For 2016 Dakine has introduced a brand new line of protective gear that includes two different models of knee pads and a set of elbow guards. The Slayer knee pads are aimed at the all-mountain crowd, and are intended to be comfortable enough for long rides while still providing actual knee protection when things go south, thanks to the use of CE-certified DK Impact foam that hardens on impact.
Dakine Slayer Knee Pad Details• 3D molded, CE certified DK Impact foam
• Polygiene odor control fabric
• Colors: black, sulphur
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Weight: 370 grams (size M)
• MSRP: $65 USD
•
www.dakine.com/bike,
@dakine The pads use a simple slip-on design, with a strip of silicone inside the upper elastic cuff to help keep them from sliding down. In order to promote airflow on warm days, the pads use an open back in conjunction with a thin, perforated material called AriaprenePro. Available in either black or sulphur in sizes S, M, and L, the Slayer pads retail for $65 USD.
On the TrailI'm pretty picky when it comes to knee pads, but this winter the Slayer pads have been the ones that I'm most likely to grab before heading out for the trails. Why? Well, for one, they're incredibly comfortable, even when climbing - there were no hot spots or chafing, and even on warmer days they're ventilated well enough that I didn't feel the urge to rip them off as soon as the trail began to head uphill.
The foam used for impact protection is reassuringly thick, and compared to some of the pads out there that are basically glorified knee warmers, the Slayer pads provide real protection for those moments when gravity seems to be stronger than usual. I luckily managed to avoid any spectacular crashes while wearing the Slayer pads, but the small spills and knee vs. stem impacts that I did incur were all handled without any issues. As far as durability goes, so far all of the seams have held up, and there's only the tiniest of tears at the rear of one of the pads that was caused by a sharp pedal pin; otherwise they're looking as good as new despite three months of regular usage.
Pinkbike's Take | For their first foray into mountain bike protection, Dakine nailed it, creating a pad that works exactly as it should, delivering a commendable blend of comfort and protection at a reasonable price. - Mike Kazimer |
They also didn't give me warranty. Had the zippers replaced for 2/3 price I paid for the bag.... which yah know... was like 35 bucks since it was only 50 new since I got 60% off, and think I'm a badass.
Wonder if there will be knee-pads from Iron Maiden someday (like ski or beer...). Propably made out of steel than out of "CE certified DK Impact foam"...
I've never used it, but that's the claim anyhow.
Adkins is one of my favorite brands. I'm for sure giving these a shot this year.
The hard cap is also what cut me from impact force alone.... .
www.pinkbike.com/video/432564
@StackingItSince1991 What hard cap knee pads are you using? I've been moderately interested in the 7idp Control knee pads as well.
been lookin at Dianese, RF , 661, Alpinestars for new kneepads.
tmy LBS doesn't carry alot so this all helps me lots.
might also go w/light motopants w/inserts.
doesn't really warm up till June round here
These pads look really good. I'm a little concerned about the cutout in the rear. I used to get serious chafing in the back of my knees from my Fox Launch pads right at the corners of the cutout in the material there. Always thought they'd be better not bothering with a cutout - the POCs don't have one, and they don't chafe there, and it's not like that little bit of air will make a huge difference on temp.
To be clear: I have never owned real hard shell pads, I can only assume they are cushioned on the inside. I have owned two pairs of 661 Kyle Straits before the O'Neals and they had nice cushioning between the knee and the semi hard shell. And it is my impression that those offered better protection. The O'Neals however are far more durable, provide the nicer fit and enough protection for most of my crashes. Took me two or three years to crash hard enough to end up with a bruised knee.
Its worth remembering that whether its SAS-TEC or d3o, the protector inserts are the same for every pad you see with the label on (661 evo, raaceface ambush, scott grenade, all exactly the same knee insert), and it isnt specifically designed for our sport, most were designed for motorcycle protection which is a totally different ball game when it comes to the type of impacts sustained.
I could never get them to fit. I tried several sizes and they all slid down. I figured that at least with dakine, if I don't like them, I can return them (REI sells their products). So far they are a LOT more secure and fit, they also seem to offer more protection coverage than the POCs do. They also don't protrude as much, which means they are less likely to snag your bars or something similar.
I also had the g-forms everyone here is talking about. I don't often wear elbow pads, but I do when I'm riding something rocky enough to justify it. I had them on and bashed my elbow into a similar rock the same time as the incident above. I still walked away bruised on my elbow, but nothing serious. I did hope/expect for more protection, though, so I'm replacing them.
The padding on the dakines is a lot thicker even without an impact. It's not as soft as the POC or g-form is, I'd expect that even in it's standard state (no hardening on impact), they would offer more protection than either of the above did for me. If they actually do harden, then all the better.
Which are the other pads you write of, so that I might avoid them?
Fox and 661 have lighter pads. Are they any good?
Knee/leg warmers are great mud condoms. I think of them as tear-offs to help keep my car clean on the drive home.
Gforms add enough protection for most of my riding, and they have that sick American Gladiator / soft rugby helmet / future look to them.
I have these Dakines too, they feel much more like real deal knee pads to me. A little hot but they've stayed on while I've pedaled in them. Manufacturing quality seems on the high end for Dakine. I like them. Thanks bro.
There's my report.
store.dakine.com/slayer-knee-pad.html?cat_id=50
That made my night!! Thanks