Singletrack

TROY LEE DESIGNS
RAID KNEE PADS
Price:
From:
Tested:
Tester:
£110.00
Saddleback, saddleback.co.uk
Three Months
Wil
In Issue 112 of Singletrack Magazine, we tested 14 sets of
lightweight knee pads as part of our ‘Pads For Pedalling’ group
test. Designed for maximum flexibility and comfort for all-day
pedalling, most of those pads were about as minimalist as it
gets for a knee pad, making them ideal for knee pad newbies
and those who typically detest wearing them in the first place.
Stepping up the protection levels over the Troy Lee
Designs Speed Sleeve knee pads that won the ‘Most
Comfortable’ award in that group test, the Raid is the next
model up in the TLD knee protection range. With more
protection, more coverage, and more adjustability, the Raid
knee pads are claimed to “protect your knees when you run
out of talent”, which for me is quite frequently.
Available in three sizes, the Raid knee pad uses a similar
tube-style construction to the Speed Sleeves, but has further
adjustability via a large elasticated strap around the upper cuff.
The bulk of the fabric is a stretchy neoprene-type jobby,
so they’re pretty snug to pull on, and the non-stretchy PU
band on the back of the calf can make the job a little tougher.
With more coverage and thicker materials, the Raids are a
little warmer to ride with, but thanks to the mesh backing
and perforated holes moulded into the D3O panel, they’re
surprisingly good at not stewing your knee caps.
Whether you’re climbing, meandering or attacking
a descent, the Raid knee pads have a very generous and
secure feel. The fit is excellent, with the articulated knee and
longer cut helping to keep things steady. Inside, the upper
cuff has a thick band of silicone detailing that sticks to your
skin like a gecko sticks to honey. Along with the adjustable
strap, the Raid pads aren’t interested in creeping down your
legs whatsoever, negating the need for constant annoying
readjustments on the trail.
Like the Speed Sleeves, the Raid draws on clever D3O
technology to build a flexible articulated pad around the knee
cap. In the case of the Raid pads, the D3O panel is much
thicker, and covers more flesh and bone, extending partway
down the shin to provide an effective barrier against sharp
pedal pins. The thick padding feels soft and blobby, like an
over-ripened avocado, but using science, D3O is designed to
harden on impact, with the molecules locking together to turn
the soft and spongy pad into a firm structure that distributes
impact energy. There are sufficient absorption qualities to earn
CE certification, and TLD has added in two additional EVA
foam protective panels placed both sides of each pad, along
with a strip over the top of each knee. All up, there’s plenty of
protection for the hardest bumps and thumps any trail rider
or enduro racer might encounter.
Overall
Loads of protection for the pinners, with enough comfort and
flexibility for the spinners, the Raids are a tough and secure
knee pad that will appeal to many.
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