Taking up mountain biking requires a bit more protection than your standard bike helmet. Sure, if you are a beginner to the sport, then you will probably be fine with just a helmet for now.
But once you graduate from the beginner tracks, you will definitely want to invest in some quality mtb elbow and knee pads. I have a buddy who was on a trail and got pitched over the handlebars of his mtb and he ended up fracturing both elbows all because he thought he was too cool for elbow pads!
You do NOT want that to happen to you. So, let me share my favorite mtb protection gear with you.
Best MTB Knee Pads For The Money
If you have ever jacked up your knee taking part in some sports or other activity, then you know how painful that can be. And one wrong fall off of your bike can have you crashing your knee into a tree or rock. That is where a great pair of knees pads becomes necessary. And my favorite option is the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard.
These are really great because the fabric stretches with you to allow for easy movement, but the protective part stays in place over your knee. That is what is so great about the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard – it functions as soft armor while you are riding but transitions to hard armor upon impact. So, you get maximum protection and maximum comfort. It is the best of both worlds.
If you are comparing the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard vs the Fox Launch Pro knees pads, then it comes down to this:
- the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard is about double the cost of the Fox Launch Pro
- the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard is WAY more comfortable than the Fox Launch Pro
- the Fox Launch Pro pads are much bulkier
- the Fox Launch Pro sizes run on the small side
- if you are in-between sizes on the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard, you may experience chafing
There is no denying that the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard is a superior choice over the Fox Launch Pro. So, if you can afford them, definitely go with these. Otherwise, go with the Fox Launch Pro but know that you’re not getting the best value for the money with the Fox model.
Best MTB Elbow Pads For The Money
Though wearing elbow pads can make you extra sweaty, especially when it is hot outside, it is still important to get yourself a pair. Otherwise, you might end up with two broken elbows like my buddy Mike. For the money, I think the best mtb elbow pads you can get is the POC Joint VPD Elbow Body Armor set.
Like the knee pads up above, these are simply the best mtb elbow pads for the money based on my comparison shopping. They are made of the same material that works as soft armor until impact and then it works as hard armor.
You get a good, natural range of motion with these pads. And most importantly, they do not overheat you. In fact, you will likely forget that you’re even wearing them after 10 minutes or so of riding in the heat.
Also note that when you order, you get a set of two pads – just wanted to point that out as the picture makes it look like just the one. But it is, in fact, a pair of elbow pads for the price.
Roni Shechter
1. if the head line of this review was just “Best MTB Elbow Pads” without the addional “For The Money”, what wasthen your choice?
2. doos the POC elbow guard design to prevent\minimize\absorb the impact to shoulder when you land on your elbow? does any elbow guard design to do that?
thank you