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Lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikersBest protection from Switzerland: The IXS Flow 2.0 in the test

Stefan Frey

 · 30.01.2024

The IXS Flow 2.0 impresses with a good fit and top values in the lab
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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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 we're presenting the IXS Flow 2.0, which certainly offers the best protection values in the knee pad test. We tell you whether the Swiss protector fits securely and comfortably on tour.
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IXS Flow 2.0 knee pads - Features

The IXS Flow 2.0 is one of the few lightweight pads on the market to use Velcro under the hollow of the knee for a better grip on the trail. There is also a wide silicone strap on the thigh.

The Velcro below the knee contributes to the good fit of the IXS.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe Velcro below the knee contributes to the good fit of the IXS.

IXS uses its own XMatter material for the protector. The protector itself is well moulded to the knee and can be easily removed from the rather short sock for washing. The side labelling on the knee pad is clearly visible on the inside, which makes handling easier. The IXS is also one of the few candidates to be fully labelled.

IXS uses its own XMatter and achieved top results in the laboratory test. The pad can be removed for washing.Photo: Georg GrieshaberIXS uses its own XMatter and achieved top results in the laboratory test. The pad can be removed for washing.

IXS Flow 2.0 - best protection values in the knee pad test

The slightly thicker Xmatter protector achieves excellent values on the test bench, averaging 12.01 kN. Above the kneecap, the residual value is just 9.57 kN, the best value in this category. This makes the IXS knee protector absolutely competitive with heavy park models and offers the wearer excellent protection.

This is what the perfect force curve looks like. Flat curve, low peak. The IXS delivers the best values in the lab.Photo: Holger HertneckThis is what the perfect force curve looks like. Flat curve, low peak. The IXS delivers the best values in the lab.
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.

High wearing comfort

The IXS knee pad is particularly appealing due to its uncomplicated handling. You don't have to fiddle with a flabby sock or adjust a bulky pad over your knee. Slip it on and it fits! Even without overly long socks, the Flow 2.0 sits snugly and securely on the knee.

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Only the back of the IXS is airy. The front can get a bit sweaty when pedallingPhoto: Georg GrieshaberOnly the back of the IXS is airy. The front can get a bit sweaty when pedalling

This is partly due to the neatly pre-shaped protector and partly due to the additional Velcro strap below the hollow of the knee. This means that the knee pad can hardly move towards the calf. The IXS stays in place even in the event of a fall. The continuous mesh on the back ensures adequate ventilation, even if it gets a little sweaty under the protector, and there are no seams at all. This increases comfort on longer pedalling sections and effectively prevents pressure points. The pad can only pinch a little at the transition to the shin. Otherwise: a great protector for trail and enduro.

If you are looking for high protection with good wearing comfort, IXS is the right choicePhoto: Georg GrieshaberIf you are looking for high protection with good wearing comfort, IXS is the right choice

Conclusion on the IXS Flow 2.0 MTB knee pads in the test

The IXS Flow 2.0 knee pad is particularly appealing due to its uncomplicated handling: put it on and it fits. It is the only protector in the comparison to have a Velcro strap below the hollow of the knee, which noticeably improves the fit. In addition, the neatly pre-shaped protector delivers top values in the laboratory. No seams get in the way when pedalling. The pad is removable, the protector is excellent. Ventilation: okay. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

IXS Flow 2.0 - Details and price

  • Price 95,90 Euro >> available here
  • Weight¹ / Sizes 307 gram / S-XXL
  • Country of manufacture China
  • Equipment Removable padding; elasticated cuffs; Velcro under the knee; mesh back
  • Protector / protection level² XMatter / EN 1621-1, Level 1
  • Protector removable Yes
  • Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 9,57 / 12,4 / 14,07

Valuation

bike/bewertung-ixs_6d806e164f24e421861dd521aeff3e8f

¹BIKE measured values. ²The 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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