From day one, the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap and NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace went into my gym bag and never came back out. I definitely have my preference between the two, but each is great at what it provides – both on the court or field during activity and off the court during recovery (more on this part later). For my aging knees, these are definitely a blessing that helps me keep doing what I love to do.
Before we get into the different use cases, I would like to preface things by saying that for each scenario, the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap and NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace will feel different, depending on how much or how little support you need for your body. This will be a comparison between the two keeping that in mind in order to try and help you to decide which will work best for you.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap Fit
The McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap was the best fitting for me between the two. Starting with the product sizing guide online (which was my only reference), you have to measure the center of your knee cap while giving it a slight bend. That method recommended a medium for me. The Wrap, with its two adjustable straps, fit great over my thighs and calf. The velcro that was used never faltered once, no matter how sweaty I got or how long I was in the wrap – which on some days, was for over two hours. The hinges on the side didn’t interfere with the fit at all and sat on my knees perfectly.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace Fit
The McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace fit was good…when you finally got it on, but in my opinion, the sizing chart should include the thigh and calf measurements, because your boy has bigger calves and thighs relative to my knees. Instead of getting the brace in a medium, I should’ve gotten it in a large to help slide it on more easily.
Like I mentioned, it fit when I finally got it into position, but I had to struggle a little to get it on. But because of that it was secure, did not slide around at all, and the compression from the brace was great for blood flow without cutting off circulation at all during play. So if you don’t mind the super tight fit, then just use the knee size measurement, but if you think you will struggle getting the brace over your calves and thighs, then make sure to measure your thighs from mid-thigh down to the center of your calf to ensure a proper fit for you when it comes to the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap Support
The McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap was surprisingly very supportive for how light it was in comparison to the brace. The only thing that the wrap relies on is the NRG springs on the side for lateral and medial movements. These especially helped since I’m getting back in shape and back into the grind of basketball, and we all know the first few weeks are the hardest when getting back into form for any activity.
The support from just the NRG springs alone made me confident to push a little more, do the extra reps, and shoot one more “last shot” in practice. I had that extra spring as well, and it really took some of the load off of my knees to feel a bit better when I was finally done pushing my limits. Personally, this was all the support I needed for my knees and preferences. As someone who just needs a little support while working out, this is a great choice.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace Support
Once you get the right fit, the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace is even more supportive, if that’s what you’re looking for – whether you are coming back from injury, having a very intense week physically, or just aging like fine wine. Whatever the reason is, you will be covered and then some with this knee brace! Not only do you have the lightweight NRG springs, but now you have this compression brace giving you 360 degree compression and isolated patellar support to keep it in place.
All this combined will give you a little more confidence than the wrap might to keep playing, to push even more than the young ones, and to borderline make you feel like you have a brand new knee. Now I will say if you want a more fluid feeling of support, this isn’t it compared to the wrap. With all the extra additions to the brace it will feel more restrictive, but it will break in more and more over time. Again, consider what you need personally to decide if you want the extra support or not. At least you have a choice here.
Comfort
Both the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace and Over Wrap are quite comfortable whether you wear either over your clothes or against your skin. I didn’t have any irritation or itching with either one, even after sweating for hours. Even with the super tight fit of the brace, I didn’t have any blood circulation loss or pinching from any of the extra material in the brace. If you need or prefer more ventilation, then definitely go with the Wrap rather than the Brace because the latter can get quite hot. And the comfort aspect of either one you choose is important, especially if you’ll be using it off-court in the second function of these products: recovery.
Recovery
As I’ve leveled up in age, I have taken recovery more and more seriously to make sure my body is doing just as well off the court as it is on the court. All so I can battle (play) another day. Both the Wrap and the Brace help with recovery, but in different ways and with different levels of intensity.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Over Wrap
When it comes to the Wrap with just the NRG springs on the side of each knee, you get recovery in the form of reducing the load on your knees during your workout. You feel like your knees didn’t just get annihilated from the rigorous movements you put your legs through and therefore feel just a bit less worse for wear afterwards.
McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace
The Brace, with its added benefit of the compression sleeve, improves the feeling of recovery since the blood flow is circulated even better with it in place. I wore the Wrap on one knee and the Brace on the other knee. The one with the Brace, no matter which knee it was, felt better and recovered a little quicker – especially after a longer session. This should be considered especially if you’re coming off of a sprain or other injury of some kind.
Final Thoughts on the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace and Over Wrap
Overall the McDavid NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace or Over Wrap will work for you, but you have to decide which will be better for your needs and preferences. Do you need a good supportive brace with more flexibility and range of motion? Then go with the Over Wrap at $60. If, however, you need more restriction, better recovery from injury, and that more secure feeling, then definitely go with the Knee Brace for $90.
I’ll be sticking with the McDavid Over Wrap for my personal preferences and keep the McDavid Knee Brace for when I really need it. But let us know what you go with and why that is!
While McDavid did send the NRG Spring Hinge Knee Over Wrap and NRG Spring Hinge Knee Brace to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
