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Leatt 3DF Airflex knee guards


Leatt's Airflex guards are a good idea done well, and will suit those who don't like the bulk of full pads.

They look little more than Armourgel pads stuck to knee warmers, but the tubes are actually MoistureCool wicking fabric rather than insulation. They're cooler than thin knee warmers or full size pads. The backs of the knees are cut out for further cooling and to prevent bunching, and you hardly notice they're on. The Armourgel can feel oddly loose, as if about to slip, but they actually stay in place well.

Sizing is accurate and the grippers at top and bottom are strong - the 6mm pads aren't heavy enough to over-stress them. Each side is 107g. The long labels sticking out from the inside were a problem, which reduced grip enough to let them slip down, but you can cut them out.

Their low profile sits under shorts or even trousers undetected, though the soft, tacky pads can grab rather than slide. We never actually crashed in them (sorry), but coverage and hence protection is deliberately minimal. There's no side protection at all, for instance.

That soft Armourgel is 'non-Newtonian', which means its viscosity increases as impact speeds rise - it goes rigid when struck hard. Other non-Newtonian fluids include toothpaste, custard and blood, and to be clear if you use toothpaste and custard as kneepads you'll soon discover blood. The Airfexes are the better option then. They're CE certified and perfect for extra protection on general cross­country type rides.

Minimal but minimalist protection that's comfy, cool and easy to wear.

PRICE 112$

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