GROUP TEST: Trail Knee Pads
Whether you are headed out for a quick spin, shuttle laps, or an all-day epic in my opinion there is no reason why you shouldn’t don a set of knee pads.
Words: Hayden Wright
Photos: Gerard Lagana
Excuses of them being bulky, uncomfortable to pedal in or simply inept at actually staying in place during a crash used to be entirely valid. However the recent explosion in popularity of high-quality slip on, gel-based pads means you can now protect your knees in relative comfort and style with the confidence that you will be saved a trip to the ER should you end up sliding down some singletrack like David Bechham celebrating a goal. Don’t give me any of this “if you don’t plan to crash you won’t crash” garbage. I’ve seen enough knee caps gashed and scraped open in my time to know taking 30 seconds to throw on a set of well-fitted pads can save you pain and months off the bike with injury.
The range
I have put 12 sets of kneepads to the test in back-to-back comparative testing. Through the following pages you will find detailed reviews of at least one trail/enduro oriented kneepad from most major brands sold within Australia. What is a trail kneepad you might ask? Simply put, I have been looking at pads that are comfortable enough to put in long hours pedalling while also providing enough protection to save you should things go wrong. Also included are a few outliers on either end of the protection spectrum, should you want something a little more serious or a little more minimalist.
Dakine Slayer Pro – $119.99
Dakine Slayer Knee Sleeve – $89.99
7iDP Sam Hill Knee – $164.95
Troy Lee Designs Stage – $189.95
Fox Enduro D30 – $149.99
G-Form Pro Rugged 2 – $199.99
G-Form Pro X3 – $149.99
661 Recon – $149.99
Race Face Roam – $230
100 Percent Teratec + – $149.00
Rapha Trail Knee – $150
Ion K-Traze – $144.95
Safety ratings
Most of the pads tested in this article have a safety rating provided within their technical specifications. These ratings are found through the completion of standardised testing procedures prescribed within EN1621-1, where a waited anvil is dropped on the pad from a fixed height. Through recording and averaging the force transmitted through the pad upon 9 repeated impacts, either level 1 or level 2 ratings can be given. Furthermore, ratings are also given to the amount of protection area the pad provides, with Type B pads having more coverage then Type A. What does this boil down to in layman’s terms? A pad which has EN1621-1 Level 2 (Type B) certification is going to offer you more impact protection and coverage than a pad which has EN1621-1 Level 1 (Type A) certification. Where available we have listed the safety rating of each knee pad.
Knee pad care
Nothing is worse then getting in a shuttle with someone who hasn’t washed their knee pads in the past year. Keeping your knee pads fresh and clean will not only ensure you won’t be the stinky person on your next social ride, but will also extend their life and keep the material clean and bacteria free. Between washes, I recommend giving your pads a quick spray with something like Krush San-X spray on sanitiser + deodoriser. This spray is great to leave in your car or gear bag, with a few squirts post-ride helping to ensure keep your pads bacteria free and smelling fresh all summer long!
Dakine Slayer Pro Knee Pad
$119.99
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M (Tested), L, XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 80mm above, 180mm below
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 155mm above, 230mm below
Protection Rating: CE Certified
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Velcro top strap and top silicone gripper
Dakine’s Slayer Pro knee pad sits at the top end of their Slayer range of products. Through increasing the amount of protection and trading silicone grippers for a 40mm thick Velcro strap these pads feel much more substantial both in hand and on trail then the Slayer Sleeve also reviewed as a part of this test. The DK Impact foam knee cup is pre-curved which when combined with the snug fit of the sleeve and adjustability of the Velcro strap made this pad feel bike park lap worthy, while still providing enough comfort to turn the pedals.
Through testing, I found myself gravitating towards the Slayer Pro if I knew that the trails were going to be rocky and rough. These pads have a very snug fit while still being comfortable thanks in part to the Velcro strap. A tip of the visor here to Dakine for knowing that the soft side of the Velcro should be the exposed side – this stops it from snagging your shorts. The knee cup is flanked by smaller foam pads on both sides for added protection. Cordura polyester has been used on the knee cup which feels like the most abrasion resistant and hard wearing we had on test. On the back of the sleeve a lighter weight stretch mesh has been used to try and keep the weight and heat down to some effect. Integrated in these materials is Polygiene odour control, which is said to help keep the bad smells at bay. These pads are warmer than most on test which is the inevitable downside of having so much protection. I did experience a little chafing on the back of my knees during the first few rides on these pads but they soften in time.
If you consider yourself to be a Slayer, these pads may suit your style. While I found these knee protectors from Dakine to be warmer than most during trail rides, the protection on offer here is hard to beat and the pre-curved pad and sleeve provided ample comfort for the pedal back up to your next double black descent.
Dakine Slayer Knee Sleeve
$89.99
Sizes: XS, S, M (Tested), L
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 60mm above, 185mm below
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 150mm above, 220mm below
Protection Rating: N/A
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top silicone gripper
If we consider the Slayer Pro as the big burly member of the Dakine protection family then the Slayer Sleeve is the easy-going, lightweight younger sibling. By doing away with the velcro strap, trimming down thickness of the DK Impact knee pad and shortening the sleeve length Dakine have designed a very pedal-friendly offering to offer the market. Kept in place with a small spattering of silicone grippers at the top of the sleeve, these pads are comfortable to wear all day long.
Upon initial testing, I found these pads to be a little on the tight side relative to the sizing chart. It felt as though they were bunching a little at the rear and were also difficult to take on and off. Thankfully, after around an hour of use these pads broke in and became very comfortable. Rather than relying on silicone grippers or straps, these pads rely on their construction and tight fit to keep them in place. The minimal amount of silicone at the top of the sleeve was a pleasant change and kept my skin rash-free during use. The knee pad is thick enough for trail use and does a great job of conforming to your leg as it bends. This pad while being lightweight by construction is definitely warmer than a few here on test. Material breathability is better than the Slayer Pro, but still leaves a little to be desired compared to the likes of the TLD Stage or G-Form Pro-X3.
The Slayer Sleeve would be a great choice for someone with sensitive skin who is looking for a trail knee pad. It’s ability to stay in place without relying on gobs and gobs of silicone must be commended. Warmer than some, it would also be a great choice for a rider who lives in a cooler climate and is looking for some minimalist, slip-on knee protection for the winter months.
7idp Sam Hill Knee
$164.95
Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 100mm, 200mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 220mm, 245mm
Protection Rating: ENEC1621-1 Level 2 (Type B)
Removable padding: Yes
Fit System: Top and bottom silicone gripper
As the name suggests these pads were designed and developed in direct consultation with multi-time downhill and enduro world champion Sam Hill. Sitting at the higher end of our cost bracket the Sam Hill knee has a long list of features which make it more than worthy of the price tag. Featuring the longest overall sleeve length on test and second longest pad coverage area these pads offer ample protection, as is backed up by their Level 2 Type B certification. The knee cup is made of pre-contoured impact gel which feels strange while you’re putting them on, but is very comfortable in use. It is also removable and machine washable, as is the 4-way stretch mesh sleeve. Fit was spot on relative to the sizing chart and the pads felt very secure in place thanks to the combination of the tightly contoured sleeve and silicone grippers.
On the trail, these pads were quickly forgotten in the best way possible. You would be amiss to think a Sam Hill knee pad would be chunky and prioritise safety over pedalling comfort. On the contrary, these pads are extremely comfortable. The sleeve extends over 200mm up from your knee cap in a size large, helping to keep the pads firmly in place and making it near impossible to have a twat-gap. Keep in mind this generous sleeve length will add a little extra warmth on hotter rides. Knee protection is comprehensive, with the gel knee cup being accompanied by softer foam padding around its entire circumference including down the shin.
These pads from 7idp would be ideal for anyone who is looking for a product which provides comprehensive protection in a package that is also comfortable and secure. Riders who aren’t clipped in should give special consideration to the Sam Hill Knee, as the padding runs far down the shin which may come in handy the next time you slip a pedal.
Troy Lee Designs Stage Knee Guard
$189.95
Sizes: XS/SM, MD/LG (Tested), XL/2X
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 70mm, 190mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 150mm, 240mm
Protection Rating: CE EN1621-1
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top silicone gripper
Troy Lee Designs did not beat around the bush when naming their trail/enduro knee pad the ‘Stage’. Touted as their all-day pad with mid-range protection, this offering from TLD follows the tried-and-true formula of a long, lightweight sleeve with silicone grippers, and a pre-curved D30 knee cup. Where the Stage differs from most other pads on test is its extensive use of a lightweight stretch mesh almost entirely across the sleeve. While only offered in three size options, I found the fit to be very comfortable and in-line with the medium and large offerings from all other brands on test.
This pad was undoubtedly one of the most breathable on test, leading it to be one of my go-to choices through the end of September and early October when temperatures started to rise. Pedalling comfort was also class leading, once again proving that a pre-curved knee cup is a must have if you want all day comfort and comprehensive protection. Like the Teratec +, I was lucky enough to crash-test this pad with positive results. Through impact the thick D30 gel did a great job of protecting my knee and upper shin, and the tight sleeve with upper silicone gripper did a good job of keeping the Stage in place. The only place I would say this pad could be improved is by adding some ancillary padding around the main knee cup, but this would take away from its light weight and breathability. Given the RRP of these pads it seems the old saying runs true, less can sometimes be more.
The Stage knee guard would be a great choice for anyone who lives in a warmer climate and is looking for an all-round trail knee-pad. While not being the most protective or comfortable outright as some others on test, it does a great job of ticking all the boxes and delivers the quality styling TLD are renowned for.
Fox Enduro D30 Knee Guard
$149.99
Sizes: S, M. L (Tested), XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 60mm, 220mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 165mm, 240mm
Protection Rating: EN1621-1 Level 1
Removable padding: Yes
Fit System: Top silicone gripper
Fox’s Enduro D30 Knee guard is the top-shelf offering from the brand known for being a market leader in the MTB and Motocross apparel markets over the past few decades. Featuring a long sleeve length and a removable D30 knee pad, the Enduro D30 Knee promises to deliver both ample protection and breathability in a lightweight and comfortable package. The D30 gel pad provides EN1621-1 Level 1 protection and while not being pre-curved, is malleable enough to conform to any leg shape when being worn. Sizing ranges from small through to extra-large, with fit being on point for a large relative to their sizing charts. The pad is kept in place with a pattern of hexagonal grippers at the top of the knee sleeve, which is supported by a fixed elastic band behind the knee.
Almost immediately during testing, the disadvantages of Fox’s decision to go with a non-curved knee cup and sleeve became apparent. First, I found that the Enduro D30 was bunching slightly at the rear of my leg when bent. Further to this, it also felt that the pad was stretching and returning through each pedal cycle as the materials constantly moved and conformed to my body shape. I also noticed that the lower portion of the sleeve would continuously bunch up under the knee pad – what I felt was another nock on effect of using such stretchy materials without a pre-curved chassis. In no way were these pads uncomfortable to pedal in or difficult to keep in place while riding. They were however not as form fitting and snug in use compared to most other offerings on test. On a more positive note, the materials used by Fox on the Enduro D30 were fantastic. The use of a lightweight stretch mesh at the rear of the sleeve increased breathability and was a nice contrast to the more durable Cordura used over the knee cup.
While not performing as well as others on test, the Fox Enduro D30 is still a great choice and provided plenty of protection for long trail rides while leaving my legs rash free thanks to the use of high-end materials and a soft gel knee cup.
G-Form Pro-Rugged 2 Knee Guard
$199.99
Sizes: XS, S, M, L (Tested), XL, 2XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 70mm, 220mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 140mm, 255mm
Protection Rating: CE-1621-1
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Velcro top strap, top and bottom silicone gripper
The Pro-Rugged 2 is G-Form’s top of the line knee pad and features increased coverage and durability over the X-3 model also reviewed in this test. Differentiating features between the two is the increase of sleeve length, padding coverage, padding thickness and the addition of a top Velcro strap. The non-curved SmartFlex knee pad is sandwiched between softer interior and harder wearing exterior materials to maximise both comfort and durability. A shin pad has also been added to the base of the knee pad, showing that this product is aimed at the most aggressive of riders. Fit is true to size with the knee sleeve providing ample coverage both up the thigh and down the shin.
I found G-form’s claims of improved comfort and durability over older models to be a mixed bag of truths during testing. The addition of an integrated Velcro strap made getting the perfect fit quick and easy, and should also add some longevity to these pads should the sleeve begin to lost some of its elasticity. The material which has been used on the knee pad itself is very hard wearing and easily shook off any impacts I put its way. In contrast, the knee sleeve is very stretchy and breathable with thinner mesh being used at the back of the leg. In honesty I felt that this was to the detriment of the pad’s functionality overall. The combination of the stiff knee pad and stretchy sleeve led to a feeling of incompatibility while pedalling, as the non-curved pad was constantly bending and stretching the sleeve. Further to this when my knee was bent the wings of the stiff pad stayed outstretched rather than contouring to my body. This leaves much of your knee open to side impacts and created downward pressure on my kneecap.
While the construction of this pad is high quality and the fit comfortable, I feel this pad misses the mark on providing protection for aggressive riders as claimed. Given the high price tag, some small changes including adding some curvature and more bend points to the knee cup itself would take the Pro-Rugged V2 from being oh-so-close to a market leader in the aggressive trail knee pad category.
G-Form Pro-X3
$149.99
Sizes: XS, S, M, L (Tested), XL, 2XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 80mm, 170mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 170mm, 195mm
Protection Rating: CE-1621 (Coverage only, no impact rating)
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top and bottom silicone gripper
Known as pioneers in the slip on protection world, G-Form’s Pro-X3 is the latest iteration of their tried and true knee pads. Based on an ultra-lightweight sleeve which is as minimalist as you can imagine, the Pro-X3 has a dual-layer Smartflex knee pad which looks like something which a superhero would stitch all over their suit before they go and save a city from disaster. Through implementing grooves and channels in specific locations the knee pad is soft and malleable, only hardening on impact. The sleeve is kept in place with silicone grippers top and bottom, with fit being on the bigger size relative to sizing charts from what I could feel. If you are between sizes on the Pro-X3 I would suggest sizing down, not up.
When riding, this slip-on pad is quickly forgotten. It is so lightweight and minimalistic that there isn’t really much to report on in terms of pedalling impressions – in that there are none. Although the pad does wiggle around a little when in use due to the lack of any curvature in the sleeve or pad it is negligible and seems to dissipate once you start sweating. Speaking of, the sleeve does a great job of wicking away sweat and doesn’t need any adjustment thanks to its snug fit and the silicone grippers. This pad also machine washes very well and dries quickly, a great feature for those who leave their washing until the last minute. Protection coverage is quite generous considering how lightweight this pad is, with the Smartflex padding wrapping around the knee and also extending down to the upper shin. One negative is that I did feel as though the pad could spin or slide on my leg during a crash due to its lack of structure relative to other pads on test.
G-Form’s Pro-X3 is a reliable performer that would best suit riders who live in warm climates or who are looking for slimline, comfortable knee pads. While not providing the protection or coverage of some others on test it is hard to argue with the minimalist, no-fuss design on display here.
661 Recon Knee
$149.99
Sizes: S, M (Tested), L, XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 50mm, 190mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 200mm, 240mm
Protection Rating: EN1621-1 Level 1 (Type A)
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top and bottom silicone gripper
The newly redesigned 661 Recon Knee takes everything that the original version of this pad was known for and improves on it. Touted as their most pedal friendly offering, the Recon Knee prioritises comfort and manoeuvrability over all else. Similar to the 7idp Sam Hill pad, the sleeve length on the Recon is generous giving plenty of skin coverage from the stretchy and lightweight fabric. Protection is guaranteed through the use of a D30 Ghost gel knee pad which is the thinnest and most minimalistic on test. How it still manages to have EN1621-1 Level 1 certification is an engineering feat in its own right. All materials used in this pad are machine washable, and showed to be quite hard-wearing during testing. Fit was snug, and there was no break in period or niggles experienced. You simply slip on the Recon and go.
In testing, I found these pads to be highly comfortable and surprisingly breathable given the sleeve length. 661 have used lightweight meshing on the rear of the pad which when paired with an apple-sized opening behind the knee give your leg plenty of opportunity to dissipate heat. You could argue that this super light fabric would rip easily, but given it is all placed at the rear of your leg I find it hard to see how it will ever come in contact with the ground. Alternatively, the stretch material on the front feels much more durable and slippery which should help if crashing in dry, hard conditions. The D30 Ghost knee pad is wafer thin and, in all honesty, did not inspire confidence when I wore these pads on some more rocky trails. As mentioned earlier they are certified so I think that is more a case of me needing to get used to the latest and greatest in materials development than it is a knock on the Recon. The edges of the pad do crinkle quite a bit when your leg is bent, improvement could be made there to better curtail the stitching to suit a bent leg rather then a straight one.
It was a pleasant surprise to unbox a product with the 661 logo on it. Once a leader in the protection game, they seem to be back swinging for the fences with the Recon Knee. In this product they have provided a super light, breathable slip-on knee guard which would suit those looking for minimalist protection for trail riding and plenty of skin coverage.
RaceFace Roam
$230.00
Sizes (tested): S, M (tested), L, XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre:
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre:
Protection Rating:
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top and bottom velcro straps with additional velcro closure in the middle
The RaceFace Roam knee are on outlier when you look at the 12 pads we have on test here for this comparative review. While it has the expected D30 gel knee cup and a mixture of both lightweight and durable materials, the ace in its sleeve is that it has an open back design. This allows you to fit and remove them without needing to take off your shoe. These pads combine this functionality with a heavy and very protective design. Rather than focusing on comfort, the designers at RaceFace assume that you would be taking advantage of the ability to remove the pads on long, arduous climbs and have instead provided a pad here with oodles of protection for the way back down. Coming in as the most expensive pad on test, the Roam has some big shoes to fill to justify that price tag.
Like the 7idp pads, the Roam has a heavily pre-curved chassis which is strange feeling during initial fitment. These feelings dissipate as soon as you are turning the pedals, and I felt myself reminiscing back to the days of the 661 Kyle Strait and TLD T-Bone pads of 10+ years ago – such is the fit of these Roam pads. They are comfortable-ish, but prioritise protection over fit. Sizing charts were accurate with the medium pads on test fitting my legs well once I got the three Velcro closures dialled in during my first test ride. The open-back design does require a lot of Velcro and straps to make work which took some getting used to compared to the slip-on design we most commonly see. With padding provided though the knee cup and ancillary smaller pads on both sides of the knee, this product from RaceFace was undoubtedly the safest feeling on test and would not be found astray between the tape of a downhill course.
While being less comfortable than most on test, the Roam delivers a unique offering to the market. If you prefer to remove your pads while climbing, or hate having to take your shoes off post ride to whip off your knee protection then these are for you.
100% Teratec + Knee Guard
$149.00
Sizes: S, M, L (Tested), XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 170mm, 230mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 170mm, 230mm
Protection Rating: EN1621-1 Level 1
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top and bottom silicone gripper
The Teratec + is 100%’s highest end slip on knee guard offering. Boasting increased protection to the regular Teratec, this pad offers some features which were unique across the 12 pads on test. Unlike most knee guards which have separate pad and sleeve portions, the Teratec + introduces padding though the entire length of the sleeve, including on the thigh and shin. Furthermore, this pad has a unique flex joint above the knee. This allows the pad to bend easily and makes up for the lack of stretch the sleeve has due to the increased padding. Protection is rated as EN1621-1 Level 1, with the knee cup being comprised of SmartShock impact gel covered with anti-abrasion nylon fabric. Sizing was accurate to the charts provided on 100%’s website, however it is imperative to get the fit correct for these pads. The minimal stretch in the sleeve means the fit has to be spot on. I’d recommend trying a set of these on before purchasing for this reason.
These pads were one of a few sets which I actually had the experience of crashing in and I can confirm they stayed firmly in place. The added thigh protection also came into play, with some heavy dirt scuffs on that additional thigh padding confirming that if I was wearing any other pad I may have been a little worse off then in the Teratec +. Through implementing the flex joint 100% have delivered a pad which offers ample coverage while still being very comfortable to pedal in. Material wear has been minimal even through the crashes. One issue I did have is that the silicone grippers seemed to react a little with my skin, leaving a red rash and some little tiny 100% logos behind post-ride. I would primarily put this down to the extra coverage of silicone in these pads which makes up for the lack of sleeve stretch. It is typical that any silicone gripper leaves a mark on my skin, but it was just more noticeable here due to the increased surface area. One thing to note if you have sensitive skin.
100% have delivered a pad in the Teratec + which provides ample coverage and a unique fit at a very competitive price point. If you are looking for a comfortable set of slip-on knee guards which provides extra thigh and side of leg protection then these are worth serious consideration.
Rapha Trail Knee
$150.00
Sizes: XS, S, M, L (Tested), XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 70mm, 180mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 165mm, 210mm
Protection Rating: ENEC1621-1 Level 2 (Type B)
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Top and bottom silicone gripper
Rapha have carried over the subdued styling and high-quality materials they’re renowned for delivering in the road scene, and have hit the ground running with a variety of quality MTB products in the past year. The Trail Knee, their only in-house protection offering, has all the ingredients we expect from a trail knee pad. It combines a long knee sleeve, pre-curved gel knee cup and silicone grippers in an offering to the market that has some unique features. The first standout is its Level 2 (Type B) rating, which is matched only by the 7idp Sam Hill as being the most protective slip-on knee pad on test. This has been achieved by their implementation of a RHEON gel knee pad, which was developed specifically for the Trail Knee. Second, the silicone grippers found at the top and bottom of this pads sleeve run in small vertical stripes rather than the typically seen solid horizontal strip, allowing for greater silicone coverage without impeding the stretch material.
Being my first time using a Rapha product, I was excited to put them to the test and see if I could channel my inner Bryn Atkinson. While my riding skills did not improve, I did find the trail knee to be the most comfortable pad on test relative to its safety rating. The pre-curved RHEON knee cup and general fit of the Trail Knee was fantastic. This enabled me to get on with the job of riding with no thought given to what was protecting my knees through hours of use. A special mention must go to the vertical orientation of the silicone grippers. This seemed to allow them to micro-adjust during use, leaving my skin mark free post ride even after a 5-hour epic. The material on the knee sleeve was similar that found on a set of bibshorts and did a good job wicking away moisture and stretching to form. In future, it may be good to see the rear panel swapped out for a more lightweight mesh to help out on warmer days.
The Trail Knee is an ideal offering for anyone looking for an all-purpose knee pad which is suitable for most duties out on the bike. While not as lightweight as some offerings, the combination of comfort and protection offered here is difficult to surpass.
ION K-Traze Knee Pads
$144.95
Sizes: S, M, L (Tested), XL
Length of padding above/below the knee cap centre: 50mm, 150mm
Length of sleeve above/below knee cap centre: 90mm, 170mm
Protection Rating: ENEC1621-1 Level 1
Removable padding: No
Fit System: Velcro top strap, top and bottom silicone gripper
The K-Traze sits in the middle of Ion’s knee pad offering, being lighter than the K-Pact but more protective than the K-Sleeve. Capital letters and hyphens aside, these knee pads offer ENEC1612-1 Level 1 protection in a package that is highly flexible and comfortable. The sleeve is made up of a mixture of neoprene fabrics and is combined with a thin yet hard SAS-TEC knee pad. The sleeve length is shortest on test, and while providing enough coverage above the knee for my liking may leave some riders who prefer shorter inseams with a gap between their pants and the pad. Fit is secured by both silicone grippers and a velcro strap that has the loop on the sleeve of the pad, doing away with any snags while riding.
Similar to the RaceFace Roam, these pads remind me of my first trail knee pads over a decade ago. Their fit is a little more relaxed then most of the more contemporary slip-on pads included in this review, and relies more on the top strap then it does the silicone grippers. The construction is also heavier than most, although steps have been taken to keep the temperature down. First, the sleeve length does not extend far past the top and bottom of the pad. Second, there is a large opening at the rear of the K-Traze to minimise rub and bunching. I am a big believer that less coverage will always trump lightweight materials when it comes to warmth while riding and this Ion pad proves that point. Pedalling comfort was not an issue thanks to the shape and flexible build of these pads, and needed little adjustment weather I was pedalling for 15 minutes or an hour.
Ion’s K-Traze would be a great pick for someone who is looking for a set of pads that maximise trail riding level protection with as little unnecessary skin coverage as possible.
