Pearl Izumi’s Summit knee guards weigh only 203g (per pair, medium) and cost £76.50, yet boast a level one EN1612-1 impact certification from their D3O pad.
Made from four-way stretch Cordura, the front-facing knee pad panel is claimed to be hard-wearing, while the back panel is made from a breathable mesh fabric.
The sleeve design extends high up the thigh and down the shin, and both the upper and lower hems have silicone beading to help keep them in place. Flatlock seams feature throughout to boost comfort.
Pearl Izumi says the Summit pads are designed to provide all-day, pedal-friendly comfort for trail riders.
Offered in sizes from extra-small to extra-large, the Summits should cater for most body shapes.
Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guards performance
With a snug but not overly tight fit, the Summits stay in place, regardless of whether you’re pedalling intensely or descending over rocky terrain.
Without restricting leg movement or knee articulation, they fit brilliantly, conforming convincingly to the shape of your legs.
The one-piece rear mesh fabric prevents any bunching or rucking up and a lack of angled seams eradicates pinch points or hot spots; all-day comfort is one of their best features.
Unlike some knee pads, they don’t lift off your shins or fall down your thighs, and the lower-shin hem silicone grippers and slight elasticity keep them from bunching into the back of your knee.
Internally, they’re not soft against your skin, but they are smooth. This gives them a premium feel and reduces the chances of sore spots from rubbing. Externally, their smooth surface means they don’t snag or catch on shorts or trousers.
For their overall size and impressively low weight, the level of protection is good. Extending from knee to shin, you feel shielded against rock and pedal strikes.
There is a lack of side protection, but this is no worse than other comparable pads; a few extra sections of side padding would be a nice bonus but isn't essential.
This all culminates in a fit-and-forget, adjustment-free package, with the pads fading into the background on long days in the saddle, feeling exceptionally comfortable. Trail and enduro riders alike will appreciate the Summits.
How we tested | MTB knee guards
Alex tested the pads back-to-back and wore them asymmetrically between brands, left-to-right, to highlight each model's differences.
He went out on long rides to test for all-day pedalling comfort, and pushed himself on high-tempo rides to see how they performed when they were sweaty and wet.
He scuffed them and put them through the wash multiple times to see how well they lasted. Unfortunately, he couldn’t intentionally crash-test them; we’ve just got to take the manufacturer’s protection rating at face value.
Knee guards on test
- Bluegrass Aura
- Fox Launch Elite
- G-Form Mesa MTB Knee Guards
- Endura MT500 D3O Ghost Knee
- Pearl Izumi Summit
- POC VPD Air Flow Knee
- Race Face Indy Knee
- Scott Soldier Knee Guard
- Troy Lee Designs T-Bone
Pearl Izumi Summit Knee Guards bottom line
Pearl Izumi's Summit pads offer an impressive fit with great attention to detail where it counts.
They don’t move when descending, lift or ride up when pedalling, and feel comfortable on long days in the saddle.
Compromising some side protection for their impressive low weight is acceptable, but at 203g a pair Pearl Izumi could have added side pads without gaining too many grams.
Product
| Brand | pearl_izumi |
| Price | 115.00 AUD,85.00 EUR,77.00 GBP,85.00 USD |
| Weight | 203.0000, GRAM (M) - per pair |
Features
| Features | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Colours: Black Cerified to: EN1612-1 protection rated LEVEL 1 |
