In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Above all, the flexible foam plates reliably protect against injuries. We tested five models that perform well on any trail tour.
AmplifI Cortex Polymer
The Cortex impresses with very good attenuation values. It therefore fulfils the strict protection level 2, with additional protection provided by side pads. Two Velcro straps secure the Sas-Tec foam, which curves somewhat voluminously over the knee. It can pinch the back of the knee when pedalling. Thanks to the special coating, the pad glides well on the ground.
Price 110 Euro
Info amplifisports.com
Weight 550 grammes
Sizes S-XL
Residual energy¹ 8731 N
Shock absorption 6 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 4 out of 6 points
Fox Launch D3O
Very good damping values and a high level of comfort make the Fox a favourite in the test field. The protector sits compactly and comfortably on the knee - nothing pinches or squeezes. Clever: the velcro plastic plate. This means that the protector slides more easily on the ground and doesn't wear out so quickly, but it is a little heavier.
Price 135 Euro
Info foxracing.com
Weight 606 grammes
Sizes S, M, L
Residual energy¹ 13234 N
Shock absorption 5 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points
Fuse Echo 75
The bulky Fuse is recommended for all bikers who want to protect as much of their leg as possible but are still looking for a protector that is comfortable to wear. Soft foam (knee) is combined with a short, padded plastic splint. It prevents the pedal from slipping, for example, and thus prevents open shins.
Price 90 Euro
Info sportimport.com
Weight 624 grammes
Sizes XS-XXL
Residual energy¹ 7792 N
Shock absorption 6 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
Leatt 3DF Hybrid
The Leatt Hybrid combines soft foam with plastic. The plastic plate is designed to provide additional protection for the shin, but does not extend very far down. The knee caps are relatively small, but there are foam pad inserts on the sides. The protector sits a little spongy and doesn't sit securely on the leg, but nothing pinches.
Price 80 Euro
Info sports-nut.de
Weight 496 grammes (L)
Sizes S/M, L/XL, XXL
Residual energy¹ 13476 N
Shock absorption 5 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
Sixsixone Evo Knee II
Very good values in the impact test, good wearing comfort thanks to an ergonomically pre-shaped, high-quality foam body make the 661 a popular protector. It is only strapped to the leg with a Velcro strap - this does not provide quite as much support. With an additional lower strap, the protector would be even more compact.
Price 120 Euro
Info cosmicsports.com
Weight 512 gram (L)
Sizes S-XL
Residual energy¹ 14476 N
Shock absorption 5 out of 6 points
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points
¹The knee protectors were tested by TÜV Rheinland in accordance with the motorbike test standard EN 1621.1. A 5-kilo iron block is dropped from a height of one metre onto the "sensor knee" with protector. The residual energy is recorded - the higher the value, the lower the protection. For the safe protection level 2, the residual forces must not exceed an average of 20 kilonewtons (kN) and the individual impact must not exceed 30 kN. For the tamer protection level 1, the limits are 35 kN for the average of the impacts and 50 kN for the individual impact.
You can read this article or the entire issue of BIKE 8/2017 in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Stefan Frey
Editor
