Customer Reviews

The Action Kick (TC2000)

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I bought my first pair of red Tiger Claw 2000 gloves about ten years ago at a used sporting good store. They were close to being worn out, but I liked the design and how they felt. After an extended absence, I returned to karate in July of 2002. I busted out my old gear and used it for a few months.

However, at my first tournament I almost got disqualified for wearing foam boots that were too small. So I donated my pads to the dojo and bought a brand new set of black vinyl Tiger Claw 2000 Action Kick boots and Tiger Claw 2000 gloves. I'm still sparring with them today as a black belt.

I like the Tiger Claw 2000 vinyl material better than the shiny foam gear. The foam pads tend to get slippery, especially when wet with sweat. Plus, they have an annoying tendency to wrinkle and crack at the stress points. And the vinyl just looks and feels better to me.

I was initially nervous about the thin vinyl toe enclosure on the Action Kick boots. Would it cause me to slip on a tile floor, or bind up on a mat? Thankfully, that hasn't been the case. Indeed, it seems to provide better traction, especially when the sweat starts to flow. Even so, sliding around on the boots takes a toll - mine are starting to show wear on the area where the toe enclosure meets the side of the boot. The wrap-around velcro closure does a good job of securing the boot to my foot, although the elastic strap is beginning to ripple with age.

Overall, the Tiger Claw 2000 Action Kick boots (and Tiger Claw 2000 gloves) are an excellent, inexpensive choice for dojo and tournament sparring where contact is held to a minimum. Despite some wear and tear they've held up well for over four years, and I'm quite happy with them. Recommended.