ABOUT THE LEATT 3DF 5.0 EVO FASTFIT KNEE PAD
Leatt offers its 3DF 5.0 Evo pads in two options — a padded knee sleeve, and a more traditional hook-and-loop (Velcro) knee pad. Leatt sent the latter for this review, with the “FastFit” branding indicating that this knee pad is closed and fastened using velcro.
The pad has a fairly well-ventilated neoprene body with MoistureCool and AirMesh wicking fabrics. Leatt also uses its Deflextion™ ultra-durable shell material for the 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit’s outer. This material offers stretch and flex in all directions, while remaining lightweight and durable, withstanding the standard impacts that come with riding. A silicone ring at the top of the FastFit pads helps keep them in place.
Inside the FastFit pads, Leatt uses a Level 1 CE-certified 3DF pad. While the pad may not be new to Leatt’s lineup, these 3DF 5.0 Evo pads see an improved 3DF pad with additional ventilation. The pad is pre-curved to fit the knee, offering comfort and mobility when riding. Leatt’s 3DF pads are their take on energy-absorbing impact foam that disperses the impact throughout the pad, significantly reducing the blow to the knee. The 3DF pads can be removed to make cleaning them and the knee sleeve easy.
Leatt offers the 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit Knee Pads in three size options: S/M, L/XL, and XXL. They are provided in one color option — black — and weigh roughly 408 grams per pair.
THE DIRT
I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit Knee Pads. They were on my legs for most of the winter, and now most of the spring. It was relatively cold during my testing window, and I mostly wore pants while testing the FastFit pads. Despite being a tad bulkier compared to knee sleeves, they fit under all of my riding pants just fine.
That could partially be due to the 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit pads having a solid pre-curved shape that fits my legs and knees well. Once they were on, the silicone gripper at the top of the pad also helped lock the pads in place on my leg, and they didn’t move or bunch up under my pants.
But shouldn’t extra bulkiness also equal extra protection? These Level 1 certified pads offered essentially the same protection as some of the slimmer knee sleeves I’ve used, but were a little more cumbersome and hot.
Leatt’s FastFit pads stayed in place well, but they also came off quickly, which was nice. Having the velcro enclosure meant not having to take my pants entirely off at the trailhead when putting the FastFits on or taking them off. My shoes stayed on as well.
The FastFit pads also absorbed impacts well. I had a couple of tumbles where one knee or the other found the ground. I currently have a bruise on my left leg, just beside my kneecap, where the knee pad didn’t quite reach. The Level 1 protection of the 3DF pad seems to be the real deal, and these became the pads I reached for on e-bike rides at our chunky winter and spring zones.
That said, these would not be the pads I would use on an average trail ride. The FastFit pads fit my legs perfectly and were comfortable, but that comfort would run out when I wasn’t catching quicker laps on the eeb. I wondered if the knee sleeve version of these pads would be more comfortable on longer pedals with the acoustic bike. After an hour or more of pedaling, the back of my knees would start to become irritated — something that seems to be a regular occurrence with me and velcro-enclosed knee pads.
For big pedal missions, I’ll reach for a knee sleeve. But, as bike park season kicks off, the Leatt 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit pads will be on the chair lift with me, albeit not for the gnarliest days. For those, I’ll opt for a Level 2 pad instead.
The Wolf’s Last Word
While the velcro straps on the Leatt 3DF 5.0 Evo FastFit Knee Pads irritated my knee pits on long climbs, they are a solid option for descending. I put them through the wringer, slamming a knee or two down, and was impressed with Leatt’s 3DF protection. 
Price: $119
Website: Leatt.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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