The best heavy-duty knee pads you can buy

O’Neal SINNER Kevlar Knee RACE Guard

Whilst most of the knee pads in our test have only slightly evolved over the years, it’s fair to say that the O’Neal SINNER has very little in common with its predecessors. The heaviest model on test, the SINNER Kevlar Knee RACE Guard succeeds in demonstrating excellent protection values in the lab. Unfortunately its stiff construction comes at the expense of comfort: some test- riders reported various pressure points and complained about friction in the hollow of the knee, which renders the O’Neill more suitable for gravity sessions rather than long rides. The skid plate–which can be removed for washing–does its job splendidly. Ventilation is rather meagre but there’s flexibility thanks to the zip that allows you to easily put on and take off the O’Neal whenever you need it.

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Comfort
Fit
Ventilation
Protection

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