G-FORM TERRA MOUNTAIN KNEE Pad REVIEW

ALL-DAY COMFORT, QUALITY PROTECTION

Words and photos by Travis Reill

G-Form released an all-new gravity-oriented lineup we first covered in our most recent Tech Check feature. Since receiving the protective gear from G-Form, I have been putting their Terra Mountain Knee Pads to the test. From Sedona, Arizona, to Bend, Oregon, I have worn the Terra Mountains whenever I threw my leg over a bike. Let’s get into how they performed.

ABOUT THE G-FORM TERRA MOUNTAIN KNEE PAD

The new Terra Mountain lineup is the first in G-Form’s product line to use pad technology from their new partner, RE ZRO. RE ZRO is a relatively thin, fully biodegradable, 100% recyclable protection pad. RE ZRO states that their pads work through their “Supermolecule Energy Absorption System,” where the pad protects the impacted area by allowing the molecular bonds to fracture and release heat and sound energy. This process is known as “shear-thinning,” where a material softens to absorb impact. Regardless of the science I likely don’t understand, the Terra Mountain Knee Pad receives a level 1 certification.

RE ZRO is also completely biodegradable, claiming that the pads will take 3-5 years to break down entirely. While you may be worried that your sweat or a rainy ride may start that process, RE ZRO says that the pads must be in an oxygen-deprived, microbe-rich environment for quite a while before the process begins. Basically, they need to be in a landfill.

However, RE ZRO instructs users to remove the pads from the sleeve if it is time for a wash to “avoid any damage.” The knee sleeve can go in the wash cycle like an ordinary garment, while the pad must be wiped down with a damp cloth and allowed to dry thoroughly. Both the sleeve and the pad should be completely dry before putting the pad back in.

The sleeve is made from two pieces of breathable compression mesh open at the back of the knee, allowing for greater mobility. Silicone grippers around the sleeve’s top and bottom ensure the sleeve stays in place. On the front of the knee sleeve, a more abrasive material is used where the knee would contact the ground. An ergonomically shaped RE ZRO pad helps with a more natural fit around the knee.

THE DIRT

Before I get into my review, I’d like to mention that the Terra Mountain knee pads I used are an earlier sample G-Form sent us and are only different in two ways. First, the RE ZRO pad isn’t removable. Secondly, the “G-Form” logos on the pads are in a slightly different type-face. Neither of these factors affected the performance of the pads.

To be quite honest, I was a bit skeptical when I first saw the G-Form Terra Mountain pads. My greatest concern was whether they would be comfortable or not. My main concern was the two-piece design G-Form used, with the back of the knee open. I initially thought this design would equate to pieces of fabric rubbing the back of my knee. I was so concerned that I brought an additional pair of knee pads with me on a trip to Sedona, just in case.

Much to my relief, I couldn’t be more pleased with the comfort offered by the Terra Mountain Knee Pads. The fabric seams never irritated the back of my knees; in fact, I never noticed they were there. Any mesh in contact with my legs was comfortable, and breathed relatively well, although the highest temperature ever reached during my testing time with these pads was the high 60s. Having tried several knee sleeve-style pads, I assume they wouldn’t have me overheating during the summer, and I’m sure I’ll still be reaching for them in a few months.

Continuing in the same vein of comfort, I found that these pads are comfortable enough to wear all day, which I literally did one of the days in Sedona. The Terra Mountains are relatively long knee sleeves—my size large measured just over 15 inches—and the length becomes noticeable when you put them on. I’m relatively short but have bigger legs, and my sleeves go from about mid-thigh to mid-calf. And while they were never uncomfortable, I certainly noticed them. However, it seems the overall length and the silicone grippers helped them stay in place.

I can’t speak much to how well the Terra Mountains perform during a crash due to the fact that I didn’t have any. I think it is important to remember that this is a knee sleeve with a Level 1 protection certification. This will be a knee pad to wear on big pedal days with big descents, but it may not be the best for DH racing or significant impacts at big parks. With that said, Level 1 certification and all-day comfort are usually what most of us are looking for. 99% of the time, I need a knee pad that will be comfortable, so I want to wear it and take care of my knees when my tires wash out in a corner. With that in mind, the G-Form Terra Mountain Knee Guards are perfect.

While I really liked the Terra Mountains—perhaps the most comfortable knee-sleeve I’ve worn—I do have a few gripes. First, with the RE ZRO pad being biodegradable, a couple extra care steps have been added. It is good to see companies taking steps to reduce their footprint, but if I’m being honest, I sure do like that I can just throw other pads in the wash. But maybe that is the point—to get folks like me thinking about environmental issues.

Lastly, at nearly $110, these are amongst the most expensive knee pads I’ve used. However, as I have already stated, they are also the most comfortable. The pads I used before this, which were around $75, weren’t as comfortable and didn’t stay in place nearly as well. So, it begs the question, what is the greater value?

The Wolf’s Last Word

The G-Form Terra Mountain Knee Pad with RE ZRO pads is currently the most comfortable knee pads I’ve worn—and the most expensive. Surely, some of that cost is due to the RE ZRO biodegradable pads, but it seems Mother Earth is worth it, especially if you get knee pads you can wear all day.

Price: $109.99
Website: G-form.com

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