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Lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikersBMX expert: The Fuse Omega Pocket on test

Stefan Frey

 · 28.01.2024

Thick padding and external protector - the Fuse stands out from the test field
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. With the Omega Pocket Knee Pad, the BMX experts from Fuse sent their smallest and lightest knee pad with close-fitting sock and externally attached Sas-Tec protector for testing.
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Fuse Omega Pocket Knee Pad knee pads - Features

Fuse connects the large Sas-Tec protector to the sock on the outside. Behind it and on the side there is additional padding of comparable thickness. This results in the relatively high weight of the Omega Pocket Knee of 350 grams.

Comfortable but without any real benefit: the EVA pads have hardly any cushioning effect on impactPhoto: Georg GrieshaberComfortable but without any real benefit: the EVA pads have hardly any cushioning effect on impact

Inside the sock you will not only find the side labelling, but also full certification information. The Fuse only has slightly more airy mesh directly behind the knee. The cuffs at the top and bottom are quite narrow and are only covered with thin silicone strips.

The Fuse sits quite tightly, so it can pinch in the hollow of the kneePhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Fuse sits quite tightly, so it can pinch in the hollow of the knee

Solid values put to the test

The Fuse knee pad is also well below the 20 kN limit on average, and achieves 17.54 kN in the centre over the knee. This puts it in the midfield of our test. The side padding does not really contribute to a higher level of protection.

The Fuse delivers good values, but in comparison it is only in the midfieldPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Fuse delivers good values, but in comparison it is only in the midfield

>> A good knee pad is one thing. On heavier tours or in the bike park, a protector waistcoat also makes sense. We have tested two recommended models in a separate article.

How to wear the Fuse Omega Knee Pocket knee pad


Be careful when choosing the size: Fuse cuts significantly smaller than most other manufacturers. However, with the right size, the knee pad sits comfortably and snugly over the knee. This is thanks to the pre-moulded Sas-Tec pad on the outside and the foam backing over the knee.

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The Fuse is unusually thickly padded for a schooner in the lightweight categoryPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Fuse is unusually thickly padded for a schooner in the lightweight category

However, the Omega Pocket has several weaknesses: its short sock with the weak rubberisation can only hold the protector in place with difficulty. In addition, there are two slightly too tight seams in the hollow of the knee, which cut uncomfortably in the long run. When pedalling, the Fuse always slips down a little. The pad on the outside acts like a stopper in the event of a fall and does not slide over the ground. Due to the thick padding, the knee pad quickly becomes a little sweaty. Not for long pedalling sessions.

The Fuse is super tight on the knee, which gives a feeling of security. However, it tends to slip a littlePhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Fuse is super tight on the knee, which gives a feeling of security. However, it tends to slip a little

Conclusion on the Fuse Omega Knee Pocket knee pad

With the Fuse, the protector sits on the outside of the knee, which can lead to the protector slipping off the joint more easily in the event of a fall. The short sock and less sticky silicone straps also contribute to the moderate fit. Due to the thick padding behind the pad, the Fuse quickly becomes sweaty. Caution: The Omega runs very small. The seams at the back of the knee are not very stretchy. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Fuse Omega Knee Pocket - Details and price

  • Price 81,95 Euro >> available here
  • Weight¹ / Sizes 350 gram / S-XXL
  • Country of manufacture Hungary
  • Equipment Pre-shaped Sas-Tec pad; stretch cuffs with silicone; mesh back
  • Protector / protection level² Sas-Tec / EN 1621-1, Level 1
  • Protector removable no
  • Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 17,54 / 17,98 / 18,62

Valuation

The Fuse does not deliver real top values either in the laboratory or in practicePhoto: Stefan FreyThe Fuse does not deliver real top values either in the laboratory or in practice

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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