ABOUT THE TROY LEE DESIGNS STAGE PRO KNEE PAD
Troy Lee Designs were given exclusive use rights by protection experts D3O for the launch of next-generation Diablo protective inserts. These injection-molded polymer inserts represent the greatest wearable protection technology by D3O so far, exhibiting excellent flexibility and ventilation. D3O offers the Diablo insert in a EN 1621-Level 1 (as found on the lighter Speed Pro pad) or the more protective EN 1621-Level 2 rating as found in the Stage Pro Knee Pad tested here.
With 38.5% open area to let air flow through, the complex molding of the Diablo knee insert is designed to offer highly efficient protection. This reduces the bulk of the protective insert, while affording improved flexibility. At 9.5mm thick, the Level 2 protection certification is impressive, carrying considerably less bulk than previous generations of insert. The shape has been tailored to move naturally with the knee as it flexes, and the pre-curved shape optimizes comfort in use.
Troy Lee Designs built a minimalistic sleeve around the Stage Pro to deliver high levels of comfort in use. The 260gsm lycra body strikes a balance between durability and comfort, while wicking sweat and drying quickly. The upper and lower cuffs are given silicon around the full circumference to keep the pads in place, in combination with the slim contoured fit. The back of the leg features Troy Lee Designs Air Channels, which are designed to move air past the knee to keep it cool in action. The front of the pad is made of a more durable material to resist abrasion in a crash. There is no additional protection outside of the insert, keeping the pads lighter and more pedal-friendly.
Troy Lee Designs offers the Stage Pro knee pad (and similar Stage Pro Elbow Pad) in three sizes: XS/S, MD/LG or XL/XXL, for a retail price of $140 / £110.
THE DIRT
Knee pads have reached a very good place from a comfort perspective. D3O pioneered the flexible protection materials some years ago, and have continued to develop their offerings until this point. Now we not only have the flexibility, but there’s improved ventilation and reduced weight.
With D3O producing an excellent protective insert in their Diablo Level 2, it was down to the partner brands to create a sleeve that’ll keep it secure and comfortable in use. Troy Lee Designs did a solid job with the Stage Pro knee pad, and the result was a comfortable pad that was happy pedalling all day long. They were impressive for a Level 2 pad, and even edged out the excellent DHaRCO Gravity Knee pads for comfort and general wearability.
The materials used in the Troy Lee Designs Stage Pro knee pads were stretchy in the right places to provide comfort and ensure a close fit, yet rugged enough in others to ensure they held up to the abuse. The upper silicon band struck a good balance of staying stuck without causing irritation, much to my relief. However, there were a few instances on particularly sweaty rides where they shifted a little. Even so, I was happy with the fit and comfort factor of Troy Lee’s enduro knee pads.
That said, it felt strange to me for a Level 2 pad to omit further padding around the protective insert. While it undoubtedly helped with comfort, it meant that the Stage Pro pads were not as protective as you would expect from a typical Level 2-rated pad. Some thin padding around the sides of the knee would have gone a long way to improving protection when getting rowdy. From your knees knocking the top tube to non-central impacts, gravity riding places increased demands on your protection.
As a team, we here at The Loam Wolf are questioning the ability of the new generation of protective inserts to offer protection against the sharp rocks that frequent many of our local trails. The downside to the excellent breathability is less consistent coverage, and we have concerns that a sharp rock or stick could find its way through the gaps in these breathable knee inserts. Thankfully, it is not something we have experienced, and we hope that the tougher material used in front of the insert would help to spread the load, but it’s on our minds. If you’ve got any anecdotes to share regarding this topic, we would love to hear from you in the comments.
If I’m reaching for a Level 2-rated pad, then I’m likely okay to pay a slight penalty in comfort to have the extra padding and safety that comes with it. Perhaps then, a shift in mentality is required, and the Stage Pro should be considered a trail pad that happens to feature increased protection from the insert – they are certainly comfortable enough to perform as a trail knee pad. For riders looking for just that L2 insert and a comfortable sleeve, the Troy Lee Stage Pro knee pads are a solid offering. But if I’m going to be getting wild in gnarly terrain, then I’ll reach for the DHaRCO option, and it’s slightly more robust coverage.
The Wolf’s Last Word
We have reached the level of development in knee pads where excellent protection doesn’t have to come at the expense of all-day pedal-friendliness, and the D3O Diablo-equipped Troy Lee Designs Stage Pro knee pads are great evidence of this. 
Price: $140 / £110
Website: Troyleedesigns.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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