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Lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikersEndura MT500 D3O Ghost Knee Pads on test

Stefan Frey

 · 26.01.2024

The Scots send their lightweight MT500 schooner into the race
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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The knee is the largest joint in the human body - but unfortunately also very exposed in the event of a fall. In our test, we tested 12 lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikers and found that effective protectors no longer have to be heavy and uncomfortable. In our series, we present the various MTB protectors individually. Today we take a look at the Endura MT500 D3O Ghost Knee Pads.
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Endura MT500 D3O Ghost Knee Pads - Equipment

The Scots use a heavily perforated D3O pad for their lightest knee pad, which should benefit ventilation in particular. There is also a partially airy mesh in front of the protector. The protector itself is firmly sewn into the sock and can therefore not be removed for washing.

The Ghost protectors from D3O are characterised by particularly good ventilationPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Ghost protectors from D3O are characterised by particularly good ventilation

However, the labelling for the standard and classification of the protector is missing. Thin EVA pads on the sides are designed to improve protection. Endura uses lightweight mesh fabric throughout the back. Silicone strips for a secure fit are only found on the upper waistband. The correct side is labelled on the inside

The Endura MT500 on the test bench

With an average of 19.4 kN, the Endura knee pad would even just pass the level 2 certification. However, compared to the other candidates in the test, the MT500 is still only in the bottom third. At 19.67 kN, the residual force in the centre of the knee is twice as high as the best model in the test.

In the lab, the lightweight D3O pads perform slightly below average. But they are light and airyPhoto: Holger HertneckIn the lab, the lightweight D3O pads perform slightly below average. But they are light and airy
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.

Wearing comfort of the Endura knee pad

The MT500 fits rather slim legs. On thicker thighs it sits rather tightly. Although the sock reaches quite far up the thigh, it is not held in place sufficiently by the silicone band and keeps slipping down a little while riding.

Although Endura applies a thick double silicone band, the protector does not hold optimally during the ridePhoto: Georg GrieshaberAlthough Endura applies a thick double silicone band, the protector does not hold optimally during the ride

The flat D3O padding does not fit neatly over the knee and therefore wrinkles slightly. When you pedal, the thin mesh pushes into the hollow of the knee, which can lead to pressure points in the long term.

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Super airy, but not always as comfortable as possible. The thin mesh can crease at the back of the kneePhoto: Georg GrieshaberSuper airy, but not always as comfortable as possible. The thin mesh can crease at the back of the knee

Conclusion on the Endura MT500 D3O Ghost Knee Pads in test

The flat D3O protector of the MT500 doesn't really want to hug the knee, even if the protector is otherwise rather tight. During the ride, the sock keeps slipping downwards, causing the material to fold behind the knee - a little uncomfortable when pedalling. Ventilation is excellent thanks to the airy material and the open-pored protector, but the residual force is somewhat high. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
If you want to carry as little weight as possible, you should take a closer look at the Endura. It weighs well under 300 gramsPhoto: Georg GrieshaberIf you want to carry as little weight as possible, you should take a closer look at the Endura. It weighs well under 300 grams

Endura MT500 D3O Ghost knee pads - details and price

  • Price 99,99 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
  • Weight¹ / Sizes 269 gram / S-M; M-L
  • Country of manufacture China
  • Equipment Long D3O pad; side pads; stretch trims with silicone
  • Protector / protection level² D3O / EN 1621-1, Level 1
  • Protector removable no
  • Residual force¹ (centre / bottom / side) 19,67 / 20,3 / 18,37

Valuation

High wearing comfort but no top values for protectionPhoto: Stefan FreyHigh wearing comfort but no top values for protection

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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