Mountain biking is the type of sport that comes with greater risks. If you are not careful then severe injuries, broken bones, bruises, dislocations, abrasions, scrapes, spills, hard falls are the final result you end up with. And not the thrill and excitement you are going to looking for, on the hospital bed with a $ 3 or 4k bill in front of you. Man, that even scares us.
You cannot prevent them perfectly but they can be minimized to a greater extent to avoid the hospital situation as much as possible. So, we picked up the challenge to give you support to avoid that kind of destiny. And we have researched the best mountain knee pads and explained them out in the below-detailed guide. The guide covers up their Introduction, Buying Guide, Features, Cons, My Best Picks, Conclusion, and FAQ.
We know you have questions in your mind. Nothing is safer than the light of your life. Be prepared because you are going to take any of these homes with you.
Mountain biking has become the favorite sport around these passing years and has been upgrading since then. As fascinating it gets, this extreme sport gives you a rush of riding in rough terrain with the smell of fresh air with dirt kicking up in the natural world. Adventurers feeling with an adrenaline boost for riding which you should never be missing out. Yeah!
The main parts of your body that work the most during bike riding are the Head, Elbows, and Knees. Two out of three are most people usually think to protect are Head and Elbow. Knees left open for fresh air. Hmm!
That’s a no-no. Human knees are the complex structure of bones, ligaments, cartilage working in a streamlined manner for bipedal. And to protect your knees you need helmets. Did we just say helmets? Oh! Well, in today’s age the knee pads are called modern helmets. So, let’s start.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide: How To Chose MTB Knee Pads
The following are some basic things to understand while buying mountain bike knee pads. These Things include material, padding, size, color and budget. when it comes to the material MTB knee pads the material that is used to manufacture these pads differ from brand to brand but we suggest you get the lycra, neoprene, and polyester. if you are going to buy knee pads for MTB must check that its material is comfortable or not?
Padding must be soft because the hard padding may resist your movement or cause a problem. so check that padding is soft and if you can get double padded knee pads then go for that.
size is one of the most important points to note while buying a product online, make sure that you are buying the exact sized product. to check your knee size first measure your knee with measuring tap then match your knee size from the size chart on the product page.
color is not that much important point while we are focusing on safety. always chose a color that you like almost all brands offer a variety of colors. budget is one of the most important points to notice, always go according to your budget, because our focus is the best protection it not necessary that expensive things can give high protection. some times cheap product provides you the best safety or protection.
always choose the product that fulfills all your required needs
Bodyprox Protective knee pads are one of our top contenders. The structure is strengthened with the high-density form for proper protection and absorbs shocks during impacts while you are flying on your bike. Even, if you are in a case of multiple injuries sport.
The size adjustment is very reasonable. Apart from the first day you wear them. It will be difficult to wear. Because the knee pad will adjust itself around your knee. Comes in two classes of sizes, Small/Medium and Large. Which covers all types of sizes? Starting from smaller to larger people in size.
Designed with a breathable fabric, that keeps the knee away from the sweaty situation and provides all-time comfort. Extremely comfortable and padded. The padding itself is thick but gives flexibility. You can also wear them under the pants in winter chilly days.
Through our hardcore research and analysis, we will help you decide to whom these knee pads apply. Starting from;
Sports: Mountain biking, VR gaming, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, (BJJ) Black Ju-Jitsu, martial arts, skating, wrestling, gym work out, Exercise, bike riding, airsoft, dirt bike riding, snowboarding, baseball, speedball (paintball), volleyball (Indoor and Outdoor Sports Activities).
Work Industry: Construction worker, carpenter, grocery industry workers, works well with dancing and pole dancing, gardening and yard work, appliance installing and maintenance, and housekeeping jobs, a good companion for work on tiles, laminate, wood and concrete surfaces i.e. Hardie backer.
Medical: People with surgically repaired knee and knee issues with the meniscus, 24 hours’ ambulance rescue. For indoor or outdoor activities. They will be your support. We recommend you own these.
Protects from injuries and is best suited for bumpy rides
Non-slip fit and easy to wear
The breathable fabric keeps the skin dry
Protects internally by regulating the blood circulation
Prevents and reduces muscle/joint stiffness
The sleeves are thick, Spongy and Anti-Slip
Protects from Collisions.
Unisex and suitable for indoor and outdoor activates.
The inner padding also provides comfort and flexibility.
Cons
The padding gets compressed if constant pressure is applied. They are not designed for constant kneeling pressure. If you are heavy and have work that requires a lot of kneeling, then it will be a problem for you. Never put it in a washing machine, dryer, bleach, fabric. Hand-wash with cold water and keep in a dry place away from sunlight.
Nothing is more important than the care and protection of your cute kids. Especially, the rowdy ones want to hop and play here and there. With that in mind, our research led us to JBM adult/child knee pads. Not too shabby with a set of three, your kid is well protected. The same goes for the Adults as they want to do it raw, the JBM protects their wrists, elbows, and knees during hard falls.
As the title suggests, the sizes are an extraordinary fit for your children as well as for adults. Because of the stretchiness of the material. A good fit for the youngest and adult ones.
The child knee pads work for kids up to 9 years old, but if your child is on the heavier side then it would be a bit small for them. For 8 and nine + kids on the heavier side, we say adult size suits perfectly because they will last longer.
These knee pads are a bit on the elusive side because when you wear them, you will feel the knee pads designed with stretchy material as mentioned before that will get adjusted with your back and front area of the knee.
Now, these are specially designed for those sons and daughters who are on the clumsy side. It will protect them from the constant falls they are having. Very suitable for skateboarding, cycling, skating. The same goes for adults in mountain biking, skating, cycling, skateboarding.
Plastic plates layering guards you against front fall injury
The straps are thick and work as a cuff type protection
Protects your knees from falls on concrete and asphalt grounds
A stretchable reinforced polyester fabric sleeve
It helps in controlling the moisture and heat as well
No itchy problem because of the edges of the Velcro straps
Completely covers the joints
The unique design
Cons
The youth size is not a good fit for 9 years old kids, who are normally healthier (on the heavier side). The Adult version is not wise for people with thick thighs. Need a few wears, then the pads will adjust themselves according to your body measurement. Not too suitable for tight spots or narrow passageways in caves. Also, the knee pads will not last under the stress of long-term crawling on any hard turf i.e., concrete rocks, asphalt, stone, etc. They are not designed for aggressive roller-derby style roller skating. Where most of the time you have to fall on your knees.
Now, this kiddo has a 3-Layered mechanism to protect your kid. With Eva and neoprene both at work to absorb the impact. The pads design is indeed firm yet flexible which increases protection.
Yet, the gel-like soft padding covers the larger surface area of skin, they are best suited for kids under the age of 11. (2-4, 4-8, and 8-11).
Because of the lightweight and skin-friendly neoprene layer, the knee pads are comfier and cozy to wear. The neoprene also plays a great role in coolant and absorbs sweat. It is way cooler than other traditional hard knee pads in hotter regions.
As we mentioned they are best suited for children age under 11. The knee pads are an ideal choice for kids riding or learning to ride scooter and bikes.
Pads are firm yet flexible and provide protection.
Adjustable Velcro straps that give easy movement.
With Gel-like texture and soft, quality fabric its very comfy.
Good for protecting against soft falls, scrapes.
Cons
The sizes run slightly smaller than the mentioned. It will become a problem for kids who are into snowboarding. Not a great choice for hard falls on pavements.
A worthy bargain from Bosoner. Just put on and get out to play, that’s what we say about them. Shock absorbers protect from minor falls. They are designed for extreme sports that adults are thinking about.
Efficient and incredible flexibility and suitable for the growing kids of 3 to 15 years. The whole structure is lightweight and the elastic straps help in adjustment.
As for as the comfort goes, there are ventilated forms made of EVA for constant airflow. Crafted with PVC material and are lightweight to be held, helps in quick maneuvering and guards the wrist, elbow, and knee against injuries. Keep your beloved kids comfy and safe.
The caring parents want their children to ride scooters, bicycles, kick scooters, roller skates, BMX, skateboarding. We recommend they own these caring gears for their children. Easter bunny and Santa would be happy to give these as gifts.
Maximum protection with wrist, elbow, and knee setting
Shock absorbing mechanism to protect from impacts
The best birthday gift for your kid to choose
Protective plastic plates
Layering as an extra caution
Easy to wear and easy to remove
PVC material, Lightweight design
EVA form for ventilation
Adjustable Velcro straps.
Cons
We need to tell you that the wrist guards have incredible flexibility. So, they are not able to protect properly against hard falls and rough surfaces.
They cover the whole body area and absorb the impact force and disperse it. No hard shell, a soft flexible form technology that only hardens on impact to protect you from injury. According to the G-Form, these knee pads absorb 90 % of the impact force by the RPT mechanism (Reactive protection technology). There is another version of G-Form, mentioned below which G-Form V2.
G-Form has a more edge in size as compared to others. There are different sizes available ranging from Youth to adult. The youth starts from Small and goes up to youth X-Large. The same goes for adult pairs from Small to Adult X-large. So, sizing is not an issue.
G-forms knee pads sleek and handsome design allows it to fit under any clothing or sports gear. Less crowded and streamlined structure to be held. Ergonomic design allows free body movement and supports the muscles and joints. If you want to feel extra comfortable then pair them up with knee-high compression socks.
It is designed for multi-sport protectioni.e., Mountain biking, team sports, snowboarding, skating, baseball, soccer, roller skating, etc. They work well with other pads like Atom knee pads in case of roller derby.
Work as a lifesaver especially for the skin and bone
They are lightweight and don’t impede your ride
Designed for all types of BMX and Skateboarding
Highly recommended for indoor sports
Gives serious protection to the knee
The ventilation system removes the heat built-up
G-Form gives superior flexibility
assures to the rider for better movement
Cons
Not designed for constant dragging on the ground or sliding. So, it should be wear in pants. The G-Form has a creeping problem. if you try to make them adjust tightly, they will creep down on you as you pedal. But, for that creepy situation the solution is if you bring the ends closer together and allow the pad itself to adjust loosely over your knee, you do not experience creep.
Fox head launch enduro knee pads are one of the high-quality lightweight knee pads. The area padding covers to protect the knee cup from abrasion cases.
Fox head knee pads are present in the small, medium, large sizes. The silicone gripper present at the upper hems keeps it firmly in one place and adjusts according to body measurement.
They give you a comfy and easy-to-wear vibe. With a streamlined and sleek design, it’s easy to catch on a fast spinning pedal. They are so lightweight, that one’s wore feel like your body extension. As compared to other pads the Fox takes 2nd place in a comfort zone after Bodyprox. But, if you are in the light trail and smooth-riding then these Foxes are the Top Holders.
They are not designed for downhill or on the edge of extreme riding. But, suitable for light-duty trail riding. So, those who are in an aggressive downhill extreme riding should use the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads. And if you want to go beyond in protection then the Pro-Tec comes your way.
Now, these babies are opposite of fox head enduro knee pads. A hard-core-looking pair of knee pads. The ABS caps offer full-throttle protection without hindering your movement and enjoyment. While the soft EVA cup foam absorbs the shock from high impacts.
The sizes available for Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow Pad Set is Small, Medium, X-Large. They are lightweight and a breeze to wear, no-slip here and there.
The ergonomic material keeps the wearer comfortable. Breathable and allows proper airflow for cool and dry skin. There are durable hook and loop fasteners. Easily adjustable wraps around upper and lower areas.
They are best suited for Mountain biking, skating, roller or ramp skating, longboarding and sliding down hills, scooter riding.
The sleeve is masterfully crafted with ballistic nylon and lycra.
Top-tier protection at a mid-range bargain price.
Protects you from Abrasions, lacerations, and bone fractures.
Cons
The only problem we have seen is so far is the right size reaches to you. Few cases of a single piece missing out in set upon delivery. You can contact them for customer support.
Mm! The Demon is here. These are designed to give you a serious protection statement. Based on Kevlar’s front shell that protects from aggressive crashes, hard falls, broken bones, severe injuries, spills. Your best companion to fight hard impacts. The Demon Hyper Ranks are at 4th in protection.
The demon hyper comes in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. Adjustable and stays in place because of the dual hook and loop strap.
They are quite comfortable because of an additional layer of padding outside and inside. Another layer of perforated neoprene for high-level ventilation.
These demons are designed for snowboarding, Mountain biking, gravel, technical, hike-a-bike climbing, aggressive descending in rocky terrains, trailing, desert riding, and other high-impact sports.
Kevlar front shell with D3O high performance based shock absorbing form.
Protects from aggressive crashes, hard falls, broken bones, severe injuries, spills.
Demon hyper are snug-fitting pads that flex and move well without any restriction.
Dual hook n loop strap functionality.
Great fit and comfortable for all day wear.
Perforated neoprene gives peaked ventilation.
Machine washable and hang to dry.
Cons
They are bulky to wear under thin pants. Dual Velcro straps always try to stick to your socks in inner pants in snowboarding. So, the solution is to remove all Velcro straps, it will work just the same to keep the location. In snowboarding, the demon hyper pad can efficiently handle direct impacts, but impacts from 45 degrees will hit hard.
POC Joint VPD comes with a unique protection system for your knee. As the name suggests, there is a 100% polyester, 3D molded VPD with a stretchable reinforced fabric that complies with the 1621-1 Motorcycle standards. It gives protection and removes movement hindrances. On impact becomes stiffens and extremely absorbs the impact. It works like a Hybrid and ranks at 3rd in protection.
It comes in four distinguished sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large.
The POC stretch fabric automatically adapts to your body shape giving comfort. The best buddy for MT. Biking. It snugs around even the muscular quads and upon getting warm it becomes more flexible and forms fitting. But stays, on the place once you have to rub dirt on them, they will become your body extension.
We recommend 100% for MT. Biking, Enduro, Mountain Unicycling, Fast riding, Skiing, on post-industrial sites with lots of gravel, concrete, etc. For Downhill, you should use the longer ones that cover the calves.
Powerfully protective, lightweight, pure ventilator
Protects from boulder impacts, on rock crashes, bruises.
A perfect to wear undershorts and more robust.
The comfort rises as it adjusts to your will.
The stretchable fabric snugs around the muscular quads
Your companion lasts longer and doesn’t even retain the odor
Inside are strips of siliconealong
With an extra adjustable elastic strap
A perfect fit for longer, skinnier, small, medium normal legs.
A preferred choice for its heating mechanism in winter showdowns.
Cons
Well, in price budget POC takes the cake. But worth it. Required a few wears, before it becomes your body extension. Because of the longer duration of kneeling, it will pinch the skin and hair at the back of your knees. They can prevent chafing but are not perfect enough to prevent it over longer periods.
G-Form Pro X2 is the upgrade and new addition of G-Form Pro. Less bulky as usual and provide enhanced protection against impacts. The RPT technology plays a major role in protection. How it’s done?
Science of course. Upon impact, the cubical structure has molecules that slightly repel and makes it flexible and strong at the same time for absorbing and distributing impacts to a wider range area. And if you are a challenger and heading towards some of the nastiest trails you should be using the POC Joint VPD or Pro-Tec Street Knee and Elbow Pad Set, hard shell as they come to provide greater protection.
The G-Form Pro X2 is available in two range of sizes, a compression fit specific for adults from (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) and youth (S, M, L, XL, XXL).
The comfort capabilities of this knee pad are covered by the UPF 50+ compression fabric that removes the moisture. The 2-panel design with compression sleeves with silicone grippers to hold it in a steady position and frontal holes for ventilation.
The G-Form in regards to pedal friendless ranks above average. If you are in a smooth, dandy low trail riding then the Fox Head Launch Enduro Knee Pad are the best buddies for you.
The G-Form Pro X2 is designed for MTB, softball (Recommended to wear under clothes to avoid abrasion), trail riding, enduro, downhill.
Comparing both 661 recon knee pads and G-Form Pro V2, you will see that G-Form’s armored design covers a larger surface area of your body and adjusting according to the curves around your knee cap providing more protection and confidence for your sports adventure.
The best combination of mild protection and pedal friendliness
A separate class of sizes is available for youth and adults ranging from XS to XL.
The silicone gripping and the stocking like nature
Non-slip even if hit against any type of turf
They are Machine Washable and can be washed in cold water or mild and laid flat to dry.
More ergonomically shaped pad that extends further down the shin & arm and further around the side.
Targeted to the beginner and intermediate athlete across sports categories.
Cons
They are not abrasion-resistant. So, sliding on hard surfaces i.e. asphalt may cause the protective pad to abrade because of its nature. Since they are not hard pads, they are not going to as perfect as you think against hard impacts and fail along the seam line and tore off.
They are laced with form padding at sidewalls. The ergonomic shape fits the knee very well which gives additional security. The perforated neoprene works as a venting and moisture control. The three-layered Velcro strap system prevents the pad from sliding down.
RaceFace comes for distinguished sizes, beginning from Small, Medium, large and going up to X-Large. The Velcro straps also play help in adjusting the size according to knee measurement and curves around the knee.
The RaceFace is Terry lined for wicking and comfort. They become your body extension once worn. And works like your body part and they don’t even bother you after long terms of pedaling. Extremely comfortable and handy because of the Velcro openers.
RaceFace is specially designed for those riders, who are in a habit of quick take on and take off. They best suited for MTB, Motorcross, Dirt Jumping, trail riding, little on the heavier side for Cross country, perfect fit for enduro, good for AM, Downhill, free ride and mountain biking in the desert.
Why People Owned It: The high selling point for you to take these home with you is their undefeated ability. That, you don’t need to remove your shoes to take off them. Simple yet powerful. Well in other knee pad cases, first you have take-off your shoes and then the pads.
The Leatt comes with an exceptionally super-slim 6 mm protector with ultra-slim impact absorbing gel, Armourgel. Provide an effective wall of defense against small impacts and falls. Excellent padding specially crafted for frontal knee cap.
They will protect you from abrasions, scrapes, and spills but, if you want to protect yourself from hard impacts then the POC Joint VPD 2.0 takes the cake, but the POC is not breathable against longer Cross Country riding.
The Leatt Airflex comes in five friendly sizes ranging from Small (This size is specifically used for cycling), Medium (The M is the multi-sport), Large, X-Large up to XX-Large.
When it comes to comfort and ventilation the Leatt shows a Vent Well function. The holes in the armor gel help in cooling in the heat. For winter showdowns or in chilly mornings, use leg warmers to connect Letts and bliss protection compression shorts. It will protect you from the chill. But, in warm weather, not a good choice. So, remove the shorts.
The least is designed for snowboarding, mountain biking, or dirt biking (legs will get too hot or sweaty either). For riding all day long, both up and downhill. Works very well with single-track mountain biking. off-road motorcycle.
A 6 mm protector with ultra-slim impact absorbing the gel.
They are not restrictive and provide minimal but effective protection against small impacts and falls.
The gripping strength of silicone is efficient
Grips your skin effectively to avoid sliding down.
Stay very cool, because of the constant airflow through designed holes in the armourgel.
For winter and chilly mornings, use leg warmers to connect leatts and bliss shorts.
Recommended washing with hands rather than the machine, in this way the elastic lasts longer.
They fit well underpants, jeans or over leggings.
Protect against abrasions, scrapes, road rash and spills.
The best contender for riding several rides of +3 hours.
Cons
Remember it has limited protection, it’s not hard plastic, it’s gel and landing on any sharp will not end well. Bottom shin with the silicone curls up and gives a minor tightness. The Leatt takes a bit of fidgeting to stay connected with a chamois. But once done. Yeah! Off to the races.
My Best Picks
Here we are giving our recommendations on best picks. Researching all that and going in-depth analysis we consider the Bodyprox Protective Knee Pads the top contender of best mountain biking knee pads.
They give the best protection, not the perfect but we say a well round-up gear for you get out and take the stage. They are comfortable and durable. But on a bulky side protects from collisions. In regards to wider area protection, they fall behind the fox and G-Form.
But, that’s not considered a problem, while the bodyprox has a dual working nature internally and externally and long-wearing mechanism above a continuous 9 hours per day.
Short on a size list, but fits perfectly because of the flexible, thick spongy sleeves. Sizes are Small/Medium and large.
Non-slip fit and easy to wear along with breathable fabric which keeps the skin dry. They are more comfortable than the Fox, G-Form and rest of the pads. Pedal friendly and an expert ventilator.
As compared to the rest of the pads, the Prox works extremely well in different situations starting from the sports, working and medical field. You will be amazed by these little buddies, that they are knockers in many fields, just read the list in beginning.
The Biggest Selling Point to Own BodyProx
Now for the icing on the cake, you are getting all these protective, comfy features at a very cheap, affordable and reasonable price. In our list as compared to the rest of the pads they are the cheapestexcept for one, which is Bosoner Kids/Youth Knee Pad Elbow Pads Guards Protective Gear, but this is for kids up to 15 years old.
Conclusion
So, at the end of our research, we conclude that all the pads have a specific role to play. And the pad itself chooses its owner. You take a first look at them and boom! You are in love. And the one aspect falls heavy on rest of the pads’ ability. And we have fallen for the bodyprox, because it’s giving all the features and amazing at the cheapest price. The only cons were the longer duration of the kneeling problem and you have to wash it with hands using cold water, no machine washing, bleaching. Just minor hurdles. That’s it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): MTB Knee Pads
Q: Where to Buy MTB Knee Pads?
A: You can buy the MTB knee pads from any online platform like our site we are providing the direct product info page, You can order your knee pads from that page.
Q: Does these knee pads are suitable for all age types?
A: Yeah, these 12 are suited for all age types type, from a little kid of 3 years up to adult (Male, Female, Others). Even suitable for Mature people of above 40.
Q: Are these a perfect match for skinnier or heavier?
A: Yep, suitable for skinnier or heavier or those who have legs link short tree trunk or slim smooth legs.
Q: Do MTB Knee Pads protect perfectly?
A:Not the perfect, because nothing is perfect in this world. We say a well-studied and researched round up gears to protect you.
Q: Are their sizes fit me perfectly?
A: Yeah Sure, why wouldn’t they be! These 12 have every type of size for all ages.
Q: What will be the prices of MTB Knee Pads?
A: Considering all the factors that play a role, only a few of them are little above expensive. But, because of their abilities that won’t bother you.
Q: What if I get the wrong one or misplaced or mismatched?
A: Don’t worry, if anything happens. You can contact the responsible company customer service. But, in most cases that won’t be an issue.
If you have any question comments or any feedback kindly comment under the post or you can contact us.
I am a sports trainer and, I am doing this since 2010 and in my career, I have trained lots of students and professionals. I also wanted to play a sport like volleyball or wrestling but I could not carry my career in this field due to some personal issues...