TESTED: TLD Stage Knee Pads
The TLD Stage knee pads are designed for trail and enduro days, with lots of protection and plenty of movement.
Photos: Nick Waygood
Troy Lee Designs are always on point when it comes to look and style with all their products and the Stage Knee Pads are no exception. Carrying the Stage name like their Enduro Helmet, the Stage Knee pads sits firmly in the middle of the protection range from TLD while still allowing excellent range of movement. Below the Stage we see the Speed Sleeve which is a great go to for light impact or graze protection and above it is the Raid, a much bulkier pad offering maximum protection and a great choice from downhill or shuttle days.
The Stage is available in three sizes, and pulls on much like their Speed Sleeve, but is much more secure with a silicone gripper on the top hem that stops it slipping down. There is also a calf lock like on some of their other knee pads. Most of the Stage is a polyester mix which covers off the front of the pad and the abrasion-resistant panel that goes over the knee. To improve breathability the whole back gets a lightweight mesh.
Like the Speed Sleeve we see the protection being made up by a D3O insert. On the Stage, the insert is thicker and offers better protection overall plus good coverage to the side of the knee. The D30 padding is well-regarded, being flexible in use but stiffening up on impact – this makes it perfect for use in knee and elbow guards!
Something to look out for when trying the Stage pads on is how tight the gripper on top of the hem is, I found this to be extremely tight at first but gave a little over time. Don’t be fooled into going a bigger pad if this is a bit tight in store as you will then be left with a very loose knee cup that might move in a crash or as the pad loosens up over time.
On the trails you will likely forget you have the Stage on by the time you drop into the first descent and even on pretty warm days the Stage has not proved to be one of those pads you can’t wait to get off. The great breathability of the pad is likely down to the mesh back, but flat pedal riders be warned! The mesh back does not like being rubbed by your pedals while sitting in the lift line or at the trail head so keep an eye on this, once it’s got a rip in the mesh it might be very hard to fix.
Overall, you won’t go wrong purchasing a pair Stage pads. They score highly across all categories and with so many good options on the market right now it’s we the consumer that get the benefits of all the brands pushing the envelope on style vs protection and movement. At $149.00 they are at the point end on price but by only a few dollars so you should defiantly pop them on your short list this summer when looking for your next set of knee pads, especially when you plan to spend a good few hours in them.
RRP: $149
From: lustyindustries.com
Hits:
Secure fit
Great coverage
Good ventilation
Misses:
Premium pricing (but worth it!)
Watch those flat pedals
