Knox are based in Cockermouth in Cumbria, think the Lake District and all that. Cockermouth I hear you say? They recently hit the news before Christmas due to the big floods and devastation up there that the torrential rain caused.
I like to think I know a lot about pads, I always run them and have been since the year dot. Though I'm sure you guys know a lot too. My favourite pads of all time were by Rector, if you were a skateboarder in the 70s, 80s and 90s like me then you will know the name. Times were hard and I couldn't afford a full set of Rector Elbows and I refused to get a pair of copy no names, hence going halves with Paul Holdie. I still run this elbow pad down the trails at least three times a week. It's been in the washing machine more times than I care to remember. Considering it's older than half of you, doesn't look too bad does it? If you fancy coming to its 21st birthday next year let me know as we'll be having jelly and pass the parcel.
Rector
I also have a few brand new sealed boxes of Powell Swiss Bearings, anyone care to tell me how much they are worth?
If some of my pads are over 20 years old (yes I'm a tramp), then anyone delivering protection for review better have something good. Liam Little of :
Sixty Seconds with Liam little Fame dropped off a big box of Knox Body Armour with me back in the Autumn.
Main Armour
Back to Knox: They first started off back in 1981 and originally manufactured back protection before moving into jackets with protection fitted as standard. More interesting for you is that they developed back in the early 90s specific MTB pads and sponsored the Saracen Team. Wasn't Rob Warner and Steve Peat on their team, can someone please confirm?
Now I knew Knox were big in the motorbike scene but how big? Big enough to have developing programs with Moto GP and British Superbike riders. Head down to any big bike store and you will see their product in the aisles. On an impressive note Knox were the first company in the World to market with CE approval for impact protection.
Neck Brace Cut Out
For all neck brace wearers, Leatt, KTM and Alpinestars this is right up your street. No longer will you need to mess about with cutting your race shirt. Knox have cut out the back plate so that your neck brace sits flush in there.
Shoulder Pads
Now you have had the background and to be fair it's ticking all the right boxes, now let's look at it from our point of view.
On delivery my first concern was on picking up the Warrior body armour was the weight. Certainly no waif there was a certain weight issue that I guessed was fine for our engined friends. We're super tuned athletes, aren't we? We need strong and light and this weighs in at 1.1kg.
Mesh
The hexagonal honeycomb internals are super light and capable of absorbing massive amounts of energy from an impact, working in a similar way to your cars crumple zone.
Shoulder Pads
The Warrior Body Armour BC9 above as you can see comes without elbow pads. Think 661 CoreSaver and you are halfway there.
The back plate is lined with a "Spacer" fabric that reduces heat build-up and works with pinhole vents to improve air circulation. All this to keep you as cool as a cucumber.
Shoulder Pads
Elastic and Velcro straps around the waist and over the shoulders secure the Warrior quickly and easily.
Back Plate
The back plate is loads wider than your regular 661 or Dainese body armour, especially around your love handles as well. Just note it's a couple of inches shorter. Now that may please some of you. Personally I prefer the longer back plates. Some of you cut them off as it gets in the way which you can totally understand.
If you're looking for full protection and you're going down hard on that rock section or at speed then this Knox Warrior body armour is exactly what you want on. The back coverage is awesome (if a little short) and the front chest is unbeatable at protecting your vitals.
Available in two sizes:
Small 38-40" chest.
Large 42"+ chest.
CE approved to EN 1621.
RRP £149.99
Knox Cross Guard Elbow
Held securely and comfortably in place by two elastic and velcro attached straps at either end.
The middle of the forearm is covered by a light elastic mesh which means no straps digging uncomfortably into your muscles and more importantly? Never riding down your arm mid race! Nice and light yet still offering enough protection these will definitely stay in place.
Protection wise that magic honeycomb's in there again, along with the hard caps these are just the ticket.
Short and long lengths are available, long shown here.
CE approved to EN1621-1
RRP £34.99
Knox Cross Lite Knee Pads
More comfortable than a fresh pair of new socks, these are a dream to wear. The Knox Cross Lite Knee Guard has a honeycomb knee protector to absorb the big hits that is all enclosed in a tough abrasion resistant fabric. Held in place with a large, wide and adjustable elastic strap ensures they stay in place all day.
My guess is that these would go down like a storm for several cycling disciplines. I run these specifically down the trails (dirt jumps) and BMX track, plus on the XC/All Mountain excursions. They are super light and slim so they fit under jeans nicely for all you street, park and dirt riding kids.
Yes, they do have a large hard shelled cap in there to keep those pointy rocks out of your knee cap.
CE approved to EN1621-1
RRP £34.99
Wrapping this up then, Knox are certainly another well designed and manufactured brand to consider and can now be added to the main brands out there likes of POC, 661, IXS, Fox and Dainese. Maybe not quite as nice to the eye as the POC and 661 styling but who cares? You can't see it once your dressed. What you will be more than grateful for is that insurance premium you paid because one day, you will be cashing in your chips...
Click this for the Knox Website.
On the Pipe!
Si Paton..
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and it makes me think; damn, i wish that there was one piece of gear nowadays that would take 20+ years of use. most pads are totally ravaged, ripped and useless in 2 seasons at best.
if you want real oldschool points i suggest you keep the bearings and bust out some vision street wear. RAD