Don’t let the name fool you — these offer enduro race protection but provide XC comfort. The Fox Enduro Pro knee pads were at the top of many of our lists when we thought of pedal-friendly trail pads. Drew, Rob, and Cole all had them at or near the top, with Cole giving them his #1 pick for trail knee pads.
SPECS
- Koroyd inserts for excellent impact protection and flexibility
- Abrasion-resistant Cordura® fabric on the Koroyd insert pocket
- Lightweight, minimal sleeve style construction for increased comfort and flexibility while on the bike
- Large elastic gripper panels with silicone print designed to keep the guards in place while riding or during impact
- Antimicrobial treatment reduces odor-causing microbes
- EN1621-1 Level 1 CE Certification
- MSRP: 129.95
This one blurs the lines a bit — offering level 2 protection with all-day comfort. They could easily be categorized as either a trail pad or a gravity pad. DHaRCO’s Gravity knee pad is another one that appeared on multiple Wolf’s lists, with the comfort-to-protection ratio being a clear standout. Typically, as a pad’s protection rating increases, its comfort level tends to decrease, but this isn’t the case with the DHaRCO Gravity pads.
FEATURES
- Level 2 CE-certified RHEON™ pad (EN 1621-1:2012).
- High impact protection without the bulk.
- Removable pads.
- Soft, flexible and breathable padding.
- Extra side padding for added coverage.
- Ergonomic pre-curved fit.
- Nylon fabric for breathability and anti-odour properties.
- Silicone grippers and elastic cuffs.
- MSRP: $132.00
LIGHT TRAIL OPTIONS
Pads that cross disciplines are the ones we use on the majority of rides. However, we’ve also put in time testing pads that are better suited to the lighter side of trail riding. These are perfect when you need just a touch of extra protection but don’t want the added bulk of a burlier pad.
Outstanding balance of protection and comfort, incredibly light and comfortable.
lightweight and comfortable, an easy choice when deciding between pads or no pads. Integrated protection material into the sleeve saves notable weight and bulk.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Simply put, there are too many that we’ve liked over the years that are great options. Some pads that stuck out in our minds were the Race Face Indy pads, G-Form Terra, and the Ninja Speed King.
OUR FAVORITE ENDURO/GRAVITY PADS
As gravity-oriented riders, we’ve put quite a few knee pads designed for enduro and DH racing through rigorous testing. And while we all have our preferences, it was interesting to see a few choices that we all agreed on.
For the crew members who didn’t agree, it’s likely they just haven’t tried them yet.
We’re fans of the Fox Launch platform. They have enough protection to provide confidence in the most rugged terrain, while still remaining incredibly comfortable. They have multiple options to cater towards different rider needs, and we’ve found all of them to do a good job. Want the most protection for racing and bike park laps – check out the Launch Elite Knee/Shin Pads. Looking for ample protection, but just don’t feel like you need all that coverage? The regular Launch Elites are for you! While these pads only meet Level 1 protection certification, we’ve found their protection to be stellar for bike park and DH use.
FEATURES
- Engineered SuperFabric® skid panel designed to provide maximum durability and flexibility
- CE certified D3O® LP1 inserts for world-leading impact protection
- Bonded Poron® pods provide additional side knee coverage
- Lightweight, minimal sleeve style construction for increased comfort and flexibility while on the bike
- Large elastic gripper panels with silicone print designed to keep the guards in place while riding or during impact
- Antimicrobial treatment reduces odor-causing microbes
- EN1621-1 Level 1 CE Certification
- MSRP: $184.95
Knee pads offer a sense of confidence. And, for whatever reason, that confidence is increased when the pads have a hard shell protecting the most vulnerable and likely impact areas. We’re impressed with the Endura MT500 D3O Hard Shell knee pads for that very reason, as well as the comfort and all-day wearability they offer.
FEATURES
- Custom moulded hard-shell protects from sharp impacts
- D3O® insert provides lightweight, breathable, shock absorbing protection
- Extended side PU foam padding provides lateral impact protection
- Burly loop strap system provides secure comfort fit
- Certified to meet EN 17092-6 and insert certified to EN 1621/1
- MSRP: $145.00
This one is a bit of a different offering than traditional knee pads, but definitely worth a mention, especially if you’re a racer or ride a lot of bike park. Cased Padded Pants (they also offer a padded top) provide comprehensive all-in-one protection. The pants offer knee, shin, hip, and tailbone protection and can either be worn under your favorite riding pants/shorts, or by themselves. The pads are level 2 certified and removable for washing or easier rides, and Cased offers them in a variety of size options.
FEATURES
- CE Level 2 Pads (EN 1621 Certified)
- Absorbtion ratio: 8.1:1 (89% of impact energy)
- Average transmitted force: 6.1 kN
- Peak transmitted force: 8 kN
- PU Elastopan® material
- Flexible rhombic design
- 15mm thickness
- 140 GSM Lycra Elastane Blend
- Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate: Above 15,000 g/m²/d
- Tear Strength: Above 40N
- MSRP: $289.00
Once again, we must mention the DHaRCO Gravity Knee pad, as it was featured on many of our lists. And it is easy to see why: level 2 protection in perhaps the most comfortable pedaling knee pad we’ve experienced. If you’re looking for something to wear at the bike park AND on those long trail rides, we strongly recommend the DHaRCO Gravity!
FEATURES
- Level 2 CE-certified RHEON™ pad (EN 1621-1:2012).
- High impact protection without the bulk.
- Removable pads.
- Soft, flexible and breathable padding.
- Extra side padding for added coverage.
- Ergonomic pre-curved fit.
- Nylon fabric for breathability and anti-odour properties.
- Silicone grippers and elastic cuffs.
- MSRP: $132.00
HONORABLE MENTION
Especially here in the United States, some brands don’t come to the forefront of our minds as easily as others.
7iDP is one of those brands. We’ve been impressed by the 7iDP Sam Hill pads, both for their protection (level 2) and comfort. If they’re good enough for Sam, they’ll probably work for you!
Similarly, Robert thoroughly enjoyed the comfort and protection of the Level 2-rated Bluegrass Aura Core knee pads. We’ll have a review of these up on the site soon, but it’s safe to say they’re worth considering if you can get your hands on them. 
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