MTB knee pads for trail bikers: Lightweight - the Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guard in the test

Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guard MTB knee pads - Features

At just 209 grams, the Summit is hardly heavier than a knee sock and almost as airy - the entire back is covered with thin mesh material. Pearl Izumi sews the lightweight D3O protector firmly to the sock, which means it cannot be removed for washing. A generously rubberised stretch band on the thigh is designed to ensure a secure fit. There is also a light rubber coating on the back of the lower leg. There is an additional layer over the knee, which should allow the knee pad to glide better over the ground in the event of a fall. The certification details and side labelling are almost completely present.

Thin pad with low protection

With an average of 30.76 kN, the Pearl Izumi only just manages the level 2 standard and ranks at the bottom of this test. At 29.85 kN, the Summit also passes on quite high residual force values to the wearer at the knee.

Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.

Lots of comfort, little support

The Summit knee pad has the longest sock in comparison. It reaches loosely under the bib, which noticeably improves the hold on the leg. Apart from that, the protector is pleasantly airy but also a little loose on the leg, which doesn't exactly provide a secure feeling. Pressure points or constrictions are virtually eliminated thanks to the stretchy material and the seamless back.

However, the pad could fit more neatly around the knee. As soon as it slips a little, the knee is partially exposed. The stretchy material also makes it difficult to keep the pad in the correct position in the event of a fall. The light reinforcement over the knee is also too sticky to glide over the ground. We cannot recommend the Summit knee pad for demanding trails and tough enduro missions.

Conclusion on the Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guard:

The sock of the Summit reaches under the bib shorts, which improves the hold on the leg. Apart from that, the chamois is pleasantly airy, but also a little loose and undefined. With the Pearl Izumi Summit you can easily cover long distances. Unfortunately, it landed in last place in the lab. The stretchy material can hardly keep the Summit firmly on the leg in the event of a fall. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor

Pearl Izumi Summit Knee pads - Details and price

• Price 85 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / Sizes 209 gram / XS-XL
• Country of manufacture Vietnam
• Equipment Lycra sock with mesh back; Cordura protection; stretch cuffs with silicone
• Protector / protection level² D3O / EN 1621-1, Level 1
• Protector removable no
• Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 29,85 / 31,4 / 31,02

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.