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In the first part of our knee pad test, we put twelve lightweight models for trail to enduro through our paces. To make it into the lightweight category, the knee pads in size L have to weigh less than 400 grams. Maximum protection is not what counts here. The trail pads should also be comfortable to wear over long distances and especially when pedalling. In previous tests, we have found that the comfort and ventilation of knee pads weighing more than 400 grams is usually significantly worse.
Our test is divided into a practical and a laboratory section. Although the measured values on the test bench are very important, it is only in practice that it becomes clear how well a knee pad actually works. Does it pinch in the hollow of the knee when pedalling because the seams are poorly positioned? Does the sleeve slip down during the ride because the silicone has too little grip? Do you sweat after just a few metres or is the sleeve still airy even after kilometres? These are all questions that we can only answer after extensive practical testing. Because the fit is still a very individual matter, we recommend trying on the pads as much as possible before buying. Ideally, you should test different sizes and wear the knee pads on your knee for at least a few minutes. Pressure points can usually be recognised quite quickly.
Complex test in the laboratory
Shock absorption is the most important criterion for protectors and therefore accounts for 50% of the rating for trail protectors. We test on the Sas-Tec GmbH test stand in Markgröningen in close accordance with the motorbike test standard EN 1621-1: 2012: A five-kilogram steel body with a base area of 80x40 mm falls from a height of one metre onto the knee pad, which rests on an anvil with a hemispherical radius (r = 50 mm) made of polished steel.
There is a load cell under the anvil which records the forces. These are displayed as the residual force in kN acting on the knee. The test temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. We tested the centre of the knee, the transition to the shin and the side of the knee pad. The value above the knee is decisive for the evaluation. This is where the protector is usually thickest. The higher the values, the lower the protection.
How to read the test diagram
Flat curve, blunt peak - this is the perfect cushioning behaviour with low residual force values. If the impact rushes through the protector and generates a sharp, high peak, extreme force peaks act on the knee over a short period of time and the risk of injury increases significantly.
The knee pads in the practical test
We tested the fit, comfort and ventilation of each schooner with a total of three testers. We covered a distance of approx. 25 kilometres with each model. The individual points are included in the assessment in different proportions: secure fit 20%, wearing comfort 20% and ventilation 10%.
We have tested these knee pads
Click on the respective model to access the detailed test. We are presenting the knee pads one by one, so not all models are currently available for viewing.
- Bluegrass Skinny D3O >> available here
- Endura MT500 Ghost Knee Pads >> available here
- Fox Launch Elite Knee Guard >> available here
- Fuse Omega Knee Pocket >> available here
- ION Knee Pads K-Sleeve AMP >> available here
- IXS Flow 2.0 >> available here
- Leatt Knee Guard ReaFlex >> available here
- O' Neal Flow Knee Guard >> available here
- Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guard >> available here
- Race Face Covert Knee >> available here
- Seven IDP Project Knee >> available here
- Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guards >> available here
Stefan Frey
Editor
