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$