Ion K-Pact Kneepads - Review
Ion's roots are in water and board-sports products, and they released their first mountain bike collection in 2013. At first glance, their K-Pact kneepads look like 90-percent of the sleeve-type knees out there, with hook-and-loop straps at the top and at the bottom to hold the pads in place and a rigid shell to protect the kneecaps. On the sides, there is extra padding to help keep your knees safe from all angles. The main body of the K-Pact pad is made from neoprene, much like you would find on wetsuits, but here it has been textured for added breathability and sweat wicking. There are silicone grip-strips inside of the hook-and-loop adjustment bands to help hold the pads securely into place, and a mesh panel has been added to the back of the knee for extra breathability.
SAS-TEC, which produces protective parts for body armor in motorsports, provides the semi-rigid shells that Ion use to protect the kneecaps. The memory shaping cup-material is easily removable from its sleeve, so you can put the pads in the washing machine without damaging it. Ion's K-Pact knees are compliant with the European safety standard EN1621-1, a recognized standard for mountain bike protection. The side protection is made with a visco-elastic type foam. K-Pact knees are available in black or blue, in size small/medium, large and X-large. MSRP: $89.95 USD. Ion Products
Silicone gripper strips beneath standard hook-and-loop straps keep Ion's pads in place, and a mesh vent in the rear adds a degree of comfort.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Putting the Ion K-Pact kneepads on for the first time was like putting on a brand new wetsuit. I had to battle with them a bit, as they are tight fitting, but soon after, they felt like a part of my body. Heat and use caused them to conform to the shape of my legs in around 15 to 20 minutes and I quickly forgot about them, even on long pedaling sections. I'll admit, I have an aversion to kneepads - I can't stand riding with them, especially if I have to pedal uphill, but where I live they are much needed, because if you go down hard, there is no loam to welcome you. The K-Pact pads helped me overcome this aversion and I now rarely head out without them, even at the height of summer. They stay in place impressively - I can do an all-day ride without needing to adjust them, and over the course of this season K-Pact pads have been my companion for everything from EWS races to 50km backcountry loops. When it matters most, they provide good protection and I'd go as far as to say that I'd happily wear them to ride park or DH. Having the pads available in blue is definitely a plus too - it's nice to spice up my riding wardrobe with a color that isn't overkill. - Mary Moncorge |
Author Info:
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www.ion-products.com/bike/men/protection/k-pact
This should have been mentioned in the review though, as well a link to the product page.