[Closed] Lightweight, slimline pads for all day rides

Not quite fitting your criteria no.

I run stupidly big Fox ones, buy comfortable as heck.

I tried Dainese trailskins which rubbed terribly, but looked great

Leatt Airflex Pro here, comfy and reasonable protection. As with all pads of this style, the mesh is the weak point

https://www.mbr.co.uk/reviews/protection-products/7-idp-sam-hill-knee-pad

First time I used these I drove home without realising I still had them on, not the cheapest but can't fault them, they also do a 'lite' version with less padding

Fox d30 enduro ones 👍🏻

Anything left here?

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/psa-bliss-protection-sale/

I like my minimalist ones

TLD Speed if you can find a pair to fit.

I wear them all the time on MTB, regardless of gnarr..

Just gone from Mk1 Trailskins to Leatt Airflex Pro - Leatt are definitely more stable and comfortable to wear, but not tested their protection yet.

I tried quite a few pads in might pursuit of every day riding pads. I settled on Nukeproof critical enduro pads These. Their light weight , offer enough protection for most riding and not noticeable when on. I do have burlier pads for big stuff but these work most of the time.
I got put off by pads with mesh backs after reading about them snagging on pedals and then only fit for the bin.

@jimr80

yeah my fox ones were ripped two bits by my flats eventually, it did make them easier to cut off in hospital though 😂

kingofthetoys

i'm not sure thats why the mesh is there.

weeksy
Full Member

I run stupidly big Fox ones, buy comfortable as heck.

Aye, I've had minimal pads, they've never been as comfy as my big old 661s. Big pads are soft and pliable, which is just better imo. And they tend to stay in place better too, and sometimes are less enclosing (since with a big pad it's more practical to put a big hole in the back for example, or to use more wicking material than the thinness allows).

IMO the only real advantage of thin pads is for wearing under clothes.

i have some fox launch. they aren’t small, but very comfortable and are open at the back of the knee for a bit of ventilation.

My tip are these https://www.pocsports.com/products/vpd-air-legs

Had mine a few years now a few rips on the lycra but super comfy i will happily wear them all day. And protection is pretty good and ill wear them in preference to my bigger pads for downhill days and i havent got a bruise from when i slammed down at dyfi last week.

Did have a set of those nukeproof ones but found them hot and dint stay on in crashes. Had some fox enduro ones as well but the pocs offer better protection

I find knee pad reviews and recommendations pretty unhelpful if I’m honest. Calf / knee / thigh size is difficult to match and one of those three being slightly outside the normal range can make some pads incredibly uncomfortable or to slip a lot etc.

I’ve returned a lot of pads that haven’t fitted well.

For my pencil thin legs I use some IXS which I forget I’m wearing. They’re wearing out (mesh is broken) and are now about £90 so I have just ordered some nukeproof sleeve type ones which seem well fitted so I am hopeful they’ll be ok.

Have tried Fox and others in the past but never got on with them. Picked up some of those bliss in the sales but they were massive / boxy and didn’t fit me well so went straight back. Very cheap and well made if they do fit though.

Others have said that they like bigger pads because it allows cut outs at the back but I have always preferred a complete mesh with no gaps. I find those with cut outs eventually (or from outset) end up digging and cutting in to the back of your knee.

TL:DR - knees are odd shaped and what suits some won’t suit you. Trial and error I’m afraid IMHO

knees are odd shaped and what suits some won’t suit you. Trial and error I’m afraid

agree. definitely something to buy in a shop after trying on, etc