How to find the right knee guards – let us give you a hand
Selecting knee guards that fit can be tough. We present you 4 pads that our bc staff ride and took measurements to help you compare.
Let’s be honest, the golden rule for finding the right protection for your knee does not exist. A knee guard that fit well at home, might irritate you when riding. To start with, the anatomy of every knee is different. Hence it makes sense to weigh your options well. This post is meant to serve as a reference. We have interviewed four co-workers about their recent choice of knee guards and measured their upper and lower thighs as indicators. The final choice is yours.
Which knee guard is the right one for you?
First, ask yourself what type of riding you do. For example, Enduro und DH riders usually need that extra padding on the in- and outside of their knees, a pre-formed knee cup and look for armour with padding that stiffens upon impact for the bigger hits. Trail and XC riders want more freedom of movement and aim for lighter, more sleeve type protection to maintain their agility.
POC knee guard in action at the Trailtrophy in Flims Laax.
ION has left its mark in the Enduro racing scene.
In addition, protection differs in the way it’s held in place. Some guards feature Velcro straps, others neoprene sleeves to simply slip on and then there are super practical zippers that make it unnecessary to remove your shoes.
Of course, the more protective padding, the hotter your knee gets. Some cups are perforated and manufacturers use mesh and neoprene to make your ride as comfortable as possible.
Once you have decided on a model, allow for some time to break the new knee pads in slowly, instead of setting off on a 10 hour trail adventure immediately.
A zipper is super convenient.
Most knee guards use Velcro straps.
What kind of padding is used?
Most of the padding used for cycling protection is made of a foam that stiffens upon impact, but remains flexible during normal exercise like pedalling. This way shock absorption is maximized. While different manufacturers have different names for their foams, basically they all follow this basic principle.
Here are the knee guards that our four co-workers use
As stated above, in the end you have to make the choice for your knee protection based on your perceived needs. This list is by no means comprehensive. We cannot provide perfect recommendations, but offer you some feedback and measurements of upper and lower thigs and body height for comparison.
Jan comments on the ION K_PACT_AMP Knee Guard
"The ION K_Pact_AMP is the perfect choice for extended Enduro outings. One recommendation: Life is som much easier with the K_Pact when you close the zipper completely before you pull the guard up over your knee."
| Size | Lower Thigh Circumference | Upper Thigh Circumference | Body Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 38.2 cm | 45 cm | 179 cm |
Jan with his ION K Pact AMP knee guard.
Philipp on the Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard
"I have been riding the TLD Raid knee pads for over a year now. It’s the most comfortable pair of pads that I have ever ridden. I say that although they do get a little hot during the summer and their durability could be a little better, I simply value that they stay in place even after long uphill sections. I would buy them again."
| Size | Lower Thigh Circumference | Upper Thigh Circumference | Body Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 41 cm | 47 cm | 180 cm |
Philipp and his Troy Lee Designs Raid knee guards.
Benjamin shares his view on the iXS The Flow
"I am 2.02 meters tall and it’s tough to find protection that fits my knees. The iXS Flow does just that, it is super flexible and comfortable. It’s my first choice for AM and trail riding."
| Size | Lower Thigh Circumference | Upper Thigh Circumference | Body Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL | 43 cm | 50.5 cm | 202 cm |
Benjamin wears the IXS The Flow.
Kamil rides the ION K_Sleeve Knee Pad
"I had to look for a long time, to find knee protection that fits me. The K_Sleeve literally fits like a glove without compromising on safety. They can sure take a beating."
| Size | Lower Thigh Circumference | Upper Thigh Circumference | Body Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 34 cm | 39,7 cm | 169 cm |
Kamils first choice is the ION K-Sleeve knee guard.
We hope our leg models have tickled your fancy and gave you some indication for your next knee guard purchase. As we said earlier, it’s a well worth it to take the time and analyse your style of riding and find the right match for you in order to have a comfortable, but safe ride. Happy shredding!
