Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard review

The Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard is a mid-weight knee pad, featuring a D30 pad, and Lycra and mesh sock.

With a breezy construction and flexible pad, it has proved a comfortable companion on long days out and short shreds alike.

The pad conforms to the CE level 1 protection standard, which is less protective than heavier CE level 2 pads. It's aimed at trail riders rather than enduro and downhill (DH).

Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard construction

The Lycra and mesh-based sock extends high up the thigh, with a silicone gripper running along the elasticated opening.

A shaped D30 pad cups the knee, and is held in a Cordura outer sleeve, while inside there’s softer, smoother material. Additional sections of TPU material add scuff protection to the construction of the pad, while mesh over the pad itself further aids ventilation.

Thinner, dense foam pads are located at the edges of the main pad to offer further protection.

At the back, there’s more mesh to keep the air flowing and a Velcro-adjustable strap, which sits over the top of the calf muscle, to keep the pad in place.

Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard performance

The combination of the high sock, which sits under the lower hem of liner shorts, silicone grippers and over-calf strap meant the pad never needed readjustment during long days on the bike.

The pad stays in place, without pulling or causing discomfort, and there’s ample stretch so there’s no awkward tugging or additional tightness as your leg goes through the pedalling motions.

The cupped shape of the knee pad proved comfortable, too. There was no annoying gap as I pedalled and no rubbing, suggesting the fit was good.

I felt the sizing of the Medium pad I tested was correct, too.

There was no rubbing further down the shin either – something I’ve found with similar-shaped pads in the past.

The pad is well vented, with plenty of mesh material at the back and smaller ventilation holes at the front. I wore them comfortably during long, hot days in the hills.

I’d rate these as comfortable pads, however I would recommend making sure you get their position sorted before a long pedal.

There is a seam across the back of the knee, bordering a stretch panel, that if placed wrong may irritate the back of your knee.

However, with the pad in the right place, it wasn’t an issue.

Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Guard bottom line

The Elevate is a comfortable, well-vented knee pad that I was more than happy using on back-to-back, all-day rides in very high temperatures.

Sizing is accurate and the fit is good. It stays in place well, but getting it in the right position is important to ensure it feels comfortable.