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D3O: Letting You Focus on the Trail Ahead
D3O has spent the past two decades crafting the very best mountain bike protection to give you your edge. Whether it’s the first day ever on a bike, or your 40th world cup race run, athletes and riders across the globe trust us with every bump, hit, and slam. We exist to own these moments. We embrace each of them—before, during, and after impact. Protection at the point of impact is just the start of what we do.
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(Source: Troy Lee Designs)
The key to D3O's success lies in its intelligent behavior: the material is soft and flexible when at rest or while pedaling, but upon impact, it instantly hardens to provide superior protection, then becomes soft and malleable again. This remarkable characteristic is due to its non-Newtonian nature - rather than remaining in its current state when force is applied, as a Newtonian material would, D3O becomes more rigid. What does this mean for MTB? It means you can pedal in comfort every day, all while knowing you’ve got unmatched impact protection for when your ride takes a turn for the worse.
![photo]()
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D3O and the MTB Protection Market
D3O and the MTB Protection Market
D3O has been pioneering innovative impact protection solutions for over twenty years. Since the early days of D3O, we have steadily gained traction in the industry, forging partnerships with leading mountain bike and motocross protection brands. D3O may not always be visible from afar but look closely for the orange trustmark, and you can be guaranteed you’re getting the highest level of protection on the market.
As mountain biking has progressed, so has D3O. We pioneered the ingredient protection category and have continued to innovate by developing a diverse range of products to protect riders of all ages and abilities — our Ghost, Viper, LP1, LP2, and fitted ankle guard protectors are all engineered and developed for use on specific bodyparts. From knee and elbow pads to gloves, chest and back protectors, footwear and more, our brand partners spec specific pads for specific types of riding to improve the level of protection, and increase mobility and all-day comfort.
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
D3O’s unique properties have allowed brands to unlock their full development potential and develop protective gear that is both comfortable and safe at the same time - something that was previously nearly impossible to achieve. Traditional foam pads are typically heavier, less flexible, less vented, less ergonomic, and less protective than D3O. In contrast, D3O-equipped gear is designed to be more lightweight, flexible, and thin, providing greater freedom of movement while still offering the world’s best impact protection. D3O is currently being implemented in many applications in the bike world; from knee pads, elbow pads, back protection, footwear, and more. D3O mountain bike impact protection is offered in two CE (Conformité Européene or “European Conformity” for all English speakers) levels, Level 1 and Level 2. You can choose the right level of protection depending on the type of riding you're doing, as well as taking into consideration the technical features you prefer to have while riding. Level 1 is great for most light trail riding, whereas Level 2 is better suited for downhill and enduro.
![photo]()
(Source: D3O)
The Future of D3O
While we have been focused on building innovative MTB protection ingredients for some of the biggest brands in the bike world, we’re certainly not stopping there. D3O is now being incorporated directly into clothing that virtually disappears until you need it. Keep an eye out for even more innovation in the future as we explore what D3O can do to improve your ride experience in new ways.
If you’re looking to learn more, visit D3O.com, or any of our amazing partners below.
Fox Racing
Troy Lee Designs
Pearl Izumi
Ride Concepts
Specialized
Akta
Thor
Decathlon
Scott Sports
Endura
Canyon
SixSixOne
Met
Giro
The key to D3O's success lies in its intelligent behavior: the material is soft and flexible when at rest or while pedaling, but upon impact, it instantly hardens to provide superior protection, then becomes soft and malleable again. This remarkable characteristic is due to its non-Newtonian nature - rather than remaining in its current state when force is applied, as a Newtonian material would, D3O becomes more rigid. What does this mean for MTB? It means you can pedal in comfort every day, all while knowing you’ve got unmatched impact protection for when your ride takes a turn for the worse.
D3O and the MTB Protection Market
D3O and the MTB Protection Market
D3O has been pioneering innovative impact protection solutions for over twenty years. Since the early days of D3O, we have steadily gained traction in the industry, forging partnerships with leading mountain bike and motocross protection brands. D3O may not always be visible from afar but look closely for the orange trustmark, and you can be guaranteed you’re getting the highest level of protection on the market.
As mountain biking has progressed, so has D3O. We pioneered the ingredient protection category and have continued to innovate by developing a diverse range of products to protect riders of all ages and abilities — our Ghost, Viper, LP1, LP2, and fitted ankle guard protectors are all engineered and developed for use on specific bodyparts. From knee and elbow pads to gloves, chest and back protectors, footwear and more, our brand partners spec specific pads for specific types of riding to improve the level of protection, and increase mobility and all-day comfort.
Fox Enduro D3O® Knee Pads
Fox’s Enduro Knee Sleeves are trail tuned and offer pedal-friendly protection on the trail. Made from a moisture-wicking micro-lycra material and featuring a nylon mess rear panel, they keep the air flowing as you pedal up and earn the down. They allow full range of motion, thanks again to that high-stretch rear panel, and keep your knees safe from hard trail knocks with the removable D3O® elbow inserts that deliver both protection and comfort as you ride.
• Moisture wicking micro-lycra sleeve with nylon mesh rear panel for increased airflow
• Removable D3O® knee inserts for the perfect balance of comfort and protection
• Silicone grip top and bottom to hold the guard in place
• Nylon, spandex micro lycra
Fox’s Enduro Knee Sleeves are trail tuned and offer pedal-friendly protection on the trail. Made from a moisture-wicking micro-lycra material and featuring a nylon mess rear panel, they keep the air flowing as you pedal up and earn the down. They allow full range of motion, thanks again to that high-stretch rear panel, and keep your knees safe from hard trail knocks with the removable D3O® elbow inserts that deliver both protection and comfort as you ride.
• Moisture wicking micro-lycra sleeve with nylon mesh rear panel for increased airflow
• Removable D3O® knee inserts for the perfect balance of comfort and protection
• Silicone grip top and bottom to hold the guard in place
• Nylon, spandex micro lycra
Fox Flexair Pro Gloves
Feel the bars like never before shred safe in the knowledge that your hands have that extra level of protection as you rip through the rough stuff. The Flexair Pro Gloves have exceptional fit and feel and feature D3O® knuckle protection to ward off pesky impacts, plus Dyneema® coverage to improve durability without sacrificing weight. With mesh material on the back of each hand to keep you cool, plus Clarino® palm for uncompromised bar control, these gloves bring that next-level performance to your next ride.
• Strategically placed D3O® on the outside knuckles designed to protect from impacts
• Mesh back of hand for increased breathability
• Dyneema® knuckle coverage for increased durability without sacrificing weight
• Single-layer perforated Clarino® palm for uncompromised bar control
• Stretch lycra slip-on cuff
• Touch-screen compatibility
Feel the bars like never before shred safe in the knowledge that your hands have that extra level of protection as you rip through the rough stuff. The Flexair Pro Gloves have exceptional fit and feel and feature D3O® knuckle protection to ward off pesky impacts, plus Dyneema® coverage to improve durability without sacrificing weight. With mesh material on the back of each hand to keep you cool, plus Clarino® palm for uncompromised bar control, these gloves bring that next-level performance to your next ride.
• Strategically placed D3O® on the outside knuckles designed to protect from impacts
• Mesh back of hand for increased breathability
• Dyneema® knuckle coverage for increased durability without sacrificing weight
• Single-layer perforated Clarino® palm for uncompromised bar control
• Stretch lycra slip-on cuff
• Touch-screen compatibility
Troy Lee Designs Rockfight Chest Protector
This isn't your typical chest protector. The Rockfight CE is a chest protector built to withstand whatever the elements throw at you. Taking TLD’s RockFight base with built-in EPP that manages low-speed impacts and combining it with a removable, flexible D3O back insert for hard impacts, TLD shattered safety standards, all while keeping a slim, breathable, lightweight profile.
• CE EN14021 Stone Shield certification of front plate for proven protection from roost and other lofted debris
• Flexible D3O back insert exceeds CE EN1621 Level 1 for impact absorption
This isn't your typical chest protector. The Rockfight CE is a chest protector built to withstand whatever the elements throw at you. Taking TLD’s RockFight base with built-in EPP that manages low-speed impacts and combining it with a removable, flexible D3O back insert for hard impacts, TLD shattered safety standards, all while keeping a slim, breathable, lightweight profile.
• CE EN14021 Stone Shield certification of front plate for proven protection from roost and other lofted debris
• Flexible D3O back insert exceeds CE EN1621 Level 1 for impact absorption
Scott Soldier Ghost Knee Guards
Powered by the D30® Ghost pad, the SCOTT Soldier Ghost Knee Guard is extremely lightweight and offers a breathable construction. This is Scott’s most comfortable knee guard offering Certified Level 1 protection.
• Ergonomic, ventilated, and flexible D3O® Ghost pad
• Stretch fabric sleeve main body with pre-curved chassis
• Extremely lightweight construction
• Strapless construction with silicone printing retaining system
• Removable D3O® pads for washing
Powered by the D30® Ghost pad, the SCOTT Soldier Ghost Knee Guard is extremely lightweight and offers a breathable construction. This is Scott’s most comfortable knee guard offering Certified Level 1 protection.
• Ergonomic, ventilated, and flexible D3O® Ghost pad
• Stretch fabric sleeve main body with pre-curved chassis
• Extremely lightweight construction
• Strapless construction with silicone printing retaining system
• Removable D3O® pads for washing
Raceface Ambush Elbow Guard
Shock-absorbing impact protection. The Race Face Ambush Elbow Guards are made with D30™ high-performance shock-absorbing foam, which offers DH levels of protection yet is still comfortable enough for all-day trail adventures. The perforated neoprene sleeve, with terry lining, offers enhanced venting and moisture control. Rubber grab tabs make it easy to secure the Ambush arm pads in place, even when wearing gloves.
• D3O® high-performance shock-absorbing foam
• Perforated Neoprene enhances venting and moisture control
• Terry lined for wicking and comfort
• Soft mesh panel at inner elbow to keep cool
• Woven upper elastic strap and lower Neoprene comfort strap
• Branded rubber grab tabs
Shock-absorbing impact protection. The Race Face Ambush Elbow Guards are made with D30™ high-performance shock-absorbing foam, which offers DH levels of protection yet is still comfortable enough for all-day trail adventures. The perforated neoprene sleeve, with terry lining, offers enhanced venting and moisture control. Rubber grab tabs make it easy to secure the Ambush arm pads in place, even when wearing gloves.
• D3O® high-performance shock-absorbing foam
• Perforated Neoprene enhances venting and moisture control
• Terry lined for wicking and comfort
• Soft mesh panel at inner elbow to keep cool
• Woven upper elastic strap and lower Neoprene comfort strap
• Branded rubber grab tabs
D3O’s unique properties have allowed brands to unlock their full development potential and develop protective gear that is both comfortable and safe at the same time - something that was previously nearly impossible to achieve. Traditional foam pads are typically heavier, less flexible, less vented, less ergonomic, and less protective than D3O. In contrast, D3O-equipped gear is designed to be more lightweight, flexible, and thin, providing greater freedom of movement while still offering the world’s best impact protection. D3O is currently being implemented in many applications in the bike world; from knee pads, elbow pads, back protection, footwear, and more. D3O mountain bike impact protection is offered in two CE (Conformité Européene or “European Conformity” for all English speakers) levels, Level 1 and Level 2. You can choose the right level of protection depending on the type of riding you're doing, as well as taking into consideration the technical features you prefer to have while riding. Level 1 is great for most light trail riding, whereas Level 2 is better suited for downhill and enduro.
The Future of D3O
While we have been focused on building innovative MTB protection ingredients for some of the biggest brands in the bike world, we’re certainly not stopping there. D3O is now being incorporated directly into clothing that virtually disappears until you need it. Keep an eye out for even more innovation in the future as we explore what D3O can do to improve your ride experience in new ways.
If you’re looking to learn more, visit D3O.com, or any of our amazing partners below.
Fox Racing
Troy Lee Designs
Pearl Izumi
Ride Concepts
Specialized
Akta
Thor
Decathlon
Scott Sports
Endura
Canyon
SixSixOne
Met
Giro
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Member since May 4, 2023
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