There is so much gear available it can be overwhelming. But what does good gear really come down to? Shoes: The most important piece of equipment. What you are looking for when you buy shoes is: Durability, Functionality, breathability, and of course looks. Here's my advice: Don't buy shoes that are two grippy on the bottom you really don't need all that grip and if anything it is dangerous because you need to be able to slide around in this sport so you don't roll your ankle or break it! My best shoes advice: Anything designed like the combat speeds. They are grippy where you need them and they slide where you need them. The rest is skill baby!
Headgear: I have tried every headgear on the market. The best is the old fashion cliff Keen Signature HeadGear, you can tape it however you want and its slick and comfortable and once adjusted right and tight shouldn't cause problems during a match. They even sell chin strap for them if you prefer.
Singlet: Singlet's are not really something to worry about they are all good. BUT when wrestling Olympic Freestyle matches (may do this off season or if you are older) my favorite was always the two sided red and blue singlet for ease of use.
Knee pads: I have tried every kneepad on the market, they all fall down at times. The bubble knee pads are probably your best bet because they seem to remain the tightest over time, they are comfortable and you can even tape them on the top and bottom. They also have an adquate amount of padding if your knee knee to slide on the mat. Personally I like to keep a knee pad in my bag but wrestle without one as much as possible. -------------------------------------------------- Other Items: 1. A medium sized athletic bag or bag pack if you are concerned about items being stolen for your tape, shoes, headgear, knee pads, cell phone or mini camera to record matches and watch your opponents matches, extra bag for dirty clothes, extra pouch for headgear and shoes so you don't get bacteria on other things and you can spray the bags with antibacterial spray, pills, small bottle of foot spray (non talc containing like cornstarch spray or powder) protein bars, mini travel pillow, sweat gear, speed jump rope, absorbine/arnica and water bottle. Don't buy the ones with plastic (vinyl) on the sides because they break down easily in the washing machine. Instead get a mesh bag or cloth bag. 2. A mini cooler to keep one water bottle cold, two sandwich's, fruit, extra protein bars, rice and bacon cakes for energy (look on nutrition page) and whatever other food you need, you shouldn't eat too much more than this during a tournament. Towards the last couple matches you may need a sugar boost so a sugar bar, honey or Chex mix is okay too. 3. For overnight stay or for extra supplies that you don't need on your person while competing bring another small duffle bag for the items mentioned below. 4. If your staying overnight for a tournament may need to get more fruit for the next day. Remember a tooth brush, floss, shaving supplies for face, nail clippers, non - talc containing foot powder, deodorant (stay away from anti perspirant), Hibiclens, non oily skin lotion, clean pair of clothes for ride back, face wipes, phone charger, cash, clean pair of shorts and a shirt for the next day. Small bottle of antibacterial spray or free breeze for shoes and headgear. Ear and eye covers in case roommates are watching tv late or neighbors are loud. Non drowsy sleep aid like (cordyceps will even help with sleep), or you can try Gaba powder or ZMA pills. Bring a book to read, cell phones will keep you awake, no screens after 6. You need to get a good night sleep to perform.