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Race Face Ambush Knee pads - Equipment
The Ambush from the Canadian freeride label is the only knee pad in the test that can be opened completely using Velcro fasteners. Race Face provides two Velcro straps for a secure fit, but you won't find any silicone grippers.
In addition to the D3O pad, EVA pads on the sides are designed to improve protection. On the sleeve, the Race Face knee pad combines neoprene with airy mesh on the back and abrasion-resistant material over the knee area. The side labelling is somewhat hidden on the inside. The Ambush runs unusually small. As a rule, our testers found it to be a size L, sometimes even M. We would have preferred a size XL for the test rides. Be sure to try it on!
Protective effect & laboratory values
Together with the O'Neal Redeema, the Race Face knee pad brings up the rear in the laboratory values. In the impact test, an average residual force of 18.02 kN acts on the knee. In the event of a fall, a maximum of 19.13 kN reaches the body. The impact curve is also not ideal. At best, the curve should be as flat as possible and not have any sharp peaks, as is the case here.
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 Race Face Ambush knee pad
The Race Face can also be opened and put on from the side without having to take off your shoes. However, the system itself is less practical. The protector is clipped back together using three Velcro fasteners. This is time-consuming, fiddly and the fit is often not optimal in the end. What's more, the two Velcro straps for a better hold on the thigh and calf have to be completely unthreaded and rethreaded every time - annoying.
Attention: Runs very small
It is noticeable that the Ambush knee pad is extremely small and has a very short cut. It only just reaches the thigh. There are no silicone straps for a better fit. Overall, the Race Face doesn't sit too firmly and slips easily into the hollow of the knee. The protector also slides down quickly on contact with the ground and does not slide on a slide plate like many other models.
Especially when pedalling, the Velcro straps and the back of the knee are always tugging and pinching. We also found the closure on the shin a little uncomfortable, which can leave a pressure point over time. Overall, the Ambush is one of the worst candidates in the test in terms of comfort and ventilation.
Race Face Ambush - Details & Price
- Price 99 Euro >> available here
- Weight (M) / Sizes 420 g / XS-XXL
- Country of manufacture China
- Equipment Velcro on OS and calf; can be opened completely with Velcro; EVA pads on sides; abrasion-resistant material over protector; mesh on back
- Protector / protection level D3O / Level 1 / K-Type A
- Residual force (centre / bottom / side) 17.58 / 17.34 / 19.13 kN
Conclusion & evaluation
The Race Face Ambush knee pad is no longer quite up to date. Although it can be opened completely with Velcro, the fastening system is awkward and worsens the fit. It scratches and pinches again and again, both when pedalling and on the descent. The sleeve is quite short and is difficult to attach to the thigh. In the event of a fall, it quickly pulls down, and the two Velcro straps don't help. The Ambush also scores low in the lab and in terms of workmanship. Attention: runs very small.
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
