According to our current Protector survey a good two thirds of all participants have pads at home, which they wear at least during demanding tours to protect themselves and their skin. However, protective equipment is useless if it sits on a shelf or hangs on a rucksack because it is too bulky, too heavy, uncomfortable or too sweaty.
Anyone looking for maximum freedom of movement and comfort as well as at least minimal protection should take a look at the new SixSixOne Recon knee pads. Reminiscent of Darth Vader-style fetish underwear, the lightweight protector is said to fulfil the skater standard EN 14120 - and at only 140 grams per pair!
The protector specialist from California relies on the following material for its new knee pads Poron XRD. The special foam has the rather astonishing property of increasing its viscosity (toughness) when subjected to high forces (Dilatance). This means that the material remains soft and supple during slow movements and hardens in a flash in the event of a fall, absorbing up to 90 % of the impact energy according to the manufacturer (depending on the material thickness). After the impact, the material immediately relaxes again and is ready for the next fall. Although this is not really brand new, D30, Sas-Tec and Amourgel offer similar materials. However, thanks to its open-pored structure, the XRD material is said to be particularly light, flexible and durable.
Ten-time downhill world champion Nicolas Vouilloz subjected the Recon Knee Pads to an endurance test. Result: "Even after several months of daily use, the knee pads show neither wear nor defects." However, it remains to be seen whether he crashed during this time.
The soft XRD foam of the SixSixOne Recon Knee Pad is sewn onto a thin Lycra material and is designed to nestle almost imperceptibly around the knee. Thin mesh fabric and cut-outs in the hollow of the knee ensure good ventilation and plenty of freedom of movement. There are no Velcro fasteners; instead, elasticated straps and silicone applications on the inside are designed to prevent the protector from slipping. An antibacterial treatment prevents odour build-up.
The Recon Knee Pad was expressly not developed for competitions or tough downhill races, but protects trail riders from minor injuries. It weighs very little (140 grams/pair, size M) and is hardly noticeable. The SixSixOne Knee Pad is available now at a price of 75 euros. To the manufacturer: sixsixone.com
Sebastian Brust
Editor
