MTB knee pads for trail bikers: A snug fit from Canada - the Race Face Covert Knee on test
Stefan Frey
· 04.02.2024
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Race Face Covert Knee MTB knee pads - Features
Similar to Endura and Leatt, Race Face also relies on the lightweight and flexible Ghost protector from D3O. In combination with the airy sock, this ensures plenty of flexibility and good ventilation while riding. In addition to the silicone straps on the two cuffs, the Covert knee pad also has a silicone strap on the inside below the knee to improve the fit.
The correctly labelled protector can be removed from the sock for washing. Side labelling can be found on the inside of the protector. The Covert is one of the lighter models in the test.
Solid protection, but no top values
As with the two models from Endura and Leatt, Race Face's D3O protector doesn't deliver overly good values. At just under 20 kN, the Covert knee protector ranks in the lower midfield. The residual force above the knee is still 19.93 kN.
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.
Snug fit and not too sweaty
The Covert is much tighter than most of the other candidates. When putting it on, you almost have to work your way into a compression stocking. However, the protector sits snugly on the leg at the end. The flat pad also fits neatly and almost wrinkle-free around the knee. This creates a very secure feeling for the wearer. However, the Covert does not get sweaty - its sock is made entirely from a honeycomb-shaped, breathable fabric.
Only above the protector is there more robust Cordura fabric, which glides well on the ground in the event of a fall and keeps the knee pad in position quite reliably. Despite the tight fit, the Covert is easy to pedal with. The seams are flexible and cleverly positioned, and an integrated silicone band below the hollow of the knee improves the hold. Only the silicone cuffs on the upper and lower leg could be a little wider. One of our favourites in the test for trail to enduro rides.
Conclusion on the Race Face Covert Knee knee pad:
Without the mediocre lab results, the Race Face would be one of our favourites. It fits almost like a compression stocking and hugs the knee perfectly. Even the flat pad adapts well to the anatomy. The sock is made of airy mesh, there are no seams to get in the way when pedalling and ripstop material over the protector improves durability. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Race Face Covert Knee Knee pads - Details and price
- Price 99 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes 297 gram / XS-XXL
- Country of manufacture Vietnam
- Equipment airy mesh sock; Cordura fabric over the protector; silicone cuffs; anti-slip protection under the hollow of the knee
- Protector / protection level² D3O / EN 1621-1, Level 1
- Protector removable Yes
- Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 19,93 / 18,48 / 20,63
Valuation
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
Editor
