Great for lift service but probably wouldn’t want them for trail riding. Too bulky.
But they stay in place, which is awesome. The velcro straps don’t velcro in the right place though. Wanted to pull the straps tighter but raan out of hoook and loop connection.
The hardshell outer looks intimidating, as though the guards would be rigid and uncomfortable. That ended up not being the case at all.
Price: $140
Rating: ★★★★★
What I like: They stay put! Hard cap is removable so you can use these for trail-oriented rides too.
What I’d change: Would like more adjustability in the Velcro straps.
My call: The Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards are hands down the best knee protection I have worn in the last several years. They stay in place, they offer D30 protection, and the removable hardshell cap makes them versatile enough to use on the lifts or for trail rides.
Fox Launch Pro D30 knee guards: construction
The Launch Pro D30 knee guards feature a multi-layer construction that staarts with a perforated AriaPrene neoprene to allow some breathability. The back of the guards are also moisture-wicking in an effort to keep you cool on hot days.
The really interesting stuff is happening up front, though. The Launch Pro D30 guards have a layer of — you guessed it — D30 over your knee. This odd material conforms to your body, but as soon as it encounters an impact, it firms up immediately to act as solid protection.
That would be more than enough protection for most riders. But the outermost layer of the Launch Pro D30 guards adds even more impact protection with a removable hard shell. It’s mated to the guards via Velcro and pulls off in seconds. That means you can use the Launch Pro D30 Guards as your DH/Enduro pads, as well as your Trail/Downcountry pads.
To snug them up around your legs, Fox provides two Velcro straps — one above the knee and one below.
Riding the Launch Pro D30 guards at Trestle Bike Park
I spent a good bit of time with the Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards on the lift service trails at Trestle Bike Park in Winter Park, Colorado. By high country standards, it was a damn hot day. The Launch Pros were certainly noticeably more breathable than some other knee guards I’ve tested, though I wouldn’t say they’re airy. You’re still going to sweat.
The fit, however, it excellent. These are perhaps the first pair of knee guards I haven’t had to yank up mid-run. They stay firmly in place for quite a long time, though I did finally need to do an adjustment when we stopped for lunch.
That’s impressive. For starters, I was worried I would have problems with the Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards because the Velcro straps above and below the knee did not allow me to pull the straps as tightly as I wanted. the hook and loop materials didn’t mate once I pulled the straps where I would have otherwise put them. So I figured as soon as I started rolling over the stupid brake ruts everywhere at Trestle, the pads would creep down.
But the Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards stayed mostly in place for several hours. Even when I did pull them up at lunch time, it wasn’t a dramatic tug. These knee guards hang out exactly where they’re supposed to be.
I was also worried the hardshell cap would feel ungainly. But that turned out to be an unfounded worry. There is some give to the ‘hardness’ of the shell, so this too moves a bit with your body.
Final Word
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t like wearing knee guards at all. They tend to chafe my legs, they’re annoying in general, and every pair I’ve ever tested creep down far too quickly to be anything more than a nuisance. But the Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards are actually pretty comfortable, they stay in place, and darn it, they didn’t chafe me at all. While I would like a bit more adjustability in the Velcro straps, the Launch Pro D30 Knee Guards come close to perfect for enduro/DH riding, as well as trail riding.