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Lightweight MTB knee pads for trail bikersGood choice: The ION K-Sleeve AMP knee pads in the test

Stefan Frey

 · 29.01.2024

ION K-Sleeve AMP - lightweight protector with a great fit
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 after the other. Today: the ION K-Sleeve AMP. The thin Lycra sock looks like a classic knee ring, but protects the knee surprisingly well in the event of a fall.
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ION K-Sleeve AMP knee pads - Features

The ION almost looks like a classic knee ring: thin Lycra, wide silicone cuffs and a sock that reaches far up the thigh. Above all, this should ensure a flexible, secure fit.

With its thin Lycra sock, the ION is one of the lightest pads in the test and is pleasantly airy to wear.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWith its thin Lycra sock, the ION is one of the lightest pads in the test and is pleasantly airy to wear.

The side labelling is conveniently located on the outside of the knee pad, and the protector can also be removed for washing. Officially not permitted: there is no labelling on the protector itself. Large areas of airy mesh fabric are used on the back.

Which protector belongs on which knee? You don't have to search long at ION.Photo: Georg GrieshaberWhich protector belongs on which knee? You don't have to search long at ION.
The new ION Arcon knee pads were not yet available for testing. You can still find information about the new protector with Recycle-Protector on our website.

Good protection despite thin protector

Even though the protector on the Ion is quite thin, it is convincing on the test bench and is even one of the better knee protectors in the test with an average of 15.52 kN. It delivers similarly good values in all three test areas.

The curve of the ION does not rise too steeply, the residual forces are lowPhoto: Holger HertneckThe curve of the ION does not rise too steeply, the residual forces are low
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.

Fit - airy yet secure knee pad

The Ion knee pad is true to size and can easily be slipped over the knee. Thanks to the long sock, which for most people should even extend over the bib shorts, it sits quite securely. Although the pad itself is flat, it fits snugly around the knee when worn. This allows you to pedal over longer sections without the K-Sleeve knee pad slipping.

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The generous use of mesh fabric on the back ensures that it doesn't get too warm on the ascent. So all good? Not quite: the thin Lycra pools a little at the back. In addition, a tight seam runs right through the back of the knee, which can cut noticeably into the fabric when pedalling - unpleasant.

Seams directly in the hollow of the knee? This can cause friction when pedalling.Photo: Georg GrieshaberSeams directly in the hollow of the knee? This can cause friction when pedalling.

The protective cover over the knee is supposed to protect the material, but it is a little sticky and causes the pad to stick to the ground a little. It takes a while to get the Ion knee pad to fit properly when putting it on. The upper stretch twists slightly and you have to align it properly!

The pad is simply removed for washing. Not quite correct: there is no indication of the standard test on the protector.Photo: Georg GrieshaberThe pad is simply removed for washing. Not quite correct: there is no indication of the standard test on the protector.

Conclusion on the ION K-Sleeve AMP Knee Pads MTB knee pads in the test

The Ion's long sock sits very tightly and takes a while to align properly. It runs rather small. When pedalling, the material wrinkles slightly and the seams can pinch at the back of the knee. On the other hand, the sock with the wide stretch finish does not slip off the knee even on long pedalling sections. Airy protector with a small pack size. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor
Airy feel, good fit and good protection. The ION is a good choice for trail bikersPhoto: Georg GrieshaberAiry feel, good fit and good protection. The ION is a good choice for trail bikers

ION K-Sleeve AMP Knee Pads - Details and price

  • Price 99,99 Euro >> available here
  • Weight¹ / Sizes 339 gram / S-XL
  • Country of manufacture China
  • Equipment Abrasion protection; removable pad; mesh knee cavity
  • Protector / protection level² Not specified / Not specified
  • Protector removable Yes
  • Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 15,66 / 15,79 / 15,11

Valuation

The ION is also a good choice on warm days and we don't get too sweaty on the climbsPhoto: Stefan FreyThe ION is also a good choice on warm days and we don't get too sweaty on the climbs

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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