Knee pads are a necessary piece of gear for any MTB rider and offer protection secondary only to helmets. They range from the lightest, least protective cross country knee sleeves (also known as knee guards) to full-on trail and enduro pads with Level 2 protection to protect the kneecap, knee, shin, and tibia. Our knee pad review covers all the options and helps riders decide which option is best for them.
Dakine has a good pair of trail/enduro-oriented pads in the Slayer line that are comfortable enough for all-day rides and provide actual knee protection when you go a bit too far into that drop or jump. They’re lightweight, breathable, and feature foam padding that conforms to the shape of your knee for a snug fit. They also feature a strip of silicone inside the upper elastic cuff to keep them from sliding down during rides and help reduce bunching. The Slayer pads are also equipped with Polygiene odor control to prevent them from getting stinky after long rides.
The D30 impact foam in the Slayer series is stiffer than other brands’ more flexible materials and allows them to better conform to the shape of your knees for a custom feel. They’re a little heavier than some of the lighter pads on test but they offer great protection and, at the price point, are a really sensible option for most riders.
