Inzer Ergo Pro Knee Sleeves - Can You Squat More?

[@williewong2615]

As a competitive powerlifter, I too have tried every brand of knee sleeves out there. My go to knee sleeves was the SBD. When the Inzer came out last year, I tried them out for curiosity. The Inzer knee sleeves are completely different than any other knee sleeves out there. The weight and the stiffness are the main differences. My initial reaction when I tried the Inzer the first time was that these must be illegal. The bounce off the bottom felt like wraps. The confidence the sleeves provide at the bottom cannot be compared to other sleeves out there. In fact, the Inzer knee sleeves was so different from other knee sleeves that they many people thought that they did were illegal. It was only after USA Powerlifting tested the sleeves to see if it conforms to the standards before the legality of the sleeves was put to rest. Yes, they are uncomfortable and tough to remove but in my opinion, they are the best sleeves out there. The current wait time for the Inzer sleeves is about 4-5 weeks.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey Willie, thanks for the comment. I covered some of that in my initial video. It was actually USPA that cut them open to investigate. Too funny!

[@Hogan_Gagle]

@old man strength I’m in the exact same boat right now. I have Strong sleeves right now in a size Medium. My knees are both about 14.25”. Based on your experience you have any recommendations on sizing for the Inzer for competition/ 1RM.

[@tajvir]

just put my order in a few days ago, can’t wait

[@someoneprice2371]

how would u compare inzer to SBD stiff PL knee sleeves?

[@williewong2615]

​@someoneprice2371 In my opinion, the new SBD offers better overall compression around the knee, but they lack the rebound that I get at the bottom compared to the Inzers. Just to be upfront, the Inzers are no longer my go to sleeves for competition. The Titan TKS sleeves is what I currently wear in competition.

[@woodlee1996]

I love my pair, my squats for 5s are up 40 lbs vs last year. I bounce out of the whole way better, but getting them on takes about 15 minutes and uses a lot of energy.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice

[@aprilgrey8770]

That's exactly what it is. I've only used mine for 3 training days during my peak so far and the support they provide during the whole squat gives you a tremendous amount of confidence..But then I need 2 people to get them off lol. My legs end up more bruised than if I were to wear wraps🤦‍♀️ Getting them on is easy tho

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol at least I'm not alone.

[@slaytanic921]

Are you sized according to their sizing or sizes down one?

[@michaelrooney3053]

Thank you for this Video. I had a fear of missing out, now I don’t. Think I’ll stick to the SBD’s

[@BasementBrandon]

I think unless you just have some money to burn and/or you want some confidence, there's no reason to buy.

[@Patient_Zero01]

I decided earlier this year to ween myself off using sleeves. It took a few months to not feel unstable and weird but I'm never going back now. It's nice not messing around with them for maybe a 5lb gain

[@bmstylee]

Sleeves really don't do much for me. I like them for the warmth and compression on my knees which are a bit beat up after 20+ years of sports and lifting

[@BasementBrandon]

I ditch the sleeves about once a week mostly b/c I'm lazy and that days squats are like 3-4 exercises in.

[@AustinHartford]

Same boat here. Stopped a couple years ago and have never felt a benefit since, only the annoyances of adjusting them. Same with wrist wraps. Competed a month ago and it was great having only my belt to adjust. I was definitely the only person without sleeves

[@maxbuc1]

I had them in end of january and perfomed well at euro master classic. What I would say is that, being mostly an equipped lifter, they mentally give a sort wrap-like feeling. It helps to throw down in the hole more comfortably with a higher stretch reflex effect. I could say that, mechanically side, they may add around 5 kg more pressure when knee angle is very close. I anyway do think I can squat thr same weight with tight sbd after a proper adaptation. Thanks for the very interesting video man 🤝

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciate the first hand feedback!

[@maxbuc1]

@@BasementBrandon you're welcome and sorry for some english mistake 😂

[@BasementBrandon]

@@maxbuc1 No problem, you probably write better grammatically than I do!

[@Frankie431]

I agree on the confidence, and it can be dangerous. I been very tempted to add more weight that I know my body will struggle to handle. I measured 14.5 and got the medium size and they fit absolutely perfect, putting them on is not big deal and taking them off is fairly easy, as long as my calves don’t grow 🤣 These are definitely for advanced lifters and are great for single rep attempts.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@gabrielwalliczek5071]

I have a 14 and a half inch knees should I get the medium or go for the small, my calves are also 13 and a half inches

[@Frankie431]

@@gabrielwalliczek5071 So I used them for quite a while and they have stretched a little, sometimes I have to adjust them again because they slide down a little bit. But I feel like a size small would work just as well for me but the problem comes when attempting to put them on or take them off. I honestly feel like both sizes would work for our knee sizes.

[@gabrielwalliczek5071]

@@Frankie431 ya that’s kinda what I’m afraid of

[@allenroy9250]

I was thinking of doing a review on these because so far I am one of the rare few who has a pair that didn't get his tight . Mine slide right on and almost might seem loose . You are supposed to get them according to the specified sizing. Mine are most tight at the knees and thats how they work. They bunch up a little at the back of the knee and give great spring . First day I got them I got that 5 plate I was after at 60 years old. They may not have helped but they definitely didn't hinder . Moral of the story is ...don't think they won't work if they go on easy and even seem slightly loose for sleeves.

[@BasementBrandon]

It's fairly common practice in knee sleeves to size down.

[@allenroy9250]

@@BasementBrandon I knew that but I heard to many horror stories so I ordered mine according to their specs.

[@JianIsntHere]

everyone ik squats A LOT more including myself for ex. set of 6 +10lb and (-) 2-3 RPE and its a size UP from my regular sized knee sleeves. Super easy to get on and off.

[@BasementBrandon]

Just giving you my input from someone who's owned every pair of sleeves their is and squats a decent amount. Those same people were also the ones saying a few years ago how SBDs gave them that same result. :)

[@willsandrew815]

I have trained with these sleeves for 1 year and all most every squats above rpe7 I put them on. As my legs are weaker plcompared to hip, back and core, these inzer ergo pro sleeves allow me to squat at least 50 lbs more than without any sleeve, 25lbs more than with SBD ones (true size), 15 lbs more than SBD small (1 sized down).

[@BasementBrandon]

I think it's hard to put an actual number on this type of thing

[@bmstylee]

I'll stick with my SBD sleeves for regular use unless I'm getting frisky then I have my SBD training knee wraps. Wraps are definitely good for adding some weight to the squat. Provided you can wrap them properly. Which is a bit of a skill.

[@BasementBrandon]

Older SBDs? It seems the newer ones are a bit wider/floppier than the old ones.

[@bmstylee]

@@BasementBrandon they are a few years old. They are a bit softer as they are well used but still nice for a bit of compression and heat on the old joints us masters lifters get. But very little added weight on the lift. I'm having more fun with wraps. I'm not planning on competing anymore so I can just play around.

[@Jackhardman93]

I can’t get over the plates in the back . They are so nice

[@BasementBrandon]

I need to do a video on those, the finish on them isn't the best.

[@chriscota1635]

I wear original rehbands. Nothing fancy at all. I wouldn’t say they assist much from a mechanical stand point. But from a mental standpoint they help a bunch. I am actually waiting on a new pair of the same sleeves after debating on going with some SBDs or Strong sleeves… I just don’t see a need. Rehband has been awesome! I also don’t compete… so there’s that

[@BasementBrandon]

I still have my old Rehbands!

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Great vid and really good info to share. My Stoics have served me well thus far.

[@BasementBrandon]

Good to hear!

[@DJ-he1zc]

I saw that you did well in your latest competition so congrats to you on that . I have noticed in the past you are hard on yourself concerning your lifts . What is it bothers you particularly ? your form ? the weight used ? From what I see your form is pretty spot on and the weights you are handling on deadlift and squats are pretty impressive given your sub 240 bodyweight .

[@BasementBrandon]

It's more of an always wanting more type attitude.

[@chimku]

i agree i returned mine, first time got em on my friend told me take them off he'll show me how to put em on, so i tried to take em off i can't needed 2 ppl to yank it off bc my calf is big. it hurts squating down with it back of knee gets pinch. btw took like 30 min to take both off, and yes i did measure and correct size

[@BasementBrandon]

😬

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

Thanks for the honest opinion!

[@BasementBrandon]

It also very well be just my old man sass coming through.

[@ClarksvilleBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon LOL! You are getting sassy in your old age.

[@DylanQuitoriano]

I personally think they add a little more keys. The smallest size I can fit into are a small. They have a better spring out the hole with the ergo pros. I just love the sleeves more than SBDs / Stoics because the calf tapers out more

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the feedback

[@shouman3277]

My Knee measurements are 13.5" and calfs are 14" would you recommend getting S(12.5"-13.5") or XS(11"-12.5") in INZER?

[@thomastkach7467]

Big calves, hairy legs, weak hands. I'll pass. I am somewhat curious about sizing down. My stoics are L with 15.5" knee, sized up due to size of calves. I'm wondering what a M or even S would do for a 'comp fit.'

[@BasementBrandon]

So I have a 15" knee and wear a size S stoics for everyday stuff and a XS for comps.

[@thomastkach7467]

@@BasementBrandon Yeah, you mentioned that in your first video about these, which is what got me thinking. I just went by the size chart. I'm not super competitive, so I'll probably truck along until I need a new pair. Or just bulk until I fill them out. The A7s my wife has in L are definitely snugger.

[@TonyFontanesi]

As someone who's never worn "tight" sleeves, do you think tight sleeves give roughly the same pop as snug wraps? I self-wrap and have never been a fan of crazy tight wraps.

[@BasementBrandon]

I haven't worn wraps but I would prob say no.

[@nickc3365]

Absolutely not. Nowhere close. You will almost automatically add weight with wraps. Sleeves is not a guarantee.

[@bmstylee]

@@nickc3365 absolutely. Nothing pops like a good set of wraps.

[@EricSmith-zx7kk]

These are so different from my stoic and looking for advice on how they *should* fit. I got the same size as my other A7/Stoic sleeves (small) because my knee joint is 13 and calf is 14in. However, on an average day, the small's go on and off pretty easily. When I used them for a workout the first time ever (4x4@80%), they were crazy to get off. I'm hesitant to size down because of this, but I can also pull them pretty high and they don't really feel all that tight near the bottom of my knee (yes, I know they could have some flare). Any ideas on how to gauge the fit of these? Do they stretch out over time? Is the 'looser' fit because my legs are pumped from squatting and therefore I should not size down?

[@BasementBrandon]

From what I've seen from other people (and my own experience) the bottom isn't as tight especially when the knee is bent. I sized similar to my stoics, which technically was sized down from what Inzer suggests.

[@EricSmith-zx7kk]

@@BasementBrandon I think I’ll prob just keep them then. I’m right in the middle of the knee range and about .5 inch over for calf. Not sure it’s worth the extra hassle to size down. Non lifting day they come on and off easy, but after some warmup and heavy sets of 4 they felt like they weren’t coming off.

[@breitemasse]

i ordered them yesterday hope they will be my first and only kneesleve

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on, hope they fit!

[@breitemasse]

@@BasementBrandon awesome stuff!

[@ElGnomoCuliao]

Please update when you try them

[@breitemasse]

@@ElGnomoCuliao awesome sleeves

[@ElGnomoCuliao]

@@breitemasse You tried them already? Can you actually tell the difference compared to SBD?

[@vincentdin]

Thanks for the info Brandon

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@ront2457]

It maybe they provide more support and that gives you the added confidence...just a thought

[@BasementBrandon]

Just walking around definitely. I just don't know if that translates to weight on the bar.

[@vintageweightspgh]

The mental aspect was an interesting aspect of things. Great thoughts! I've got generic sleeves, and I'm looking to upgrade. But I don't think these are the ticket.

[@BasementBrandon]

I feel like most 7mm sleeves sized correctly will be pretty similar for those not competing.

[@TheStranger52]

Hey Brandon Would you possibly be trying the Inzer Power Sleeves? They hover around the $77 which is half the price of the Ergo Pros and more in line with the pricing of the Stoics and SBDs?

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think so. I did however order the new Iron Rebels which are made from the same material as the new Inzers but more affordable.

[@TheStranger52]

@@BasementBrandon keen for that review :) Keep up the good work!

[@bolterboy]

Damn, sleeves turning into wraps...2022 is wyld. Next i expect Inzer is going to remake that one singlet they had that was more like an old single ply suit. I know people blew the suit out in really quickly so i'm sure an updated design will come be in the future, though at this point, people should just hop into single-ply

[@BasementBrandon]

What's old is new again!

[@GoMaDssb]

So it sounds like I can safely stay with my nordic lifting sleeves (a size small of course), good to know!

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol

[@forgetful5630]

Thanks for the videos Brandon! I've owned SBD (m) for 8yrs now and was wondering if its time for new sleeves? How often do you replace knee sleeves / wrist wraps?

[@BasementBrandon]

Basically only when they break!

[@forgetful5630]

@@BasementBrandon ok thanks chief, cheers for 8 more haha!

[@abedickenson]

Hey Brandon! Can you post a link in the description for a knee sleeve you would recommend?

[@BasementBrandon]

I like Stoics!

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Thanks for the video Brandon! I am pretty new to the knee sleeve game. My stoics are loose enough for me to pull them right over my hairy slightly substantial calves without any kind of folding. they feel supportive but are not overly tight. In your opinion, would a more snug pair be worth it for a simple garage bro? Edit: pulled the trigger on some stoics one size smaller and used code Basement because of course!

[@BasementBrandon]

Bit late on my reply, but you beat me to it. I def think you'll enjoy them more (get more out of them). The nice thing about stoics is they have good elasticity, so even smaller sizes are not as tough to get on. My general rule of thumb is if you can just pull a sleeve up without folding it over then it's likely too big.

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

@@BasementBrandon thanks man that’s a big help!

[@hj-hv6rt]

They look cool tho. Best looking sleeve by far. And fashion is the most important attribute of gym gear

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha right on

[@kadlifts]

I’m competing in a wraps or sleeves meet, should I just go with wraps to be safe ? Or buy these

[@zillox2241]

Sleeves vs wraps isn’t even close lol wraps are way better for just purely adding weight

[@BasementBrandon]

Wraps will add more but if you haven’t used them before sleeves might be a better option. I’d do whatever style you train in.

[@brandonhoover2120]

I wonder if training from the transformer bar will allow me to squat more.

[@BasementBrandon]

I did sleeveless transformer bar front squats yesterday.

[@joecowan3719]

The real question is do they help make you lift more with the Transformer Bar? Asking for a friend...

[@BasementBrandon]

Transformer bar video should be ready to film soon. I know what I'm going to say, just need to do it lol.

[@joecowan3719]

@@BasementBrandon Hope you pack it full of 35s in your B Roll

[@andrzejgosik9655]

hey if I use now SBD S (ez get in but fit 1:1 good) shoud I go Inzer M or S?

[@BasementBrandon]

TBH I'd go based off their sizing chart and remeasure your knee.

[@royherrera6598]

In general, how much more can you squat with knee sleeves?

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think you can put a number on it.

[@richardwu7671]

My knee size is 37 cm ，What size should I wear ？Thank you very much.

[@BasementBrandon]

I would prob go medium or large.

[@richardwu7671]

@@BasementBrandon Thank you for your reply,and my claves is 39cm,my sbd size is S.

[@Bearded360]

That almost sounded like a pharmaceutical commercial. If you have big calves, extra sweaty legs, hairy legs, it may cause discomfort getting them on and off. Consult a physician before using knee sleeves 🤣

[@BasementBrandon]

May cause anal bleeding.

[@zeljko4189]

Why don't they make them with some sort of zipper on the side🤔would be much easier to get on and off.

[@BasementBrandon]

Would be illegal in competition and would not be able to make them as tight.

[@Dirtkid98505]

If you're looking for something extremely painful and hard to use maybe its just time to consider using wraps lol. They're cheaper and will add more to your squat. Its natural for everyone to look for an edge with their equipment but this is kinda silly. Why go through all the trials and tribulation of using a good set of wraps but not get the benefit

[@BasementBrandon]

It's not a bad point

[@HughLeFitness]

I think sleeves should be tight enough so that you can wear them for the entirety of the workout and not TOO TIGHT that you can't wait to take them off after your set. For sleeves, I think as long as they are 7mm neoprene they should be fine. I only own one pair of knee sleeves and they are my trusty Rehbands haha. I am watching your older videos from 2017 when you still had braces, how come you were sooooo much more jacked back then?? Haha.

[@BasementBrandon]

That’s before we had 2 kids and I was about 20lbs heavier, but that’s not more jacked. I’m stronger now.

[@mcbride997032]

Most of the elite powerlifters I follow say they add a lot to there squat 🤷‍♂️

[@BasementBrandon]

I can say a lot of things, doesn't mean it's true :)

[@bmstylee]

So did they get them for free or pay for them? I'm generally suspicious of sponsored content regardless of who does it. I'd be more likely to say something good about something I got for free.

[@mcbride997032]

@@BasementBrandon so only your opinion matters

[@BasementBrandon]

@@mcbride997032 Well I mean this is what this video is, my opinion on them. Those same elite powerlifters were saying the SBDs added a lot to their squat a few years ago too ;)

[@Dippedinblackink]

I know the price of steel has gone up but did the price to produce knee sleeves also go up? Lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha true that, however they feel completely different than any other sleeve. About twice as heavy and much more dense.

[@hcoguitar]

Still swear by my old skool blue Rehbands

[@BasementBrandon]

Still have mine!

[@Itsjusttim365]

I used to wear Rehbands. Man I promise you, you are missing out. Rehbands are good to keep the knee warm but that’s it. I’ve never tried these Inzers but I compete in mark bell x sleeves. Absolutely love them.

[@doyourbest999]

Commenting simply to help the algorithm. #staybig 🎡🎡🎡🎢🎢🎢🌋🌋🌋🛌🛌🛌🏄🏻‍♂️🦁

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciated!

[@JasonLeeno]

It’s ok to have average calves…no matter what you see on the internet.

[@BasementBrandon]

what about below average... asking for a friend.

[@JasonLeeno]

@@BasementBrandon Give him the best advice that I’ve ever gotten “It’s ok sweetie, it’s all about how you use it” 😅

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

I enjoy you channel and your reviews, but I definitely think you missed the mark on this one.

[@BasementBrandon]

How so?

[@BasementBrandon]

So I watched your video, don't think I can agree. With any sleeve, it's common practice to size down. My comp Stoic sleeves are also sized down 2 sizes and are uncomfortable to wear. Also just b/c the Inzer's are denser does not mean they provide more rebound, that would be more a characteristic of elasticity.

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon maybe. Like you said, it’s speculation unless you did a calibrated test. But you size them super small and then can’t wear them for the rest of your training day. These sleeves are specifically for powerlifting and at the tightness you seemed to have them, meet day. I have big calves so I can’t size down really, so maybe the difference is there. I just think I get about 10 extra pounds with mine as opposed to my SBD sleeves, which I think is worth it on meet day. I do my competition squat day on JuggernautAI with my Inzers, immediately take off when finished and do my accessory stuff on my other days in my SBDs. Appreciate your opinion though as you squat a lot more than I do. Thanks for replying. Love your content!

[@BasementBrandon]

@@BrimhallBarbellClub They def could do that, I just don't "feel" it, if that makes sense. I think I'm coming from a position where a few years back everyone loved Rehbands b/c they let you squat more, then everyone loved SBDs b/c they let you squat more, and the names keep rolling. By the time we get to Inzers they should be adding 200lbs :)

[@ahmad53535383]

In first use with normal size , ripped the back of my knee skin, think cause i walked with them around the gym , really not worth it , and yes they make you think u can lift more but all just mentally

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the insight!

[@tannerconley44]

Random but could you explain the tattoo on your right bi? Lol

[@BasementBrandon]

I think you're talking about the weighing of the heart hieroglyphic. Pretty famous scene!

[@Beaver1969]

This dude sponsored by Stoic or something?😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Nope, they're just a better sleeve for every day wear.

[@Beaver1969]

@@BasementBrandon You sold me anyway. Bought a pair of Stoic last night haha. Ain't nobody wanting to have another full workout trying to get Inzers off my legs lol.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@Beaver1969 Hope you like em!

[@MrCacarocha]

How are you so strong but look like a guy who just goes to the gym 3 days a week and does lots of cardio?

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm jacked.

[@JSauble0161]

What I find a laugh is now u just have two types of wrap division. These sleeves are stealing records like the kabuki deadlift bar Brandon as usual ur full of it if the sleeves didn’t work u would not wear them. Guarantee u are not squatting 6 in just a belt naked knee. I got a pr but they didn’t help. It was of my superior intellect and programming. Same crap same channel.

[@BasementBrandon]

You're creating your own arguments lol.

[@tajvir]

600th like 🤞

[@BasementBrandon]

✊

[@tajvir]

@@BasementBrandonmy sleeves are coming in on tuesday, im hype