Vented, high-impact, injection-molded plastic over perforated EVA padding make the RockGardn AirFrame Knee/Shin and Elbow/Forearm guards the choice for lightweight, cool protection. Available in S, M, and L.
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from oakland, ca Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Morning Glory
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Light, comfortable when positioned right
Weaknesses:
after 3 pedal rotations they have slipped down where they offer little protection. Straps are WAY to long, and do not provide a good fit at all. Very uncomfortable after the knee guard slips down below my knee (happens EVERY time). piece of cloth between knee guard and upper velcro strap ripped on both.
Bike Setup:
santa crus super 8, super t
Bottom Line:
These pads seemed great when i was starting to downhill, and used them maybe two or three times a season. Now that i use them 2-3 times a week for the past few months i reealize they have major faults and are not comfotable to wear. Since i can remember, they have never stayed in place, and have always slipped down offering no protection and making it uncomfortable to wear. I will not buy anymore rockgardn products becasue of the low quality and horrible design of these pads
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Submitted by
Dave Humeston
a Downhiller
from Pine Plains Date Reviewed: November 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything on Whiteface
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
eBay/Cambria Bike
Strengths:
Excellent fit, comfortable, stays in place.
Weaknesses:
Would be nice if they wrapped around to protect me from my damn peddles...
This is the first set of knee/shin guards I have ever used and I found them quite comfy and they did not interfere with peddling, walking or crashing. I think they took two or three direct hits this year (I don't crash as much as I used to) and they did the job very well. I got them to protect the custom metalwork in my right tib/fib. I've looked at other manufacturers and the biggest complaint I saw was slippage. These seemed to stay put on me and get the job done.
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Submitted by
Nige
a
from Westwood, MA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lowell Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
do not shift much during pedalling, comfortable, durable, they protect you, bargain price.
Weaknesses:
get warm, still not crazy on colour
Bike Setup:
Jekyll with SRAM ESP 9.0 drivechain
Bottom Line:
A year on using these pads..... terrific. Very comfortable (though do get warm in warmer weather) but overall they work excellently for the XC I do. Curious to see the previous review -I do not find the shin strap to be too long at all -just goes to show horses for course I suppose. I definitely don't have a problem with them shifting too much either. At the end of 45 mins riding, they might only have moved a centimetre if that. Maybe the difference in reviews here is to do with finding the right size for you?
Highly recommended for XC work.
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Submitted by
conrad
a Downhiller
from San Diego Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
DH trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
None, well... at least you think you're protected.
Weaknesses:
Slip and slide constantly. Knee strap? What knee strap, oh a little stretchy piece of spandex with velcro. Shin strap? Oh, it's about to feet long. Worst design ever.
Similar Products Used:
Roach Rally FR
Bike Setup:
vpfre, 888
Bottom Line:
Do yourself and your knee/shins a favor and don't buy these pads. These pads constantly slip and slide while riding. If you crash, forget about it, this things will not save you. I've got the scars to prove it. The worst pads EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I only wish I could give them zero flamin chilis.
Get Roach Rally FR pads. Yeah there exspensive, but put a price on your skin and ride time.
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Submitted by
Nige
a Weekend Warrior
from Westwood,MA Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lowell Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
cheap, light, stay in place
Weaknesses:
colour?
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
C'dale Jekyll
Bottom Line:
After a really nasty kneecapping experience, I thought it was a good idea to get some knee pads. I looked hard at reviews on this site, and eventually found some Rockgardn pads on ebay from CambriaBike for $27.
Usually I don't think it's a good idea to review products when you haven't used them much, but I was moved to review these. I'm so pleased with them -nicely designed, the plastic shells seem hardy enough, and most importantly they stay in place -possibly only slipping a 1/4 to 1/2 inch after 30 mins peddling. I even forget I'm wearing them when I do my gentle xc riding. I haven't crashed hard with them, so I am assuming the pads give decent protection (which look as though they would -and they stay in place). I would review these pads again if they gave me reason to change my mind.
Weak points? Well maybe the colour which is a light grey -I'd prefer a darker colour rather than looking like an Imperial Star trooper thanks. Also the pads are stitched onto the material, and I would think that this could make them liable to fraying, but we'll see. A bit of glue or tent sealer might help out here. Maybe they are a bit warm (but not uncomfortably so) but I'd think almost all pads are, plus I ride mtb in the winter time so that's a plus rather than a negative for me. Niggling points really.
I've given five chilis for rating -but I do know I haven't used them for a long time, but still, from what I've experienced so far I'm very satisfied. I'd recommend for xc as they stay in place when cycling.
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Submitted by
Evan Lerner
a Cross Country Rider
from Mount Kisco, NY USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Julios
Strengths:
These padsfit very well and have a good amount of adjustments that I didn't expect (the top spandex that grips your thigh has two velcro sections to control). I've ridden them on three cross country rides (75-80 degrees) and I quickly forgot they were there.
Weaknesses:
Make sure you order the right size, I could see ordering too big and they would strike the top of your foot.
Bottom Line:
Very well made and comfortable and they provide premium protection
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Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Northridge Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Cambria on eBay
Strengths:
Inexpensive Fits well if you get the correct size Lightweight (19oz/pair) Packable
Weaknesses:
Cheaply made (China), but hey, they were cheap Exposed stitching on hardshell won't last long Pad can't be removed from shell for washing
Similar Products Used:
CoreRat arm armor
Bike Setup:
Hammerhead 100X
Bottom Line:
I have a set of CoreRat arm armor and the construction and functioning are beautiful. Needed something for the legs and wanted to see what Rockgardn was all about, so found these on eBay being sold by Cambria Bike. The price was right so I got them.
They don't compare in quality of construction to CoreRat stuff but they were 1/3 the price. I'm going to coat the exposed stitching on the shell with "Seam Grip" tent sealer to protect the threads from abrasion.
Pay attention to the sizing guide on the Rockgardn website. Measuring my massive quads put me on the borderline between Small and Medium, but the Small fits perfectly so a medium would have been too big.
Bottom line, excellent value, good protection, if I wear these out it's CoreRat next time. Enjoy.
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Submitted by
RED5
a Downhiller
from So. Cal, USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything pointing down
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Direct Sale
Strengths:
Since some posters obviously didn't actually use the product, tested or demo'ed only -HUH!!!, I'll give a real review of the strengths. Construction - Top notch Materials - Comfortable & durable Protection - Perfect. The cups are very strong and the strpas do a great job of holding everything in place in a crash. Fit is great. However, keep in mind that everyone is different and no armour can fit everyone perfectly. Customer Service - Top notch. The guys at RG tell it like it is and keep it real. Even if it doesn't benefit them. No BS.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't clean itself?? Doesn't protect against stupidity. It's armour people, not a replacement for intellegence. Use your brains.
Similar Products Used:
Roach, 661, Fox, AXO.
Bike Setup:
03 BIG HIT XXXprt & 03 Monster T w/ Kenda Tires and PUSH'd Vanilla RC.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is ROCKGARDN is about as core to MTB as you can get. Which shows in the quality & design of the products they keep releasing, it just keeps getting better. On top of that the CS is exceptional,working real hard to make sure your completely satisfied. I've been using they're products for years and have never had an issue. For the money you pay you simply cannot get a better product, if anything I feel like I'm robbing the company.
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Submitted by
Magicmirror
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: June 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Rockgardn
Strengths:
While most of these reviews are positive, I can only say this product is better than nothing. The build quality is simply "okay."
Weaknesses:
Poor design compared to what similarly priced competing products offer in terms of protection. Specifically, this product offers no protection to the sides of your kneecap, and I was concerned that the knee guard would easily slide to one side in the event of a hard crash. You have to put your foot through the lycra section, which is also easily damaged by velcro sticking to it.
Similar Products Used:
Roach Rally FR Leg
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 with all the goodies.
Bottom Line:
I ordered these based on the good reveiws here on MTBR, but I was very disappointed with the fit and quality of the product. The straps and plastic sections are poor quality, and the knee sections seem as if they would easily move to one side during a crash. They looked a lot better in the pictures.
I ordered new Roach pads and was blown away by their quality when I received them. They fit so much better, they look better, easier to put on and they offer all the protection I had been looking for. Bottom line- don't buy the Rockgardn pads when you can go for a better product at the same price.
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Submitted by
Pyro
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Flume & Northstar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Rockgardn online
Strengths:
Protection-Protection-Protection
Weaknesses:
No calve coverage just in case you get smacked by the pedal.
Bike Setup:
Stock 04 Kona Stinky, Stock C'Dale Jekyll 2000
Bottom Line:
This product fit well and provided more than enough protection. I believe it saved me from a broken leg (shin) by looking at the marks on the shell. I forgot I was wearing them after a few minutes of hard technical riding.
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Submitted by
VasectomyJoe
a Weekend Warrior
from Keizer, OR, USA!! Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Black Rock
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
RockGardn
Strengths:
First and foremost: CUSTOMER SERVICE!! Very comfortable. Good absorbtion of the hits. Solid protection from the bottom of shin to above the knee cap. Not too hot during ride.
Weaknesses:
Feels like putting on a pair of pantyhose...could be a strength if you like that kinda stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Shins, socks and hairy legs
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Switch Ltd. and all the stock goodies.
Bottom Line:
Let me start out by saying that Mark (at RockGardn) is the Man! He is very concerned with Quality Assurance and wants his customers to have only the best equipment. I had one issue that he took care of immediately that far exceeded my expectations. He is an all around great guy!
As for the shin/knee guards, they are very comfortable and don't get too hot. I haven't had them too long, but I spent a day riding with them in 85 degree weather taking jumps and drops to flats. You really don't notice them much after riding for a few minutes. They stay where they are supposed to be! Very good quality.
Get these if you have shin shredding pedals, jump, take drops or travel at anything above low speeds on downhills. Don't get these if you don't have legs.
When I step up to body armor I will definitely be getting the RockGardn Flak Jacket. I know that the quality will be solid and customer support will be there when needed.
Now, if I can only get Mark to design an AirFrame jock strap to take care of the jiggly bits!
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Submitted by
RAS
a Weekend Warrior
from AZ Date Reviewed: April 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
special order from LBS
Strengths:
I usually like to wiat at least a month to review something new, but I've wanted to sing the praises for this fine product since my firt ride with them!
Surprisingly good airflow, comfortable for what they are (no pad always feels better than any pad, but no broken bones feels better than no pad), excellent strapping system...
Weaknesses:
None with product! Rockgardens fit guide is a little suspect. My pads are definitly a little big and have to be tightened down to stay put - which they do now!
If on the lower 15% of thier size scale, I'd jump DOWN a szie.
Similar Products Used:
Skin, bone, gristle...
Bike Setup:
bla bla bla endo machine...
Bottom Line:
I hit hard today and didn't even realize the severity of the impact until I saw the gouges in the plastic shell after the ride!
Don't see how they could be better.
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Michigan Date Reviewed: April 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything lift assisted i live on a pancake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
www.rockgardn.com
Strengths:
They stay where there suppose to stay. There new design is awesome. The top strap is sweet it goes up the leg more and adds a more protection than other pads. They just fit really good and comfortable. There really light and you don't even notice you have them on...I use them for Freeriding And DH these pads are sweet.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Fox 911's
Bike Setup:
Giant Team DH with all the goodies from Rock Shox,Scram,E13,Truvativ,SDG USA,Progressive Suspension,Maxxis Tires,Hayes Brakes
Bottom Line:
I'm very comfotable with these pads. I feel no restriction's. These pads rule for the price you can't beat it. They don't slide down like other's and stay where there suppose to stay on your knee's. Check Rockgardn out they have just about everything for body armor. They have new googles and gloves that are very sweet. In 2004 I'll have all the Rockgardn gear. This company is sweet there customer service alone is awesome. They just offer great protection.
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Submitted by
Steven
a Downhiller
from Maine Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
RockGardn.com
Strengths:
Excellent fit, good quality, actually work like they are supposed too!!
These are the best fitting and most comfortable shin/knee guards that I've used. They have proven very durable and well worth the price. When these finally do wear out I'll buy them again.
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Submitted by
ALF
a Downhiller
from Chula Vista Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
They're reliable and are comfy to wear. They offer plenty of protection, and stay in place very nicely.
Weaknesses:
could be a diff. color.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, 661, Dianese, Roach, Hammer, TLD, pretty much everything.
Bike Setup:
2003 Giant DH team, fully rigged with sponsor equiptment, -WORD
Bottom Line:
These are some of the best pads I'vve used, they stay in place and do the job.
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Submitted by
scott www.teamlard.net
a Weekend Warrior
from south pasadena, ca Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
chantry flats
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
rockgardn.com
Strengths:
light, breathable, AND THEY DON'T SLIP. customer service is great - they helped me figure out the proper sizing.
Weaknesses:
not the best looking pads (but who care), but who cares - cold use some protection on the back side (near the achilles). stitching is on wear-side of pad.
Similar Products Used:
fox 911 pads
Bike Setup:
03 enduro pro, egg beater mallet c pedals.
Bottom Line:
these pads are nice. get the elbow pads t0o and you are set up. we rode chantry flats (one of the most difficult trails in southern california) last weekend - 90 degree weather and the pads were comfortable - no slippage at all. just make sure you put the top strap over the top of your calf muscle and you're good to go. buy these if you want light pads that don't slip.
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Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
RockGardn
Strengths:
Cool, comfortable, doesn't slip down your leg while riding
Weaknesses:
None identified, thus far
Similar Products Used:
Fox, 661
Bike Setup:
Intense Spider XVP
Bottom Line:
These pads stay on better than any knee/shin guards I've seen. They breathe relatively well and are lightweight. I can't say too much about durability yet, as it's only been a month. The elbow/forearm pads work great, as well. Happy riding!
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Submitted by
Lance
a Downhiller
from Fullerton, CA , USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chutes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
rockgardn.com
Strengths:
Light, well ventilated, doesn't slip, comfortable, looks. EVERYTHING.
Weaknesses:
Possibly stiching? Maybe.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Launch pads.
Bike Setup:
2001 Kona Roast
Bottom Line:
I have been taking these things down a steep rocky section that is pretty long. They did not slip at all. I am in So. California too so I have tested them in the heat and they are super cool. They look nice but that was the least important to me. $50 is a bit much for a penny pincher but I would spend it again these are so good. The only weakness could be that the stiching is not recessed into the hard plastic- might be a problem but I'll just buy more. After falling they held up fine.
Their customer service is stellar too. I wasted my $ on the Kona Luanch pads. These pads seem like they were tailor made for my walkin sticks. I will definitely be buying the upper body armour from them too. I will ONLY buy from rockgardn from now on. No other pads come close to these. Maybe Dianese but they are too damn expensive!! 5 stars, perfect design. Thank you rockgardn. Finally some knee/shin pads that do the job and then some. Heed the reviews and go get some.
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Submitted by
Peter McCann
a
from Houston, Texas Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The ones with jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
maker
Strengths:
Good construction & great ventilation.
Similar Products Used:
Axo, Core Rat, Fox
Bike Setup:
$4k '03 Bullit
Bottom Line:
Possibly the best vetilated armor out there that offers good protection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Spencer
a
from Concord, North Carolina Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything with jumps and drops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Direct from manufacturer
Bottom Line:
These are definatley the best knee and shin gaurds I have ever worn, I sometinmes forget that I am wearing them at all. They are comfortable and breathable, and you can't beat the customer service at Rock Gardn, I would like to personally thank Mark, I will definatly be buying more of there products and would recomend them to anyone, great stuff.
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Submitted by
Chris Bullit
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any FreeRide trail or DownHill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
The product is tough, durable, breathable, fit like a glove, don't move at all, have great customer service,and they look awesome!!!
Weaknesses:
Product Weaknesses is that some sort of joke. Because it will make anybody laugh who has worn these!
Similar Products Used:
661 knee/shin, Dainese knee/shin
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit. RaceFace setup with Super T on the front and 5th element in the back. Maxxis tires
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that these are the best knee/shin guards they are so comfortable and durable. I have Had some pretty gnarly falls and they are still looking good! The most important thing for me is that they do not move around and give 100% percent protection. I Rode at Downie ville a few months back and that is a LONG DH "course" the airflows did not move around at all! These are the best knee/shin guards with a great low price unlike the pricy Dainese guards(which move around a bunch). These are the best of all the knee/shin guards. The people working at RockGardn are the most helpfull people in the world. I asked about the sizes and they responded to me in about 30 minutes. They actually treat you like a person instead of just some customer! Thanx guys(Cat). Get these things if you want a great knee/shin guard for a good price!
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Submitted by
banger99
a Downhiller
from Cedar Hills, UT Date Reviewed: November 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Direct from RockGardn
Strengths:
Very lightweight and cool
Similar Products Used:
661, Fox, Roach
Bottom Line:
First impressions after a weekend riding: both rides this past weekend were shuttles with a couple of short hiking and flat pedaling sections rather than a true top-to-bottom DH run. As such, I didn't expect the knee/shin combo to stay completely in place. Tons of seated pedaling is a challenge for any knee/shin guard. I was surprised at how well they did stay put. The shin section is rock solid and refused to budge. Upon a side-by-side comparison with another friend's 661 Race knee/shin guards, we discovered that the straps on the RockGardn pads were a little further apart and gave a better anchor for the pads on the calf. The upper part of the pads slipped down about an inch when we arrived at the bottom of the run on Saturday. More than acceptable in my book. The Sunday ride showed no slippage at all, which may have been due to the fact that I was wearing knickers under my moto shorts due to cooler weather, which may have given the uppers more "bite".
Overall, a really nice set of knee/shin guards.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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