MaxX K	Aircast A60	ASO	Bauerfeind MalleoLoc	ActiveAnkle T2	Taping
One-Size Fits All	x					x
Unilateral	x					x
Multiple Colors	x				x	x
Ease of  Application	x	x
Ease of Adjustment	x	x			x
Ease of  Reapplication	x	x			x
Figure-8 Basket-Weave Strapping	x		x	x		x
Cost	x
Easy use with Orthotics	x	x	x	x		x
Maximum Range  of Motion	x	x		x
Comfort	x	x	x	x
Compression			x			x

 

The MaxX K has a one-size-fits all adaptability that the A60 Lacks.  The MaxX K also fits either the left or right ankle (is unilateral).  By comparison you would need 6 A60s to have the same coverage, however, they only come in the same black/gray color scheme.  The MaxX K comes in 10 colors.

Further more, the A60 single strap is very serpentine and easy to misapply.

All orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists prefer the “figure 8” style of strapping that more closely follows the typical “basket-weave” ankle tape job.

The A60 was designed with compression to help reduce edema (swelling) and thus was designed to help heal an injury.

The MaxX K was designed specifically to help prevent injury, and thus does not have the compression component.  Therefore the MaxX K is lighter weight, cooler, and more comfortable because it is less bulky in the shoe. 

Lastly, the MaxX K is made from components in Colorado and assembled in California.  The A60 is assembled in China and packaged in Mexico.

 

The ASO brace is probably my largest competitor, yet the easiest to beat because of the fundamental differences in braces.  The ASO brace has wide-spread use amongst college trainers to replace ankle taping, but it is also the most complex and easiest brace to misapply.  The ASO utilizes the same “figure 8” strapping in addition to Velcro stirrups, just like a basket-weave tape job.  Additionally they have a lace-up component.  While this brace does proved excellent support, it greatly restricts range of motion when compared to the MaxX K.  Also while those layers are great for applying compression, they make the ASO feel bulkier in the shoe and hotter compared to the MaxX K.

The ASO only comes in black, where the MaxX K has 10 colors to choose from. 

Lastly, the MaxX K does not require the shoe to be removed for adjustments.

 

The Bauerfeind MalleoLoc is the brace that most closely resembles the MaxX K in terms of functionality.  However it is nearly double the cost ($89.99 vs $47) 

The MalleoLoc comes in two sizes and Left /Right (as well as in 2 colors, but the sizing is based off of a heel measurement, vs a shoe size like the MaxX K (which fits from a Women’s size 7 to Men’s size 14+ and is unilateral, or fits either ankle).  The MaxX K comes in 10 colors to choose from.

 

The Active Ankle T2 is the tank of the ankle brace, and is really only suitable for playing volleyball or some positions in football.  It is the least comfortable, most restrictive brace of the bunch, but also offers the most protection to ankle inversion.

If an orthotic is used, that must be removed from the shoe and inserted into the hinged foot bed.  The brace is then applied, and then the shoe is put back on.

By comparison, MaxX K works with any foot orthotic, and it does not need to be removed to work with the brace.

The T2 is not suitable for trail running, soccer, tennis, or cheerleading/gymnastics due to its limited range of motion.  While the T2 is unilateral, it comes in 3 sizes and only 2 colors (white or black)

 

The tape job is still used by many trainers even though over the course of a season its 2 times as expensive to apply than the MaxX K.  (That assumes 1 taping per practice, 2 tapings per game, since there are multiple medical papers show that taping lasts at best one half of a game, and at worst only 10 minutes of play.)

The MaxX K takes only 9 sec to apply, while a trainer takes about 2 minutes to do the same thing.  (And it takes me about 5 minutes to do the same tape job myself, but not everyone can tape themselves). 

Trainers like to tape because they can use the tape for multiple injuries (not just ankles) and its easy to throw into a bag, but once you take into account the cutter, the multiple roll widths, and the underwrap the MaxX K actually takes less space in addition to providing superior support. 

Additionally, the MaxX K can be adjusted on the playing field.