South African protection specialist Leatt is well-known for designing and creating the neck brace back in 2003, a donut-shaped neck support also called the “Leatt brace”. Since then, the portfolio of the Cape Town based company has grown extensively, and now includes a massive range of MX- and MTB-specific clothing and protectors. The AirFlex Pro knee pad retails at € 89.99 and stands out from the crowd of knee pads for its distinctive design: unlike with the other models in this test, the insert isn’t integrated into the sleeve but sewn on top of it.
Click here for an overview: 14 trail knee pads in test
Fastening System Elastic Strap | Lab Test Results 22 kN at 1.6 ms | Manufacturer’s website
While at 126 g, it’s the lightest knee pad in the entire test field, it’s also the worst-performing in terms of protection, measuring 22 kN residual force at 1.6 ms in our lab tests – but still has Level 1 certification. The main protector is complemented by small additional pads on the sides and right above the insert, but these don’t improve the protective effect of the pad. The AirFlex Pro forgoes Velcro straps and employs a stretchy slip-on sleeve design instead, while silicone strips at both ends and in the hollow of the knee prevent it from slipping. A generously sized cutout at the back of the knee is meant to improve ventilation.
The Leatt AirFlex Pro on the trail
With its stretchy sleeve material and flexible insert, the Leatt AirFlex Pro is easy to slip over the leg. Despite the absence of Velcro fasteners, it sits securely and comfortably on the knee and doesn’t slip while riding – with the lightweight construction adding to the comfort even further. The open design with exposed insert allows air to pass through, making the AirFlex one of the best ventilated knee pads in the entire test field. Both on the thigh- and calf-end, the sleeve is cut relatively short while the hole at the back of the knee could get you in trouble with the fashion police.
Tops
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
- Good ventilation
Flops
- Not the highest level of protection
- Cutout at the back of the knee doesn’t look great
You can find out more about at leatt.com.
The test field
Click here for an overview: 14 trail knee pads in test
All kneepads in test: 100% Teratec Plus (Click for review) | Alpinestars Paragon Plus (Click for review) | AMPLIFI Havok (Click for review) | Chromag Rift Knee Guard (Click for review) | Fox Launch D3O (Click for review) | Ion K Lite (Click for review) | iXS FLOW EVO+ (Click for review) | Leatt AirFlex Pro | Ortema GP5 Knee Protector (Click for review) | Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard V1 (Click for review) | POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee (Click for review) | Rapha Trail Knee Pad (Click for review) | Scott Soldier 2 (Click for review) | Troy Lee Designs Stage (Click for review)
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Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Mike Hunger
