Review

Team Tested: Race Face Indy Knee Guards Review

04.07.2014
by

There are some things that interfere with riding flow when a group go out for a big ride. One of those is certainly the constant ‘on and off’ of knee pads before and after each downhill. However, The comfort of knee guards has increased in recent years greatly, by using modern and flexible padding material. Race Face has released the Indy Knee Guard, the thinnest knee pads in the range, which not only scores with a good fit, but should also be highly protective.

Race Face developed the Indy Knee using a mixture of technology from their existing pads, taking the extremely lightweight and comfortable model “Charge Leg”, and mixing with the protective properties of the “Ambush Knee”. The Indy Knee uses the well known D3O protective padding sewn onto a very breathable sleeve. The Kneepad is fixed in position on the leg using a large velcro strap at the top, as well as a silicone strip along the top and bottom.

Auch auf der Freeride Strecke in Lermoos vertrauten wir auf den Race Face Indy Knee
The Race Face Indy Knee in the practice test.
Die XXX g leichten Race Face Indy Knee mussten sich über mehrere Wochen im Praxistest beweisen.
The 330 g (size XL) Race Face Indy Knee had to prove themselves over several weeks in the practice test.
Das luftige Material sorgt für ein angenehmes Tragegefühl, auch an heißen Tagen.
The airy material ensures a comfortable fit, even on hot days.
Die eingebrachten Silikonstreifen an der Ober- und Unterseite fixieren den Schoner zusammen mit dem großen Klettverschluss fest am Bein.
The silicone strip at the top and bottom hold the pad in position on the leg.

The comfort of the Indy Knee is impressive, even on hot days, thanks to the airy design hardly any heat accumulates under the pad. The seams are well made and nothing rubs, even on long uphills. Shortly after the start of the tour we regularly forget we were wearing a knee pad.

Race Face Indy Knee Guards (2 von 5)

Race Face uses the D3O padding which we have already tested in Issue # 009 of ENDURO. This flexible material hardens on impact and was able to score in the laboratory with good damping properties. Even with multiple involuntary falls, the knee pad remained in place did not slip.

Leider ist das Pad zum Waschen nicht herausnehmbar. Aus diesem Grund hat sich nach etlichen Waschgängen in der Waschmaschine hat sich eine Naht geöffnet.
Unfortunately, the pad is not removable for washing. So a seam has slightly opened after several washes in the washing machine.
Bei der Wahl der richtigen Größe empfehlen wir einen Blick auf den Fit Chart von Race Face. Insgesamt fallen die Schoner relativ klein aus.
When choosing the right size, we recommend a look at the fit chart of Race Face. Overall, the protector is relatively small.

Facts:

  • Name: Race Face Indy Knee
  • Padding: D3O™
  • Colour: black
  • Sizes: S – XXL
  • Price: 69,90 €
  • Weight: 330 g (pair – Size XL)

Conclusion

The Race Face Indy Knee Pads impressed us with high wearing comfort and good protection. Even after multiple falls, they remained firmly in place and dampened the impact effectively. The only negative point was that the seam started to come loose. We were very impressed with the €69.90 knee pads – but hand washing is recommended!

For more information visit: www.raceface.com

Words: Christoph Bayer Picture: Klaus Kneist / Christoph Bayer

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