Amplifi Havoc knee pads - Features
With the Havoc, the Allgäu-based company sends its heavy-duty classic for enduro and bike parks to our test. The centrepiece of the protector is the firmly sewn-in SAS-Tec padding with Level 2 certification. On top of this is a layer of Kevlar, which is designed to prevent excessively rapid wear in the event of a fall. Small EVA pads on the sides provide additional protection.
Silicone bands on both cuffs and a Velcro strap above the knee ensure a secure fit. Practical when putting on: Thanks to the side zip, you don't always have to take your shoes off if you want to take the Havoc knee pad off briefly during breaks. Airy mesh in the hollow of the knee is designed to protect against overheating. Unfortunately, there is no side labelling on the Havoc. However, it's easy to remember: the zip is always on the outside!
Protection
The Havoc from Amplifi really shines in the lab. Its Sas-Tec pad is certified according to level 2 of the standard and delivers on the test bench with average residual force 9.37 kN with the best values in comparison. In addition, this is a category B protector, which covers a fairly large area of the knee. Nevertheless, there are knee pads in the comparison that reach a little further towards the shin.
Do you want to play it safe on the trail, but are you looking for a protector that is still easy to pedal? Then you'll find what you're looking for in our test of 12 lightweight knee pads.
Seat/carrying comfort
Even though we didn't really miss the option of opening the protector with a zip during the test, this feature can still be a plus point when making a purchase decision. This means you don't always have to slip out of your shoes to remove the pads. Overall, the Havoc sits a little looser over the knee. Although it doesn't slip when pedalling, you can always feel some movement in the material - especially in the area of the zip and the back of the knee, the Havoc can pinch when pedalling.
However, there is a slightly cooling breeze when travelling downhill at speed. Particularly pleasant on warm days. The rubber coating on the thigh quickly feels sweaty. On contact with the ground, the Kevlar upper material sticks to the ground rather than gliding over it. Protectors with an additional slide plate usually offer a more solid fit here.
Amplifi Havoc knee pads - details and price
- Price 124,99 Euro
- Weight (M) / Sizes 444 g / S-XL
- Country of manufacture Thailand
- Equipment Velcro top; zip; Kevlar protection; EVA pads on sides; rubber lining inside; protector firmly sewn in place
- Protector / protection level SAS-Tec / Level 2 / K Type B
- Residual force (centre / bottom / side) 9.04 / 9.40 / 9.67 kN
Conclusion & evaluation
Its excellent values in the laboratory ensure the Havok one of the best scores in the comparison. Otherwise, the somewhat outdated classic from Amplifi has to make concessions. The fit is unobtrusive, but it pinches behind the knee when pedalling. With only one Velcro fastening and the Cordura fabric over the knee, the protector slips a little on impact. The zip for putting on and taking off is a nice detail, but also an unnecessary source of defects. The protector cannot be removed for washing.
Test: 8 knee pads for the bike park compared
- Amplifi Havok
- Ion K-Pact AMP HD (BIKE Tip Downhill) >> e.g. available here
- IXS Trigger Race >> e.g. available here
- Leatt Knee Guard 3DF 6.0 >> e.g. available here
- O'Neal Redeema Knee Guard >> e.g. available here
- Race Face Ambush >> e.g. available here
- 7IDP Project Knee >> e.g. available here
- Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee (BIKE Tip Test Winner) >> e.g. available here
Stefan Frey
Editor
