MTB knee pads for trail bikers: Ultralight and super airy - Leatt Knee Guard ReaFlex Ultralite

Knee pads Leatt Knee Guard ReaFlex Ultralite - Features

With the ReaFlex Ultralite, the protective equipment experts from South Africa offer the lightest knee pad in the comparison. They achieve this on the one hand with an extremely airy mesh sock, which also has a recess in the hollow of the knee, and on the other with the heavily perforated but somewhat small D3O padding.

Hardly to be expected from experts: The Leatt is fully labelled and provides clear information about the certification. The side labelling is clearly visible on the back, which makes it easier to put on. The pad can also be removed for washing. There are flexible silicone trims on the top and bottom for a secure fit.

Protection - reduced to a minimum

Despite the low thickness of the padding, the Leatt knee pad easily achieves Level 1 certification. In comparison with the rest of the test field, however, it is only in the bottom third. The residual force values average 21.52 kN, while the ReaFlex Ultralite transfers 22.04 kN to the body directly above the kneecap.

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

Hardly noticeable when driving

The Leatt is the absolute minimal version of a knee pad. If you're looking for maximum ventilation and minimum pack size, you've come to the right place. The open-pored sock and the honeycomb-shaped protector allow plenty of fresh air to reach the knee. This means that the Leatt knee pad is comfortable to wear even on climbs. No pinching, no pulling - not even in the hollow of the knee.

A very long sock ensures a good fit, which should even reach over or under the bib shorts for most wearers. The ReaFlex also fits so well when pedalling that you hardly notice it after a while. It's only in terms of protection that you have to accept significant compromises.

The small D3O padding barely covers the kneecap. There is little room to manoeuvre at the sides in the event of a fall. The slightly rubberised protective layer over the knee acts like a stopper in the event of a fall and prevents the protector from sliding over the ground. When buying a Leatt, you should definitely check whether the cover is sufficient.

Conclusion on the Leatt ReaFlex Ultralite knee pads

The Leatt knee pad is little more than a knee ring and fits in any trouser pocket. The long sock gives it a solid fit, and thanks to the excellent ventilation, you hardly notice it after a short time when pedalling. However, you have to make compromises when it comes to protection: The small pad barely covers more than the kneecap and only delivers passable values in the lab. Minimal protection for trail bikers.

Leatt Knee Guard ReaFlex Ultralite - Details and price of the protector

• Price 100 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / Sizes 206 gram / S-XXL
• Country of manufacture China
• Equipment Mesh back with cut-out at back of knee; open-pored protector; silicone trims; airy sleeve
• Protector / protection level² AFX / EN 1621-1, Level 1
• Protector removable Yes
• Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 22,04 / 20,12 / 22,41

Evaluation knee pads

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.