The best lightweight knee pads you can buy

661 Recon Knee

With a weight of just 153 g, the 661 Recon Knee is both the lightest knee pad on test and the most austere option. The XRD foam pad is sewn directly onto a minimalist Lycra sleeve, which fits well without straps. In the lab the Recon Knee ranked last, but since it is the only model on test without a certification – and with most of its competitors weighing twice as much – the comparison isn’t entirely fair. The Recon Knee is a great choice for all of those situations in which you wouldn’t necessarily use knee pads but would still appreciate some protection. With its light construction, you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing the 661 and only the opening in the hollow of the knee caused irritation for some of our test riders. The ventilation is superb and prevents you from getting too hot, even on warmer days. Provided you’re aware of the limited level of protection, the 661 is a versatile companion for long rides.

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Comfort
Fit
Ventilation
Protection

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