i'm getting new equipment and am definitely down for some knee savers (NPI).

What brand/type of Knee Savers do people recommend?

Are there any differences b/w brands? Because if I'm going to have some, I definitely want the best, and/or thickest pair out there.

So, what am I looking for?

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.

I wore knee savers from when they came out (I was 12 maybe...) to the time I transferred colleges (20 yr old- 3 years ago). The coach at the college I transferred to does not allow them (he was a catcher, and one of the best defensive catching instructors around).
It took a week or two to get used to not having them, but there was no difference with my knees. They were a little sore and stiff the first few days without them, but once my legs got used to not having them, I've not had any problems with my knees.
In fact, I've had less knee pain/problems without them than I had with them...
My suggestion- you don't need them. They were made for Javy Lopez after a knee operation, not for young, healthy catchers...