Knee and Elbow Pads / Guards

[MTBJD]

Good morning Hubbers,

 

I am in the market for some elbow and knee guards and wanted some guidance. 

 

So far, I was looking at:

 

Elbow: Fox Launch Pro or (D30) -

The D30 look longer and seem to protect the arm more from scraps etc. 

https://www.foxracing.com/store/product/LAUNCH-PRO-ELBOW-GUARDS/_/A-product-29040..catalog10001.en__US.plist20002__plist20001.001?cc=001

 

https://www.foxracing.com/store/product/LAUNCH-PRO-D3O-ELBOW-GUARDS/_/A-product-18495..catalog10001.en__US.plist20002__plist20001.001?cc=001

 

 

 Anybody has any experience with these?

 

I have been told that the Leatt Elbow guards seem to be a bit bulky.

 

Knee: 

 

https://www.leatt.com/shop/bike/protection-gear/knee-guard-3df-6-2.html

 

Thanks for the help!

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Honestly - a lot of it comes down to fit and comfort on your own knees. What works for me (Leatt enduro hardshell) may be utterly unacceptable for you, due to your knees' shape and bone structure. 

 

Best solution is to test, test and test again. I don't ride with elbow guards anymore as they're a one way ticket to forearm fatigue, IMO. 

[Capricorn]

 

Best solution is to test, test and test again. I don't ride with elbow guards anymore as they're a one way ticket to forearm fatigue, IMO. 

 

 tell us more. What happened to you that generated that perspective?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

 tell us more. What happened to you that generated that perspective?

LOL. 

 

I just find that with elbows, it's difficult to get exactly the right tightness ito straps. 

 

Too loose, and they wobble more than a fat kid on a power plate. Too tight, and they restrict blood flow. And finding that happy place is very, very difficult. 

 

IMO. 

[MTBJD]

Thanks! 

 

Will be looking around and trying fits. Was just wondering if anybody had strong opinions (something that is nearly always guaranteed and the hub)

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Thanks! 

 

Will be looking around and trying fits. Was just wondering if anybody had strong opinions (something that is nearly always guaranteed and the hub)

You'll likely find a LOT of anecdotal stuff when it comes to this. But in the end, fit is importantest. 

[Capricorn]

LOL. 

 

I just find that with elbows, it's difficult to get exactly the right tightness ito straps. 

 

Too loose, and they wobble more than a fat kid on a power plate. Too tight, and they restrict blood flow. And finding that happy place is very, very difficult. 

 

IMO. 

 

You must hate your forearms if you keen on strangling them as you seem prone to doing 

 

kidding aside, i figured as much. With the strapped guards, it's hard to get the tension just right, as the forearms swell up with riding, which has to be accomodated for, or you end up strangling someting. I think that's why the wrapped guards work better me thinks. They seem to accomodate swelling better by spreading the load across a much wider area. Can't adjust it, but its much less discomfort (if at all) to begin with.

[Chip]

I bought the Leatt 3DF 6.0 knee guards and they are super comfy, I also use the Alpinestars Paragon Elbow Guard from Pinned.co.za...great product, fits super nice and great price.

[Headshot]

Based on my extensive crash test program, I think the most important criteria for a knee pad is the fit and resistance to moving in a crash followed by the thickness of the padding. If you are looking for decent protection, there should also be padding at the side of the knee. 

 

Hardhsell elbow guards are to be avoided for the comfort issues already mentioned. I almost never wear mine because they are so uncomfortable. I think this is one area where you can go for a lightweight comfy pad to keep your skin intact. I have whacked my knees extremely hard - so hard I have felt a lot of pain even with DH pads on. Cant say the same for my elbows.