Knee Guards - Any 'Modern' Version That Doesn't Hammer Your Knees?

SonofThor32
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Corryton, TN US
Edited Date/Time 10/17/2021 11:07am
I am just getting back into moto after a 27 year hiatus. My bike ('22 FC350) is awesome, I am being smart about all of the gear I am getting (6D, Tech 10s, etc.). I am aware that knee braces are where it is at for knee protection, and I may get there, but not just yet which leads me to my question please.

Is there a knee guard/pad that functions well, but is ultra comfortable for folks that squeeze the shit out of their bikes? I am pretty fit for a 47 year old dude, but my hands have massive issues (carpal tunnel I am sure), so I am relying on my knees more than I would like. I have tried Alpinestars 'basic' knee pads, but they would not stay put, so I purchased Leatt Dual Axis knee pads which offer a lot of protection, a little lateral protection even. They are comfortable enough just walking around, but after 3 hours of riding, my knees are like hamburger (tried twice to make sure it was not a fluke). The backside of my knees are raw, and the inside where you squeeze is all bruised from the hardware at the pivot point which is also where you squeeze the bike with your knees. So it is like having a bolt with a little padding between your knee and the bike. I like the idea of the extra protection over a basic knee pad, but need something that is not going to punish me for squeezing my bike.

I am not a big guy, 5'7", 155 lbs, with skinny runner legs if that helps. Any hands-on advice is appreciated fellas!!
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tobz
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9/27/2021 4:10pm
Thor force XP guards are great, I’ve been through 2 pairs in roughly 8 years
1
captmoto
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Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
9/27/2021 5:07pm
I use the Leatt Dual Axis knee/shin guard. They're pretty comfortable. YMMV. You need to get to a shop that has a selection to try on.
2
kijen
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Jacksonville, FL US
9/27/2021 5:10pm
Im using the newer version of the tp 199, have about 10 rides in them, been comfortable for my ride days.
5
crowe660
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9/27/2021 5:31pm Edited Date/Time 9/27/2021 5:32pm
I’ve been running the fairly standard Fox Titan “Race” knee/shin guards for years with zero issues. My next set will be the tp199 pads if I ever decide to try something different.
2

The Shop

SonofThor32
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9/27/2021 5:44pm
Yeti831 wrote:
EVS TP199 and don’t look back.
Thanks fellas, you are making this easy for me.
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Yeti831
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UT US
9/27/2021 6:50pm
Yeti831 wrote:
EVS TP199 and don’t look back.
Thanks fellas, you are making this easy for me.
A caveat to that advice:

1) unless you have big boy legs, get the small/medium. I got the large/Xl and I max the straps out. Want them tighter but they still don’t shift around

2) just get the version with the shin guards. I thought I was fine without them until my pro pegs ate my shin on a tip over

This is literally the only knee protection I’ve ever felt comfortable in. With full length brace socks, you don’t know you’re wearing them until you’re off the bike.
2
Titan1
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Lehi, UT US
9/27/2021 6:53pm
I’ve used lots of different guards…my next set with be the TP199’s…
1
DaBaum44
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9/27/2021 7:06pm
I've worn Thor Force XP guards for a few years and switched to the Leatt Dual Axis. The Leatt's are a big improvement in my opinion and much more comfortable than Thor. Considering that you've already tried the Leatt's, my next stop would be the EVS TP199.
2
TbonesPop
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9/27/2021 10:06pm
I used to wear some Mountain bike knee pads from POC. Super comfortable and helped me grip the bike great. Good protection as they were designed for MTB. I wear knee braces now after a serious hyper extension knee injury (don't want to go through that ever again - BTW I did that when I was 46). If you don't get the TP 199s I'd look at some quality MTB knee protection.

As for rubbing, get some knee brace sleeves to protect the skin from getting raw. Leatt makes some good ones.
2
Yeti831
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9/27/2021 10:24pm
TbonesPop wrote:
I used to wear some Mountain bike knee pads from POC. Super comfortable and helped me grip the bike great. Good protection as they were designed...
I used to wear some Mountain bike knee pads from POC. Super comfortable and helped me grip the bike great. Good protection as they were designed for MTB. I wear knee braces now after a serious hyper extension knee injury (don't want to go through that ever again - BTW I did that when I was 46). If you don't get the TP 199s I'd look at some quality MTB knee protection.

As for rubbing, get some knee brace sleeves to protect the skin from getting raw. Leatt makes some good ones.
+1 on the Leatt leg sleeves, what I use as well. They breathe great and stay put.
wydopen
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9/28/2021 4:45am
Tp199’s way better than the pod mx braces I used to wear
1
kNewc
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9/28/2021 4:46am
I've been wearing the 2 strap knee guards that they all make (currently wearing O'Neal version) for years now. They are really comfortable.
2
McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
9/28/2021 5:02am
One more vote for the TP199's. I have both the shorter ones and the longer and haven't decided which I prefer yet. I'd wear the longer ones all the time but it's a little tough to buckle my boots because I got pretty jumbo calves.
1
cloverdale
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Zionsville, IN US
9/28/2021 6:26am
Two things: First, like mentioned above the TP199's (short or std) are so good they could arguably be called a hybrid! I even feel they give me leg support while trials riding. Second, if you go with a "run of the mill " knee guard you may want to consider also using sleeves (like riders use for knee braces). It will keep the back side of your knee from chafing.
1
9/28/2021 6:32am Edited Date/Time 9/28/2021 6:33am
For just friction issues with hardware would agree with all the recommendations to try a sleeve under the guard. Makes a big difference.
1
Motoxdoc
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9/28/2021 8:56am
Kind of on subject…I dug these out of my attic after 35 years! My 1st generation CTi’s, circa 1984


4
murph783
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9/28/2021 12:39pm
So I’d definitely try knee sleeves, you can get some with a little cushion to em and it helps.

I use TP199’s and it could just be overthinking it cause it’s not what I’m used to, but the lack of any hard plastic protection is worrying to me
Frodad78
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TX US
9/28/2021 12:48pm
murph783 wrote:
So I’d definitely try knee sleeves, you can get some with a little cushion to em and it helps. I use TP199’s and it could just...
So I’d definitely try knee sleeves, you can get some with a little cushion to em and it helps.

I use TP199’s and it could just be overthinking it cause it’s not what I’m used to, but the lack of any hard plastic protection is worrying to me
did you get the Lite version?

My TP199's have a hard knee cup and shin area.
murph783
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9/28/2021 1:44pm
murph783 wrote:
So I’d definitely try knee sleeves, you can get some with a little cushion to em and it helps. I use TP199’s and it could just...
So I’d definitely try knee sleeves, you can get some with a little cushion to em and it helps.

I use TP199’s and it could just be overthinking it cause it’s not what I’m used to, but the lack of any hard plastic protection is worrying to me
Frodad78 wrote:
did you get the Lite version?

My TP199's have a hard knee cup and shin area.
Very possibly. That isn’t what I ordered, but it’s certainly what I got. It’s got like a hard-ish foam pad. Full length ones, I thought the lite was just the short one
Leeham
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9/28/2021 1:55pm
I had Leatt X-Frame Knee braces. They were okay. Went to TP 199 knee guards. Those are the best as others have said.
Titan1
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9/28/2021 2:57pm
I’ve been running knee pads for years…all different brands and models…and I’ve been running these under them for a long time with no chaffing at all:


1
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wydopen
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9/28/2021 3:21pm
Frodad78 wrote:
did you get the Lite version?

My TP199's have a hard knee cup and shin area.
They are that d30 foam or whatever its called..hardens up under impact..neither version has a hard knee or shin like an old school pair of knee guards
1
big.dos
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AU
9/28/2021 3:24pm
Highly recommend the 100% TERATEC PLUS. They're a MTB pad, but the combination of a large silicone gripper strip, D30 knee cup and pre curved chassis is difficult to beat in my mind for all day comfort.
wrc777
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9/29/2021 5:48am
I have the Leatt 3df 6.0 and they fit me a lot better than the TP199 lites. Neither has much protection for the side of the knee but they do let you grip the bike well.

I also have the newer Astar SX-1 but I seem to get joint pain if I wear them much, and they make the bike feel wider. I am not sure if going down a size would help but I don't want to spend $100 to find out. They definitely have the side impact protection I am after and air flows right through them if you have a hot weather pant on.
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sandtrack315
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Philadelphia, PA US
9/29/2021 5:58am
wrc777 wrote:
I have the Leatt 3df 6.0 and they fit me a lot better than the TP199 lites. Neither has much protection for the side of the...
I have the Leatt 3df 6.0 and they fit me a lot better than the TP199 lites. Neither has much protection for the side of the knee but they do let you grip the bike well.

I also have the newer Astar SX-1 but I seem to get joint pain if I wear them much, and they make the bike feel wider. I am not sure if going down a size would help but I don't want to spend $100 to find out. They definitely have the side impact protection I am after and air flows right through them if you have a hot weather pant on.

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