Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the many endorsements we have received for QP-Sport products:

Who are Quality Performers or QP-Sport?

Based in Taranaki, New Zealand, our company has been making and exporting women's chest protectors since 1981.

Pictured (right) is Mount Taranaki which is 10 miles (16km) from the factory. The Tom Cruise film "Last Samurai" was filmed here in this province.

MaxiGuard and EconoGuard look "hard". Is the plastic hard or soft?.: The guards for both products are made from Low Density Polyethylene which is soft yet very strong. It is much softer than it appears and the unique and accurate shape of the guards leads to a neat and comfortable fit. The guards are made in 9 sizes (not all agents carry all sizes) but women's bodies are not uniform in size and shape! If you are unable to achieve the right fit, even after some shape change as explained here, then it may be necessary to wear a bra of suitable thickness under the guard to achieve a sound fit.
Note — the cover for MaxiGuard is available in black from most agents and these are popular for training when white is not compulsory.

Is the plastic guard cold against the skin?

With MaxiGuard the plastic guard is held between two layers of "high tech" Tactel moisture moving fabric. Therefore there is no contact by the plastic guard with the skin.
With EconoGuard it is best to wear a vest or bra under the guard to reduce skin contact and any chance of chafing.
With CoolGuard the plastic or Super (soft foam) inserts are held between two layers of fabric in the specially designed pockets of the bra away from the skin.

Why are MaxiGuard and EconoGuard so popular for Martial Arts and Fencing?: The neat fit of the guards mean that they are virtually undetectable under the tight uniforms worn by women in these sports. The bonus is that the guards retain the feminine shape of the woman and yet protect this sensitive area of the anatomy. Not only the breasts, but the sternum, which if broken can rupture the lungs or heart. They do NOT restrict body or arm movement as they are very flexible.

Are there any endorsements of the guards?: It could be said that the many thousands sold throughout the world over the last 25+ years is sound testament to their quality and effectiveness, but we also have a number of endorsements published on this site.

An interesting customer enquiry and answers. Is it possible that CoolGuard is also sold with the brand of Kwon? I want to get one and have come upon one with the brand name of Kwon. Is it a copy, or is it the original? Second, if I have a CoolGuard bra in M size, do XS, S and M size plastic inserts fit into it, or does your size-table mean that the insert in it is all three sizes in one? And is the CoolGuard still working well when another (padded) bra is worn under it?

Answers from factory

Yes we do supply CoolGuard to Kwon so it is our product.
If your normal bra is 84/92cm (34") and B cup then you need an M bra and M inserts. If your cup size is S then M bra and S inserts etc. Yes you can also use XS inserts in the M bra.
If you are involved in a contact sport such as martial arts then you would be advised to use the new "Super" inserts. Most of our distributors are currently building stocks of them. If you are in a sport with very little contact then it would be OK with the standard plastic inserts.
You do not need to wear a bra under the CoolGuard and in fact we advise that you do not, as it upsets the cooling of your body. The fabric in the CoolGuard bra, (and MaxiGuard cover), is designed to remove sweat from your body to help cool you down during stressful work or sport.

Where can I purchase these protectors?: We do not sell from this site, but we have a large number of distributors and agents in over 25 countries around the world, who are listed here. If you find that there is not an agent near you, then contact .the factory for guidance. We may be able to help. You can also contact us by the same means if you wish to become an agent.

I have seen similar products with other brand names. Are they made by QP-Sport?

MaxiGuards and CoolGuards are also sold with Allstar, Blitz, Matsuru, Budo Nord, Cimac, Kamikaze, Kwon, Playwell, Top Ten and other brands - see the page for each product for details of the brands. We are proud to be associated with these widely respected companies. EconoGuard is also sold under several brand names.

However, there are several copies of our products made in China, Taiwan, Pakistan and other countries so beware! We consider this a nice form of flattery but suggest that quality is better than price. Chest guards are SAFETY products! Have the copies passed the strict CE standards tests? Are they endorsed by world sporting associations?. Are they made from inferior re-cycled plastic as some copies available in USA? Nobody ever regretted buying quality when safety is involved.

Which of the QP-Sport guards is best for my sport?

Martial Arts.: For most styles either MaxiGuard or EconoGuard for full protection. CoolGuard is great for light sparring or fitness training or heavier styles if using the new Super inserts. For the non contact styles CoolGuard may offer sufficient protection with the standard plastic inserts.
Fencing.: Either MaxiGuard or EconoGuard. Almost every Fencing supply company in Europe, America and Canada carries one or both of these guards. Also MasterGuard for men and boys.
Boxing.: We recommend MaxiGuard due to the moisture moving properties in hot competition, but we know some women prefer to use CoolGuard.
Paintball / Skirmish: MaxiGuard is great. The "hits" are easier to count and no pain !!
Soccer or Rugby.: In cooler countries MaxiGuard and in hotter countries the CoolGuard.
Other sports.: The CoolGuard is designed to be worn in the many other sports where some contact to the breasts can occur and where the MaxiGuard could be too hot if the sport is of longer duration than Fencing or Martial Arts. The new Super inserts are great for all sports. Many women use CoolGuard in Basketball, Netball, or as additional protection in Hockey and Lacrosse.

Is there any link to breast cancer from breast injury?: The few research studies completed on this topic can not conclusivly determine whether there is any link to breast cancer from a breast injury. Our thoughts are that any protection is therefore better than none.

Can I remove the protective elements while I am still wearing the MaxiGuard or CoolGuard Bra?: Yes, you can easily insert and remove the CoolGuard or MaxiGuard protector without having to remove the bra.

I have further questions so would like to contact the manufacturer?: No problem. Just use our contact page