WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE BLUEGRASS AURA CORE KNEE PADS
Bluegrass selected a EN 1621 level 2 Type B certified protective insert for the Aura Core knee pad, produced by SAS-TEC. The level 2 protection reduces the peak energy transmission in a crash to a lower level than a level 1 pad. Therefore, it should offer a reduced likelihood of injury in a crash. Type B pads cover a larger portion of the knee than Type A, further improving protection. With the SAS-TEC material, this protection is provided while retaining flexibility, making the Bluegrass Aura Core a comfortable pad to pedal in. Coverage is extended with protective EVA foam blocks around the side of the knee.
Housing the SAS-TEC protective insert is a four-way stretch sleeve that extends up the thigh and down the shin. The top and bottom cuffs have generous silicon grippers to help keep them in place, and there’s a fixed elastic strap on the calf for further security. On the front of the pad sleeve – where impacts are most likely – a ceramic print is applied to bolster durability and help the pad slide along the ground rather than stick. On the back of the leg, a breathable mesh is used to reduce heat buildup.
Bluegrass focused on reducing the number of seams on the inside of the pad to reduce the likelihood of chafing in motion. The protective insert is removable, making washing the pad easier and extending their life.
The Bluegrass Aura Core is available only in the black colorway, with a retail price of $140 / £130 / €130.
THE DIRT
The majority of my mountain bike rides involve a combination of vigorous climbing and gnarly descending. I typically wear pants, and certainly don’t want to be dropping trow at the top and bottom of every descent to fit and remove knee pads. As such, I’m constantly searching for mountain bike knee pads that can offer me sufficient comfort for a few hours in the saddle, with the protection to keep me safe should I hit the deck.
Trail knee pads are in a great spot at the moment, as breathable and flexible protective insert development has progressed to a happy place. However, most of these knee pads offer little protection around the knee and onto the top of the shin. This can leave me feeling a little vulnerable on the most aggressive descents…where I tend to spend most of my ride time.
Bluegrass’s Aura Core pads don’t look considerably more protective than your standard trail knee pad on first impressions. However, look closer, and you find the extended protection down the shin, protection around the outer knee, and an impressive level 2-rated protective insert in the form factor of a typical level 1 pad. Through a handful of crashes, I was impressed by – and thankful for – the protection they offered. One of these crashes was onto a sharp rock, and called the extra EVA protection into action. Thank god I was wearing these pads that day instead of some more minimalist options.
On the leg, the additional protection came with minimal penalty to flexibility and comfort. In fact, the Bluegrass Aura Core knee pads were very competitive with some of my favorite trail knee pads from an all-day wearability standpoint. I never considered the Aura Core knee pads to be reserved only for the bikepark or heavier hitting eBike days. They stayed in place well when pedaling, never causing irritation or feeling restrictive. The face fabric has a slightly less sticky nature to it, helping it move inside my pants and further reduce restriction.
Bluegrass’s impressive level-2 rated knee pads produced slightly more heat than the Fox Enduro Pro (Koroyd) and DHaRCO Gravity knee pads. It didn’t render them unrideable by any means, and I was happy wearing them for some long pedal-fed days in New Zealand with temperatures up to 25 C / 77F. There was slightly less airflow than the other mentioned options, but with increased protection and coverage. So, choose your preferences, and you’re likely to be happy riding in any of these knee pads.
I wore the Aura Core knee pads more than any pads I can remember. After countless abusive rides and runs through the washing machine, they became tired, but their lifespan was acceptable to receive a recommendation. Around halfway through testing, I noticed the SAS-TEC insert would bunch up in the sleeve. This proved to mainly be an aesthetic concern and didn’t change the comfort levels or perceived protection on offer.
The Wolf’s Last Word
I really like the Bluegrass Aura Core knee pads as a pedal-friendly yet highly protective offering. Though I had to retire them eventually, they offered stellar protection and comfort for a long testing duration. 
Price: $140 / £130 / €130
Website: Met-helmets.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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