I don't know if there is a real difference in any of them. I used to use them, but a whole combination of things made me stop.
I first heard that many D1 coaches don't let their players use them. It made me skeptical but I still think its a little crazy to prohibit them. People were saying you should only use it when you have knee problems, but why would someone wait till it happens? None of this made me stop wearing them until I saw an article about knee savers. It stated how they were never meant for catchers and if worn/used improperly (they must be worn on lowest two straps) then some serious damage can be done to the knees.
I first lowered them to the lowest notch and coincidentally bought new gear shortly after. I just decided not to put the knee savers on the new gear. To be honest, I never felt the difference. I routinely caught doubleheaders and I caught 8 games in 7 days once- all without knee savers. My coach made me promise I was fine, and I swear I never had pain in my knees. I know its a blessing and I appreciate it, but I try to take care of them, just like the rest of my body. I soak in a hot tub after games and then the sauna. I guess I won't use knee savers anymore, unless I need to. Hopefully I won't.
