CycleBrains.com and Pro-Tec Protection have partnered this summer to bring you quality reviews accompanied with discount codes for the Pro-Tec online store. CycleBrains is committed to providing true and honest journalistic standards while conducting these reviews.
Purpose:
It seems that the two pieces of equipment gravity riders always have are a helmet and knee or leg protection. Your knees are the most vulnerable and important joint on your body and providing proper protection for this joint is a necessity to anyone riding a mountain bike. The Pro-Tec Gravity knee pads are an excellent pad for those looking for a strong, comfortable knee pad. These pads feature an internal hard cap which has a longer wider feel than some other pads on the market. This surely provides more protection, as the bottom of the pad extends a few inches down the shin , and appears a little more robust. Medial and lateral padding provides protection the the sides of the knee often not found in other knee pads.
Materials & Procedures:
The Gravity knee pads were worn for several days in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, providing for many hours of riding, some walking and sitting on the lift. They were used in both dry and wet conditions and on smoother flow trails as well and grungy technical trails.
Data:
MSRP $54.95
EVA foam padded internal hard cap
Sizes: Small Medium Large
Strap at top and bottom
Observations:
The Pro-Tec Gravity knee pad felt very solid with the EVA padding. The top and bottom strapping system holds the pads on tight, but the back material provides a shield from any strap rub which might ensue from the straps. The pads did not obstruct pedalling in and way and remained comfortable throughout the whole use. The front EVA foam padded internal knee cap is larger than what I am used to but is a welcomed change. More protection is always an advantage and gives me more confidence in the pads being effective when needed. The internal cap is also covered with a nylon material which will experience lower friction when crashing. This helps keep the pads on and will sacrifice the pad before the user. The padding for the sides of the knee also provided some good confidence. It appears Pro-Tec did a good job of maintaining a knee pad which maximizes protection without sacrificing riding and pedalling function.
Conclusion:
The Gravity knee pads worked very well for their intended use. Though I was fortunate enough not to have to use them to their full protective potential, the solid materials and strong build quality is very convincing. In terms of sizing: a full grown male adult is most likely to fit a Large while a youth would fit a Medium better. At $54.95 these pads don’t break the bank and will last you a long time. I’m interested to see how these pads feel after more riding days allowing them to be broken in and moulded to my body. There is no doubt these pads will provide great protection while not limiting comfort and performance.
Any idea where to buy these now? CirqueQuirk@gmail.com
Would you be able to wear these Protec gravity knee pads under pants?