We live in a world of evolving technology, where size and weight really does matter. The same applies to sports and orthopaedic devices, where product manufactures are trying to reduce the bulk and keep things low-profile in an effort to increase user compliance and market share.
If you wear a knee brace you probably know that comfort and functionality is an important factor - Plus if your wearing your brace on a daily basis, or for sports specific, having something lightweight really does make the difference. If your brace is featured above, you may be shocked at how heavy it is compared to others or even surprised how lightweight it is? However, before deciding to trade in your old brace, its important to remember why some braces are heavier than others:-
Material
Carbon fibre or carbon composite frames should be lighter, however, T4 aerospace alloy is even lighter, but lacks the strength of carbon fibre. Then we have braces made from T6 aerospace alloy (our favourite) which offers a balance between weight and strength.
Profile
Just because you have a carbon fibre frame it doesn't mean your brace will be the lightest (see CTi) as the thickness, profile and surface area of the frame will have a massive affect on its overall weight. The only positives to a thicker frame will of course be its overall strength.
Hinges
Think of the brace hinges as the engine behind the brace. Some manufacturers use very low-profile hinges, such as the TM5+ hinge used in Townsend Rebel braces - These style of hinges help reduce overall weight yet keeps the brace fully functional. Some hinges, such as the DonJoy FourcePoint (FP) use added technology which although enhances the brace function, can have a detrimental affect on the overall brace weight.
If you wear a knee brace you probably know that comfort and functionality is an important factor - Plus if your wearing your brace on a daily basis, or for sports specific, having something lightweight really does make the difference. If your brace is featured above, you may be shocked at how heavy it is compared to others or even surprised how lightweight it is? However, before deciding to trade in your old brace, its important to remember why some braces are heavier than others:-
Material
Carbon fibre or carbon composite frames should be lighter, however, T4 aerospace alloy is even lighter, but lacks the strength of carbon fibre. Then we have braces made from T6 aerospace alloy (our favourite) which offers a balance between weight and strength.
Profile
Just because you have a carbon fibre frame it doesn't mean your brace will be the lightest (see CTi) as the thickness, profile and surface area of the frame will have a massive affect on its overall weight. The only positives to a thicker frame will of course be its overall strength.
Hinges
Think of the brace hinges as the engine behind the brace. Some manufacturers use very low-profile hinges, such as the TM5+ hinge used in Townsend Rebel braces - These style of hinges help reduce overall weight yet keeps the brace fully functional. Some hinges, such as the DonJoy FourcePoint (FP) use added technology which although enhances the brace function, can have a detrimental affect on the overall brace weight.