If you are stand up training, these guards get a four, easily, but if you're doing any kind of grappling, than these get a three, maybe even a two. I've had a pair of these for about a year now. Is nice and thick and great for the guy getting kicked. The pads also stay in place and dont shift on your legs when you are kicking or blocking, that's a huge plus. after all this time they are still in one piece, that's good too. They are a little bit too stiff and wide for any type of grappling though. The only problem I've had with them is the velcro strap your foot goes in started to tear out from the stitches within a few months of buying them. Had to have the wife re-stitch them. Since then no problems. For the price, they are a lot better than I expected  Permalink