The Rehband and Emergy 7mm Neoprene Knee Sleeves are both similar in design, material with 7mm neoprene, durability in that they both have reinforced stitching, and actual size.
While there are plenty of similarities between these sleeves, there’s an equal amount of subtle differences. Only one is currently IWF and IPF approved. Additionally, the prices vary pretty greatly between the sleeves, with one sleeve of one pair costing as much as a full pair for the more cost efficient sleeves.
With such similar designs, it only made sense to really hone in on their differences.
[Need sleeves for a purpose? Check out our Best Knee Sleeves round-up for weightlifting, powerlifting, functional fitness, squats, and joint warmth.]
Comfort & Fit
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Both of these sleeves are similar in design, which gave them a very similar fit around the knee joint. The Rehband sleeve is stitched a little tighter, so it hugged the tip of quad and the top of the calve pretty well.
Additionally, Rehband’s patented design is made to move with the joint well, so they were comfortable through a variety of movements.
[Read our full review of Rehband’s 7mm Knee Sleeves.]
Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
The Emerge sleeves fit very similarly to Rehband’s model, but stretched a little easier. In return, this made their sleeve a little more mobile, but not as comfortable due to them not staying as snug on the joint.
In terms of pure comfort and fit, Rehband edged out Emerge due to the tighter contoured fit it created around the quad and calve.
Winner: Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Stability
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
In terms of stability, these sleeves are pretty similar to the common eye and gym-goer, but upon further inspection there’s a subtle difference in the rigidity each sleeve offers. The Rehband’s 7mm neoprene gave this sleeve a little more stability in compound movements.
This sleeve is a little stiffer, so mobility might be an issue for someone performing Olympic movements in a new pair of Rehbands.
Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
This sleeve is comparable in stability, but becomes noticeably different at the bottom of a squat/Olympic lifts. There’s not as much pop out of the hole, so the sleeve feels a little less supportive under heavy loads.
[Read our full review of the Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves.]
For athletes who want a little more rigidity in their knee sleeve, then Rehband will support the knee a little better throughout compound and power movements.
Winner: Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Material
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Both sleeves claim to use high quality 7mm neoprene and have a similar design with reinforced stitching. With Rehband’s IWF and IPF competition approval, we thought their sleeve’s material was designed well, especially for the serious athlete.
Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
Emerge’s neoprene felt pretty similar to Rehband’s, but stretched a little easier. Neither company’s site really indicated the exact specs of the neoprene, so it was difficult to truly breakdown the exact composition of each sleeve’s neoprene. Without this information we judged the material of each sleeve as equal.
Winner: Tie
Price
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
For one Rehband 7mm neoprene knee sleeve, you’re looking at a price of around $40.00. Keep in mind, you’ll obviously need to buy two sleeves, so in total you’ll be paying around $80.00 without shipping and tax tacked on.
Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
In this respect the Emerge 7mm neoprene knee sleeves stole the show. These sleeves can be bought at a price of $35.00 for a pair. With Emerge you’re paying for a full pair, which costs less than one sleeve of the Rehband.
Winner: Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
Durability
Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
The durability of each sleeve is very similar, but if you look very closely into the material and construction, then you’ll find a few differences. In Rehband’s sleeve the neoprene is slightly more stiff and the stitching is tighter.
This gave us the impression that this sleeve will be slightly more durable in the long run.
Emerge 7mm Knee Sleeves
The Emerge sleeve demonstrated similar construction aspects to the Rehband, but lacked a little bit in the stitching. Their stitching was a little more spaced out, so it didn’t provide the tight pop when stretched like the Rehband.
In our gym sessions, we personally didn’t see any durability issues with the Emerge sleeve, but we felt the construction lacked slightly when compared to Rehband sleeves.
Winner: Rehband 7mm Knee Sleeves
Overall Winner: Rehband Knee Sleeves
Both of these sleeves performed well in the gym, yet when it came down to the small subtle differences, we thought Rehband slightly edged out Emerge. Their sleeves have a patented design with IWF and IPF competition approval.
But for the gym-goer who wants to be cost efficient and doesn’t need a competition approved sleeve, then you may be better off reaching for Emerge.
