iXS's new Trigger knee pads are aimed at riders who are looking for a little extra protection without crossing all the way over into the extra-burly downhill realm – something that's pedalable, but can still help reduce the reprecussions of a solid hit. The design is similar to iXS's popular Carve model, but the Trigger has an additional hard plastic section that's sewn to the outside in the mid-shin area.
The bulk of the pad's protective properties comes from an Xmatter foam insert that's designed to be flexible when pedaling, and then harden up upon impact. There's also non-viscoelastic foam on each side and the very top of the pad. Two velcro straps help adjust the fit, and the back panel is constructed from a mesh fabric for extra breathability.
iXS Trigger Details• XMatter padding
• Asymmetrical design
• Silicone gripper on upper cuff
• Sizes: S-XXL
• Weight: 540 grams (med)
• EN1621-1:2012 certified
• $139.95 USD
•
bike.ixs.com Available in size S-XXL, the Trigger knee pads retail for $139.99 USD.
PerformanceThe Trigger knee pads do look big and a little bulky, especially sitting on a shelf next to more minimalist models, but they're much more form fitting I'd expected, and the overall profile is slim enough that they can fit under most downhill pants without any trouble. They're also nice and comfortable when pedaling – I didn't experience any chafing or hot spots, and they remain surprisingly cool considering how much coverage they offer. You'll obviously still sweat more than if you weren't wearing knee pads at all, but the fabric and the cutouts in the Xmatter foam do allow for a decent amount of ventilation.
I took a massive slam while wearing these pads, a crash that involved getting thrown from my bike and into a jumble of extra sharp rocks. My helmet was destroyed, the dropper post lever looked like it'd been run over by a truck, and I had a new collection of deep cuts on my arm and ankle that were in need of some immediate attention. My knees? Unscathed, despite the fact that a good portion of the impact was delivered to my left knee. The fabric on that pad was ripped, and the layer of hard plastic had some nice skid marks, but that was it. Ideally, the fabric wouldn't have ripped, but these rocks were about as sharp as it gets, veritable stone razor blades.
The fact that my knees didn't even get cut or bruised at all counts as a win in my book, although I think that the next step for iXS should be to put a layer of plastic on the center of the knee. After all, that spot's more likely to hit the ground than the shin area, at least in my experience, and the plastic would help keep them from sticking and ripping on rocks. I'd also like to see the upper cuff extended a little further, something I mentioned when I reviewed
iXS's Flow knee pads. Just another inch or two of material would prevent any unwanted skin exposure, and keep them even more securely in place, although they didn't slip at all during my rock garden tumble.
Pinkbike's Take | The Trigger knee guards are comfortable and effective, no matter if you're out on a trail ride or knocking out laps in the bike park. A layer of plastic over the knee cap would take them to the next level, but as it is they're a very worthy option. — Mike Kazimer |
www.jensonusa.com/Fox-Launch-Sport-Knee-Guard
That said I have also owned a pair of the Fox Launch pads and while they lack in style they still provide protection and do it at a reasonable price if you do not want to spend the extra $$$.
What's a knee guard that provides proper downhill mtb protection without feeling like you're wearing ice hockey gear? I need some new ones like these Trigger knee/shin combo and the only similar products I've found are the Race Face Flank Leg and the 7 Intelligent Design Flex w/ shin but those wear developed like 5 years ago and I'm wondering if these IXS Trigger's are more efficient?
Does anybody have experience with those, or other recommendations? Please share more opinions regarding protective equipment here.
I've heard great things about the Amplifi Cortex but I can't find them in Canada.
Mike Kazimer gets the next new thing every couple of weeks.
I've been using my pads for around 2 years now. I got a small tear early on in the back of my pad and sewed it up no problem. The sew job has lasted this whole time. Also, I wear them every ride.
If I were riding DH I'd get plastic pads that can skip and won't tear, but at normal trail speeds I haven't had any issues.
You can even buy the caps if they are used up.
The article from Enduro-MTB is from a while ago so I need to read it again, but I do recall being confused by that particular claim. Sure the viscoelastic material may be better at absorbing straight impacts but are these the kind of impacts we see most in mountainbiking and which are the most harmful, or are oblique impacts actually more harmful? And also, if this material really is that great, why wouldn't they also use it in the top end hard shell covered pads? That would be the best of both worlds. Considering the kind of money we're willing for protection these days, I'm sure there will be a market for it.
And they are really comfortable- not like real hard shell protectors
Ive got Scott Grenade- they are bit hot but atleast really sturdy and safe... My Dainese Trailskin on the other hand are way less safe but more comfortable.
I totally agree the Dagger pads are super comfortable and offer great protection but sales wise we sell way more soft pads because of the comfort factor.
My kid has the IXS knee pads (like these in the pic), they work well but the X-Matter seems really firm. They've definitely protected him (his G-Forms sucked) tho the material wears on the back of his legs.
I replaced them with TLD Raid Knee pads (114$) which are similar to the iXS pads (flexible but dense foam). I am not looking forward to reviewing them, but so far they are noticeably lower profile and slightly more comfortable than the Launch Pros. For the money (60$) the Launch Pros were great, but I will not miss their bulkiness.
Our X-Matter works a little differently than D3O but honestly I think design is what makes the most difference. If the pad doesn't move on falls it will protect best, if it moves on a fall, it doesn't matter what you got it will fail it's job of protecting you. Our pads do a nice job of staying in place in crashes.
I still think plastic pads protect better, but as you know everyone wants the soft pads.
Good thing, also, is more people are wearing protection which is making our sport more fun for the beginner coming in, less worry of shredding themselves.
www.d3o.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/D3O-Consumer-Care-Instructions.pdf