MXA TEAM TESTED: LEATT 3DF HYBRID EXT KNEE GUARDS

WHAT IS IT? Leatt entered the motocross market with its innovative neck brace and has since developed into a company that makes protective motocross gear from head to toe. Leatt offers chest protectors, padded body protectors, padded underwear, elbow pads, knee braces and knee guards. The 3DF Hybrid EXT knee guards are designed to provide knee and shin protection for motocross and mountain biking. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $129.99.

CONTACT? www.leatt.com or (661) 287-9258.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT knee guards.

(1) History. Knee guards have evolved from quilted cotton pads to plastic cups to slip-in plastic knee pads to exotic carbon fiber knee braces; however, lately, the less-exotic knee guard market has taken a major step forward, and motocross racers have mountain bikers to thank for that. Mountain bikers can’t afford to have their knee guards slide down their bare legs as they pedal. To this end, mountain bikers pioneered modern knee guards that stay put.

(2) Concept. The Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT knee pads have a slim profile that doesn’t slide down thanks to a neoprene sleeve combined with a silicone-lined anti-slip calf band that keeps the guards in position. The term “3DF” relates to the 3D-printed impact foam that’s used for the knee cup. Hybrid refers to the combination of soft foam and a hard outer shell. EXT refers to the extended shin protection below the rider’s knee. 

(3) Fit. The Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT knee guards uses three straps to customize the fit. To put the 3DF Hybrid EXT guards on, you have to slide your leg through the thigh and calf bands. The elastic bands help the knee guards stay in place but do complicate putting them on. 

(4) Knee braces. When it comes to knee protection, there are two options in motocross—knee pads or knee braces. Knee braces are for riders with knee injuries or a desire to avoid serious knee issues. They “brace” your legs for impact and ensure your knee doesn’t extend too far in any direction. The downsides are that knee braces are expensive and sometimes uncomfortable. 

(5) Knee guards. The Leatt Hybrid knee pads don’t protect against ACL/MCL injuries, but they do a good job of protecting your knees and shins from roost, handlebars and the ground. The knee cup is made from a soft 3DF impact foam, but it still offers adequate protection because the knee cup is hard enough to make you think it’s made of strong plastic. With full-length motocross boots, an old-fashioned hard-shell shin guard isn’t as necessary. 

(6) Options. The Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT knee guards are available in three different colors: black, black/white and flint grey. They also come in three sizes: S/M, L/XL and XXL.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? Two quibbles. (1) The middle strap could be a little tighter. Our issue wasn’t with tightening the strap enough but with the end of the Velcro strap sticking out. Sometimes it would catch on the lining of our motocross pants. (2) Although the design is relatively breathable, anything positioned under motocross boots and pants won’t be getting much airflow.

MXA RATING: The Leatt knee guards are exceptional. With most knee guards, our test riders are constantly monitoring their position and pulling them back up when they slip. The Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT guards stuck to our knees through almost any circumstance. Plus, they are comfortable and don’t hinder movement. If you’re not in the market for knee braces but are looking for the next best option, the Leatt 3DF Hybrid EXT knee guards are designed for you.