Pro-Tec Gel-Force Knee Support, Medium

**UPDATE 6/23/2015**I still am giving this product a FULL 5 stars, I've had this SAME pair of knee sleeves over the course of 2 years and 3 months. JUST today, the inner cloth, protecting the gel/foam surrounding the knee cap gave way, and unfortunately ripped. I DID in fact, make sure that each knee had its' own respective knee sleeve (marking LEFT/RIGHT), to prevent disfiguring, which is why this probably has lasted this long! Over the course of the two years, I have snowboarded, played basketball, and worn for normal occasions this knee sleeve at least 3-5 days a week (give or take). Although I do not recommend this for snowboarding due to its inability to repel water, these knee sleeves did help me with the reinforcement I needed for snowboarding, provided it gave a little warmth as well. I am in for another pair, Again, these knee sleeves are for general purposes, and nothing too specific... BUT IT DID ITS JOB even for snowboarding, playing basketball, jogging, etc... and it lasted for almost 2.5 years! I am sad to part ways with these knee sleeves.. it has done a lot for me, and I am very unfortunate to toss these sleeves away. That is how much respect I have for this product. =). OVERALL: I WILL BUY ANOTHER PAIR! (2.5 years of usage and finally ripped!)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I am giving this a full 5 stars, because it is very well worth it.I have never checked out my knee's with my Doctor's, and know it would be an expensive visit because my knees are very worn out from basketball. I am a young teen, very active with my feet, and I tend to rarely bend my knees when standing upright and such.For basketball: this product is amazing, I purchased the small size, and it is a tight fit, but as I thought, overtime, it expanded perfectly to my knee width. The cushioning provides ease of movement, and there's no problem getting my knees to move freely with these knee supports.These knee supports keep my knees warm at work, during basketball, and even at home when I walk upstairs. It helps me because my knees have suffered cartilage loss through basketball training and tournaments. Throughout time, I knew I needed something for my knees. I've tried things from local convenient stores that costed around the same price, but I had no luck with it. With the Pro-Tec Athletics Gel Force Knee Sleeve, I am happily using this product with great usefulness.The product itself is very sturdy, and as others have said, it "smells" after time. I've had this product for about 6 months now, and with average wear, there's no tear, no smell, and no misfit problems. I recommend this product to anybody that has knee pain during cold winters, or even heated summers, because this product has worked for me, as opposition the knee braces and warmers I've worn from Wal-mart, Target, etc.