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Lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikersA snug fit: The Fox Launch Elite on test

Stefan Frey

 · 27.01.2024

Large pad, robust material - the Fox Launch Elite just about makes it into the ranks of lightweight pads
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Knees never heal, as the saying goes. We have therefore tested twelve lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikers. We present the individual protectors one by one. Today: the Fox Launch Elite. Its large D3O protector and robust material offer a lot of protection, but are heavy on the scales. And how comfortable is the Fox on tour?
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Fox Launch Elite MTB knee pads - Features

The Fox Launch Elite just scrapes the 400 gram limit we set for the lightweight trail protectors. In addition to the rather long protector, which is adapted to the knee, there are lateral pads made of EVA foam (EVA, also known as EVAC: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), which should offer even more protection.

The EVA pads on the sides are more good for the head than actually offering protection in the event of a fall.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe EVA pads on the sides are more good for the head than actually offering protection in the event of a fall.

An extremely wide stretch waistband with generous silicone prints should guarantee a secure fit. The material is rather robust, and the fabric is also protected by a reinforced layer over the knee. The pad can be removed from the sock for washing. The inside provides information about the right and left knee pad. The D3O protector is fully labelled.

Once adjusted, nothing slips thanks to the wide silicone band.Photo: Georg GrieshaberOnce adjusted, nothing slips thanks to the wide silicone band.

>> With the Crossframe Pro, Fox has also recently introduced a new helmet. Interested? Then click here and read our introduction.

Fox Launch Elite: Good values & super snug fit

The Fox only offers slightly less protection at the side knee area, which is pulled far back, with 19.27 kN. On average, however, the Launch's 15.47 kN puts it in a good midfield position. The residual force above the knee in the impact test was 13.47 kN.

Fox Launch Elite MTB knee pads: Flat ascending curve without a sharp peak and the residual force is also quite lowPhoto: Holger HertneckFox Launch Elite MTB knee pads: Flat ascending curve without a sharp peak and the residual force is also quite low
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.

The Fox knee pad impresses above all with its snug fit. The pre-shaped pad fits comfortably over the knee, so there is little movement at the joint even when pedalling. The strikingly wide cuff with its non-slip rubber coating ensures the best grip on the thigh - nothing slips here. Of course, the solid fit comes at the expense of comfort. The Launch feels much more solid than many of the other candidates in the test and is much sweatier on longer climbs.

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Some fresh air only reaches the knee at the back. The front is very robust.Photo: Georg GrieshaberSome fresh air only reaches the knee at the back. The front is very robust.

Clever: The printed dots above the protector act like a skid plate and ensure that the protector does not get stuck directly on the ground in the event of a fall. Due to its higher weight and solid construction, the Launch is a good choice for enduro tours and bikers who want a little more than the minimum level of protection.

Thanks to the knee surface made of abrasion-resistant SuperFabric, the Fox is less likely to stick to the ground in the event of a fall.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThanks to the knee surface made of abrasion-resistant SuperFabric, the Fox is less likely to stick to the ground in the event of a fall.

Conclusion on the Fox Launch Elite MTB knee pads in the test

The Fox Launch Elite impresses above all with its snug fit. This is thanks to the wide silicone waistband and the perfectly pre-shaped D3O protector, which also performed well in the lab. On impact, a print over the pad protects the material and acts as a sliding layer. The Launch knee pad can still be pedalled properly, but is not one of the best ventilated models. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
A snug fit, good protection - the Fox is a top MTB knee pad for more demanding use.Photo: Georg GrieshaberA snug fit, good protection - the Fox is a top MTB knee pad for more demanding use.

Fox Launch Elite - Details & Price

  • Price 149,99 Euro >> available here for 95,99 Euro
  • Weight¹ / Sizen 395 grams / XS-XXL
  • Country of manufacture China
  • Equipment Long D3O protector, lateral EVA padding; wide silicone waistband; removable protector pad; side labelling; abrasion-resistant material over the knee
  • Protector / protection level² D3O / EN 1621-1, Level 1
  • Removable protector Yes
  • Residual force in kN (centre / bottom / side)¹ 13,47 / 13,67 / 19,27
Except for the ventilation, the Fox delivers a solid performancePhoto: Stefan FreyExcept for the ventilation, the Fox delivers a solid performance

¹ BIKE measured values. ² The protection level refers to the manufacturer's official specification. The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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