Lightweight MTB knee pads tested: iXS has the best!
1.6.2016
Translation: machine translated
Sometimes you can't avoid falling off your bike. It's good to wear knee pads at this moment - even better if they also offer good protection. The "Enduro Mountainbike Magazine" has tested a total of 14 lightweight MTB knee pads not only in practice but also in the laboratory. Find out more about the test and the results and see the test winner for yourself now!
What is important for good lightweight knee pads?
Lightweight knee pads are made to be forgotten about once you've put them on. What counts most with them is high wearing comfort, low weight and good ventilation. Nevertheless, a minimum level of protection should of course also be guaranteed.
Evaluated criteria
- Wearing comfort
- Fit
- Ventilation
- Protection
Result: "Flow Knee" from iXS wins in the test!
1st place
The iXS Flow Knee secures the coveted test victory in the category of lightweight knee pads. At 300g, the heaviest protector tested does not show its weight and is no longer noticeable after just a few pedal strokes. A silicone strap holds it securely in place at the upper edge and a Velcro strap at the back prevents it from slipping. Thanks to the continuous mesh material on the back, the knee pad is well ventilated and does not cut in. Thanks to the good cushioning values of the X-Matter TM foam padding, nothing stands in the way of use on tougher terrain.
- Comfortable to wear ●●●●○
- Fit ●●●●○
- Ventilation ●●●●○
- Protection ●●●●●
2nd place
Despite its minimalist design, the SixSixOne Recon Knee still offers solid protection. The XRD cushioning material sewn directly onto the thin Lycra sock proved to have good protective properties at the main impact point above the kneecap in the laboratory. Even without adjustable Velcro straps, the tight-fitting knee pad sits firmly and securely on the leg and never slipped during the test. The silicone applications on the inside of the elasticated hem do an effective job here. However, the strap band on the calf cut slightly into five of the six testers during the test due to the opening in the back. With a weight of just 148 g (pair) and very good ventilation, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking for the lightest possible knee pad for warm days, but who is prepared to accept a slight reduction in protection.
- Comfortable to wear ●●●○○
- Sit ●●●●○
- Ventilation ●●●●●
- Protection ●●●○○○
3rd place
The Alpinestars Paragon also offers a fully-fledged pad made from cushioning foam, which impressed with solid laboratory results. Unfortunately, the two elasticated straps and the silicone application on the top do not always succeed perfectly in keeping the protector, which is predominantly made of very well-ventilated mesh material, securely in place. Occasional slipping was the result.
- Comfortable to wear ●●●○○
- Seat ●●○○○○
- Ventilation ●●●●○
- Protection ●●○○○○
4th place
The minimalist Crossbill is not only ultra-light but also very well ventilated. Unfortunately, according to laboratory tests, the protective effect is lower than that of better-positioned pads, and the pad did not fit perfectly on the knee when tested.
- Wearing comfort ●●●○○
- Seat ●●●○○○
- Ventilation ●●●●●
- Protection ●○○○○
5th place
The Fox Launch Enduro Knee Pad sits very comfortably on the leg and is held securely in place by a silicone strip on the top and bottom. Due to its relatively thick stretch material, it is the warmest knee pad in this comparison and keeps the knee pleasantly warm even on cold days - in summer, however, the heat builds up here. Unfortunately, due to its very thin padding, it only provides maximum protection against abrasions and had hardly any cushioning effect in the lab. We recommend the Fox Launch Enduro as a knee ring with a minimally increased protective function.
- Comfortable to wear ●●●●○
- Seat ●●●○○
- Ventilation ●●○○○○
- Protection ●○○○○
To the test report from Enduro-Mountainbike-Magazin
Theresa Schieder
Leader Portfolio Development Do-It, Garden & Household
Theresa.Schieder@digitecgalaxus.ch