Leatt's 3DF 6.0 pads surprised me when I rode in them because, despite their bulky protection, they remained comfortable on all but the longest of rides (where a sock-style lighter pad usually wins out).
A single main pad is backed up with a pair of harder, yet still flexible, outer skid panels, as well as inner and outer protection panels that extend up to the lower thigh. This makes them some of the more protective pads out there that don’t have full shin protection.
The padding has numerous articulation points, helping the pad bend and flex with your leg, so it never feels overly restrictive to pedalling.
The sock extends fairly well up the thigh and has both a silicone strip and a Velcro strap to keep it in place – and they do this job well, with no noticeable (or at least frustratingly frequent) readjustment needed. Lower down there’s a simple elasticated hem to hold the lower up.
The interior material feels good against the skin, being soft and fairly quick drying. The medium-sized cut away at the back means there’s no bunching while you’re pedalling on climbs or flatter trails. It also helps prevent the pad’s sides flaring out as you bend your knee, meaning the padding is where it needs to be pretty much all of the time.
It’s still a fairly big pad, so is warm, but I was happier wearing it on longer rides than some of the other more protective pads I've tested recently. The cut-out at the back certainly helps with the air flow around the knee.
Product
Brand | leatt |
Price | 154.00 AUD,100.00 EUR,87.00 GBP,100.00 USD |
Features
Features | Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XL Protection: 3DF Colours: Fuel/Black, White/Black, Black |