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IXS Trigger Race - Equipment
The Trigger Race already impressed us in the 2021 knee pad test and won the BIKE Tip back then. On the equipment side, the IXS scores with a long protector plate that reaches up to the shin. The protector pad can be removed for washing. Like the ION K-Pact AMP HD, the IXS also has a large slide plate, which should keep the protector more securely in place on the knee in the event of a fall. The trigger is also padded on the sides with various EVA pads, and there is a clearly visible side marker on the lower Velcro fastener and a second Velcro fastener on the thigh. The entire back is made of seamless mesh, which should improve comfort and ventilation.
Protective effect & laboratory values
The IXS knee pad also has a lot to offer in terms of protection. As in the previous test, it achieved the best value in the comparison with 8.37 kN in the centre of the knee. Even if the protective effect drops slightly on lateral impacts, the Trigger Race is still one of the best models in the comparison. The flat and low curve also indicates a high protective effect. Also good: the protector plate reaching up to the shin.
Do you want to play it safe on the trail, but are you looking for a protector that is still easy to pedal? Then you'll find what you're looking for in our test of 12 lightweight knee pads.
How to wear the IXS Trigger Race
The two Velcro fasteners on the IXS are cleverly positioned and ensure a fairly secure fit overall. However, the Trigger knee pad lacks a silicone strap on the top and bottom, which could improve the hold. The protector encloses the knee without much air in between, provided the size fits. Overall, it is a little large.
Overall, you feel very little movement on the knee pad when pedalling, which makes it comfortable to wear even on short uphills - nothing slips here either. However, there is some material bunching in the hollow of the knee, which can pinch in the long run. Noticeable: The Velcro fasteners quickly fray the mesh on the back. They should therefore always be positioned neatly and kept closed when transporting the protector.
IXS Trigger Race knee pads - Details & Price
- Price 149 Euro >> available here
- Weight (M) / Sizes 598 g / S-XXL
- Country of manufacture China
- Equipment Velcro thigh/ calf strap; silicone gripper; slide cap; long protector; EVE pads on sides; mesh on back; side marking; protector removable for washing
- Protector / protection level X Matter / Level 1 / K-Type A
- Residual force (centre / bottom / side) 8.37 / 10.89 / 12.74 kN
Conclusion & evaluation
If you're looking for a protector with a lot of protective surface, you'll find it here. The IXS pad reaches almost to the centre of the shin. The Trigger Race is also pleasantly unobtrusive. The large mesh insert on the back provides some ventilation, but can also pinch slightly during short pedalling sections. Despite two Velcro fasteners, the Trigger does not sit too tightly on the knee. Even the slide plate can't completely prevent slight slipping during a fall. A successful package in terms of features and workmanship.
Test: 8 knee pads for the bike park compared
- Amplifi Havok
- Ion K-Pact AMP HD (BIKE Tip Downhill) >> e.g. available here
- IXS Trigger Race >> e.g. available here
- Leatt Knee Guard 3DF 6.0 >> e.g. available here
- O'Neal Redeema Knee Guard >> e.g. available here
- Race Face Ambush >> e.g. available here
- 7IDP Project Knee >> e.g. available here
- Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee (BIKE Tip Test Winner) >> e.g. available here
Stefan Frey
Editor
