JONAS X2 Review: Thick and Wide Goalkeeper Knee Pads That Still Allow for Movement
There are several types of knee pads from JONAS, but the X2 is a model whose features are particularly easy to understand.
First of all, it's thick.
And, it’s wide.
If you see the X2 for the first time, that’s probably what you’ll notice first.
Honestly, based on looks alone, some people might think, "Isn't it a bit too big?"
However, once you actually touch the product or see it being used by players, you'll realize this size is exactly what makes the X2 great.
It offers a sense of security by wrapping around the entire knee, yet allows you to move more freely than you might expect.
Personally, I believe the X2 is a JONAS knee pad that deserves a bit more attention.
For those who already own various pads, this is a model I’d recommend as one you "won't regret owning."
It’s what you might call a hidden masterpiece.
*This article is presented by Futsal.shop, which handles JONAS knee pads, based on the actual products and how they are used by players.
The X2’s greatest appeal is that it is thick and wide
When you pick up the X2, your eyes are immediately drawn to the thickness of the pad itself.
It is quite thick.
Moreover, it’s not just thick; it’s designed with a generous surface area to cover the knee.
The feeling is quite different from types that only feature a small cushion over the kneecap.
The X2 feels like it’s wrapping around your entire knee.
The pad is also rounded, making it easier to follow the shape of your knee when worn.
It doesn’t feel like you’re forcing a large cushion onto the front of your knee.
It may look big, but it actually fits quite nicely when you put it on.
[Photo: Front and side view of the X2. A photo showing its thickness and size]
Futsal goalkeepers put their knees on the floor quite often during a match.
Whether it’s saving, blocking, one-on-ones, or standing up after stopping a ball, there are many situations where you use your knees.
I think the X2 is especially compatible with those who frequently use the double-knee technique.
Since the double-knee involves putting both knees on the floor to cut off the shooting angle, it naturally comes with impact on the knees.
Gym floors are hard.
Repeating this motion many times will eventually put a strain on your knees.
In those moments, you’ll feel a sense of security with the thickness of the X2.
For those who want to "play confidently today without worrying about my knees," I think it’s a great fit.
This thickness also provides peace of mind for those who have injured their knees before
As anyone who has experienced a knee injury knows, it’s a bit scary to put a previously injured spot back on the floor.
Even if you’re fit to return to competition, you might still think,
"I'd hate to land on my knee again."
Of course, this doesn't mean the X2 will prevent injuries.
It is not a medical device.
However, wearing a thick pad that firmly covers the knee definitely makes a difference in your peace of mind while playing.
If you feel uneasy with thin pads, or want to minimize impact on your knees as much as possible, the X2 is an easy choice for a knee pad.
Even if you haven't had an injury, I'd like those who have started to worry about the strain on their knees to give it a try.
The pads are big, but they don't slide easily
With pads this large, you might think,
"They're probably going to slide down while I'm playing."
However, there is a silicone grip on the inner upper part of the X2.
This section adheres to your skin or innerwear, preventing the pad from slipping down.
[Photo: Silicone grip on the upper inside of the X2]
This is very important.
A goalkeeper isn't in the same position for the entire match.
Setting up.
Crouching.
Putting your knees down.
Standing up.
Running.
Setting up again.
This is repeated constantly.
It’s a huge hassle to have to readjust your pads every time they slide.
Even though the X2 has large pads, thanks to its rounded shape and the silicone grip, it stays in place over the knee better than you’d expect.
Like the X3, the fabric is also durable
The X2 isn't just about the cushion; the fabric is also robust.
It uses the same highly abrasion-resistant fabric found in the X3.
Actually, the surface fabric of goalkeeper knee pads often wears out faster than the cushioning itself.
Because it rubs against the gym floor repeatedly, friction is inevitable.
This is especially true for players who train frequently.
In that regard, the X2 is quite well-suited for practical use.
While it can certainly be used by those who enjoy futsal on weekends, it also gives the impression of being designed for players who train multiple times a week.
But, can you really move with it being this thick?
This is probably what concerns someone seeing the X2 for the first time the most.
Wouldn't it be hard to move if it's this big?
Wouldn't it be hard to bend your legs?
It’s normal to think that.
Of course, compared to a thin pad, you can feel that you're wearing the X2.
I won't tell you "it feels like you're wearing nothing."
However, it’s not as difficult to move in as you might imagine from its size.
Goalkeepers actually playing in the F-League use the X2.
Yuto Nishimura of Deucao Kobe also uses the X2
Yuto Nishimura of Deucao Kobe also uses the X2.
And he wears the X2 not just for practice, but in official matches as well.
[Photo: Yuto Nishimura playing while wearing the X2]
Nishimura lists "attacking involvement" as one of his strengths in his official Deucao Kobe profile.
He has high kicking technique and is the type of goalkeeper who doesn't just defend but also gets involved in the attack using his feet.
This is quite an interesting point when introducing the X2.
Based on looks alone, the X2 is easily perceived as,
"It looks protective, but probably hard to move in."
Yet, a goalkeeper who specializes in attacking and kicking uses them in official matches.
He needs to make fine steps, and he naturally moves his knees when kicking the ball.
Considering that, the X2 is not simply a "big, thick pad."
It's big, but you can move properly.
I think this is the X2's greatest appeal.
I highly recommend it for those who frequently use the double-knee
The X2 is definitely recommended for goalkeepers who use the double-knee often.
Those who often use both knees to block shots.
Those who often drop to the floor from their knees in one-on-ones.
Those who often put their knees on the floor when making saves.
These people will really feel the benefit of the X2’s thickness.
It’s not bad for beginners to goalkeeping, either.
When you aren't used to hitting the floor yet, you might land on your knees with quite a bit of force.
If it hurts every time, you’ll eventually start to dislike putting your knees down.
With a pad as thick as the X2, those concerns are significantly reduced.
Even though top league players use it, it isn't exclusively for advanced players.
In fact, I think it’s a model that offers a great sense of security for amateur goalkeepers as well.
There are also people for whom the X2 is not a good fit
I've introduced its good points, but naturally, the X2 doesn't suit everyone.
First of all, if you like thin pads.
You should choose something other than the X2.
No matter what, the X2 isn't thin.
It isn't compact, either.
If you are looking for a pad that is lightweight and barely noticeable when worn, I think another model would be better.
Also, for those who like a very tight hold.
If you like the feeling of being tightly compressed and secured, it might feel a little lacking.
Rather than squeezing tightly, the X2 is about
gently wrapping the entire knee with a large pad.
It probably won't suit those who dislike the look of large pads, either.
In reality, they do look big.
There’s no use hiding that.
Conversely,
- If you want to prioritize peace of mind over thinness
- If you frequently use the double-knee
- If you have many plays where you put your knees on the floor
- If you have a history of knee injuries
- If you want to use a durable knee pad
- If you dislike strong compression
- If you want to protect the entire knee widely
Then it’s a great fit for you.
Whether it’s for everyone is hard to say definitively, as it depends on your preference for how they look.
But once you use them,
"These are better than I thought"
is something I think many people will say.
X2 or X3, which one should you choose?
Many people struggle with choosing between the X2 and X3.
Both use durable fabric and feature silicone grips on the inside to prevent sliding.
However, the philosophy behind the padding is quite different.
The X2 is about being thick and wide.
It is a model that prioritizes a sense of security to protect the entire knee.
On the other hand, while the X3 is thick, the pad portion has contours designed to make it easier to bend the knee.
To put it simply:
Choose the X2 if you want to protect your knees widely and thickly.
Choose the X3 if you want to prioritize mobility while maintaining protection.
This is a good way to choose.
It’s not a question of which one is superior.
This part is entirely about personal preference.
If you already own several types of pads, using the X2 and X3 for different situations is also an option.
Black and White. Both feature gold-threaded logos
The X2 comes in two colors: black and white.
Both feature the JONAS logo embroidered in gold thread.
[Photo: Product photo of the X2 in black and white side-by-side]
Black and gold has a very cohesive look and a premium feel.
White and gold is a little more noticeable, so it has presence on the court.
While it has nothing to do with performance, I personally think this gold-threaded logo suits the X2 very well.
Since it's embroidery rather than a print, it feels a bit more premium when you see it in person than in photos.
I want everyone who owns multiple knee pads to own an X2, too
Personally, this might be the reason I most recommend the X2.
I don't think you necessarily have to use the same knee pad every single time you play as a goalkeeper.
A pad that's easy to move in for matches.
A pad that prioritizes protection for practice.
A thicker pad for days when your knees feel a bit off.
It’s fine to distinguish between them like that.
Thinking about it that way, it’s quite useful to have an X2 on hand.
Especially if you have already used several types of pads.
If you have a pair like the X2 that you can use on days when you think, "I really want to protect my knees well today," it broadens your options.
If it's just about looks, there are flashier models.
There are also thin, stylish pads.
So the X2 might not be the model that catches your eye first.
But once you actually use them, you’ll understand their quality.
A hidden JONAS masterpiece.
Personally, that’s what I think of this knee pad.
If you want to protect your knees well.
If you use the double-knee often.
If you want to prioritize a sense of security, even if they are big.
Please try the X2 once.
It’s a pad that makes a better impression when you actually wear it than when you look at it in photos.