Armour and Pads

MTB Armour and Pads Buying Guide

Protection you'll actually wear is better than protection sitting at home. The biggest advancement in MTB armour over the last decade isn't the impact materials — it's the comfort. Modern pads are thin, flexible and breathable enough to pedal in without overheating or restricting movement.

Pedal-Friendly vs DH Protection

Pedal-friendly pads (G-Form Pro-X3, POC VPD Air, Race Face Indy) are soft and flexible when riding, stiffening on impact. They're light enough to wear on every trail ride without noticing. DH pads (Fox Launch, Leatt Dual Axis, Dainese Trail Skins Pro) use harder shells and thicker foam — more protection but hotter and more restrictive. Choose based on how much of your ride is climbing vs descending. If you're pedalling to the top, go pedal-friendly. If you're shuttling or riding a bike park, go DH-rated.

What to Protect

Knees are the most commonly injured joint in MTB crashes — knee pads should be your first purchase after a helmet. Elbows are next — elbow pads prevent the kind of cuts and bruises that stop you riding for weeks. Back protectors and body armour jackets are worth considering for DH, bike parks and anyone recovering from a previous back injury. Full pressure suits are DH racing and big mountain kit.

Fit and Retention

Pads must stay in place during a crash — a pad that slides down your leg on impact is worse than useless because you relied on it. Slip-on sleeves (most modern knee and elbow pads) stay put better than strap-on designs. Try riding in them before committing — the pads should feel secure when you pedal, crouch and extend your legs through full range of motion. Most brands run true to size but POC and Dainese tend to run small.