ABOUT THE SPECIALIZED TRACTION D3O KNEE PAD
For their latest knee pads, Specialized worked hard to deliver a model that would offer incredible comfort while still providing useful protection. The Specialized Body Geometry ergonomics team worked with the D3O material scientists to produce the Vanish knee pad. Vanish features a unique design where the D3O protective material is printed directly onto the four-way stretch fabric. The material is arranged in such a way to follow the natural movement of the knee, ensuring high levels of pliability without compromising the EN1621-1 Level 1 Certification.
The four-way stretch material used for the main body is 78% recycled nylon mixed with 22% elastane, and is designed to offer compression. Specialized took care to avoid any seams on the back of the knee to prevent irritation. The front area of the pad features a 88% nylon and 12% spandex blend, designed to be abrasion resistant without adding restriction. An elastic cuff with a silicone gripper helps the pad stay put.
Specialized offers the Traction D3O knee pad in sizes XS-XXL, with a retail price of $129.99 / £99 / €129.
THE DIRT
I picked up the Specialized Traction D3O knee pads in April this year, and have been putting some good mileage in them to ensure their durability and protection meet expectations. I don’t include ‘comfort’ in the previous sentence because the comfort of these knee pads has never been in doubt. Their breathability and flexibility rank at the very top of the list of Level 1 rated pads that I’ve tested.
I was given the size Large knee pad to test, which was a size up from what I would have ideally worn in hindsight. When wearing pants, this didn’t produce any issues, but when wearing shorts, I encountered a tendency for them to bunch at maximum knee bend, and they would occasionally shift. Given that the Specialized Traction D3O knee pads have so much stretch and are designed to act as a compression sleeve, the medium would have offered me a better all-round fit. As with all protective equipment, it pays to try before you buy to ensure you get the optimum fit.
Aside from a slightly baggy fit, I’ve had very little to complain about with these knee pads for general trail bike duties. They’re light, breathable and comfortable. I wouldn’t opt to run them for hardcore riding though, as they feel like they sit on the lower end of the Level 1 certified spectrum for ultimate protection. Compared to the likes of the Koroyd-equipped Fox Enduro Pro, or even the previous generation D3O-equipped Fox Enduro Pro knee pads, the Specialized Traction D3O allowed slightly more energy through the pad on light impacts. As such, I’ve been reaching for a burlier knee pad for rides on enduro bikes and eBikes, but grabbing the Specialized pad for every light-duty pedal, as they’re just so damn comfortable.
The Wolf’s Last Word
For trail mountain bike rides, the Specialized Traction D3O knee pads are an excellent offering that provides class leading comfort and breathability. For heavier-duty riding, a more protective pad is better suited, especially if you’re a rider likely to call the protection into action regularly. 
Price: $129.99 / £99 / €129
Website: Specialized.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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