Examples | Twins KPL, Fairtex x Booster, Booster |
Ordering from anywhere in the EU
PadsByBilly ships from the Netherlands to every EU country: Belgium €7.95, Germany €9.95, other EU countries €14.95, free from €75. No customs or import fees inside the EU; prices include VAT. Delivery usually takes 2–5 working days and you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Running a gym or fight school and need pads & mitts for the whole team? From €500 order value we make a custom quote with a bigger discount.
Frequently asked questions
Which Thai pads are the best?
The Twins KPL range and the Fairtex x Booster pads are considered the benchmark: leather, multi-layer padding and wide straps. Booster and King Pro Boxing are good alternatives.
Curved or straight Thai pads?
Curved for kicks; the curve catches the shin better. Straight is nicer for knees and punches. Kickboxing: curved.
How heavy are Thai pads?
Usually between 800 grams and 1.2 kg each. Heavier pads protect better, lighter ones are more comfortable in long rounds.
Can I use Thai pads on my own?
No, you need a partner or coach to hold them. For solo training a punching bag is the solution.
How long do Thai pads last?
Leather pads from a good brand last for years with daily use. Synthetic leather wears faster on the impact zone.
