Eskadron Training Bandages and Climatex Liners

I've been using the Eskadron Training Bandages and the associated Climatex Bandage Liners for about three years and thought it would be worthwhile to write a review on them.  

The Eskadron Training Bandages are made of high density elastic for the utmost support for tendons and ligaments.  Hard wearing, with double VELCRO brand closures

The wraps are 70" long and retail for $54.95 for a set of two from Dressage Extensions.  They are available in black and white in the US, and a variety of other colors from UK retailers.  I've had good luck ordering from Amira Equi if you want a UK retailer.

These bandages are very elastic and are even firmer than standing wraps.  The description says they can be used without the Climatex liners, but I wouldn't.  I think you could very easily wrap them too tight and run the risk of bowing a tendon.  They're very easy to wrap and give a firm bandage when you're done.  I find that they need washed less often than polo wraps.  The Eskadron bandages are much stretchier than a polo wrap, but are similar in height and length.  They're also a bit thinner, which I think allows them to be wrapped tighter.  Depending on your needs, that may or may not be a good thing.

The Eskadron bandages are also slightly different than Saratoga Bandages.  The Eskadron bandages are an elasticized fabric, while the Saratoga bandages are a breathable, woven fabric with evenly spaced silicone beading along the bandage.  The Saratoga bandages are designed to be used without liners, are available in 6', 9' or 12' lengths and start at $57 (for the 6') for a set of 4.

Now, let's talk about the Climatex bandage liners.

Eskadron® Climatex bandage linings are made with the phenomenal three-dimensional super-breathable Climatex fabric. With ventilation channels built into the elasticized high-quality cotton foam material, these linings are designed to improve air circulation and prevent heat accumulation under leg wraps. These linings provide the ideal padding for stable or travel bandages and are also suitable for medical dressings.

Climatex liners are available in two sizes - 18"x18" and 13"x18".  You can only buy them in black and white in the US, but five additional colors in Europe.  They say the smaller ones are designed to be used under the training bandages and the larger ones under standing wraps or stable bandages, however, there are a lot of dressage riders using the larger ones under polo wraps for training.  Any time you see the white liners poking out of the top of color wraps, it's likely the larger Climatex liners.  The larger liners sell as a set of 4 for $78.95 and the smaller for $59.95. The inside of all the liners is white and feels like a terry cloth towel; the outside is smoother - more like a typical quilt used with a standing wrap.  There are vertical channels in the lining that disperse the heat and provide cushion under your wraps.

I really like the Climatex liners.  I use them all the time and find that they do a great job of dispersing heat - in the warm summer months, they feel damp when I take them off.  I've recently started using the larger ones under polo wraps to help my young guy with his loosy goosy joints (he's growing like a weed).  They stick up to about the middle of his knees on the front and just under his hocks on the hind.  I also put them down over part of his pasterns for a little added protection there as well.  I don't know that they help, but every little bit of support is good, and it makes me feel better.  I don't find that I use the bandages that often (mostly when I take my polos home to wash them and forget to bring them back to the barn).  I find that the polo wraps with the liners gives me plenty of support and cushion and I like having all of the colors of polo wraps to play with!  

The liners get dirty, just like everything, but they wash up nicely in cold water without bleach and hang dry.  I find myself using these more often than I use brushing boots when I'm riding in an arena.  Don't use them if you're going to ride outside on a trail, but then I don't image you'd want to use polo wraps for that either, unless you really like picking grass seeds and burs out of fabric!  What do you use when you ride?  Have you tried these?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.