Knee Braces or Knee Pads: Which Provides Better Protection?
May 12, 2023
For motorcycle riders, protecting your knees is crucial when you're out on the track or riding in the bush. In the event of an accident, your knees can be at risk of impact-related injuries. That's why many riders turn to knee braces or knee pads for extra protection. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and recommend some high-quality products for motorcycle riders.
Knee Braces: Pros and Cons
Knee braces are designed to provide support and stability to your knee joint, which can be especially important for motorcycle riders who are prone to knee injuries. Here are some of the pros and cons of using knee braces:
Pros:
- Support: Knee braces can help prevent your knee from moving in ways that could cause serious injury.
- Stability: Knee braces can improve the stability of your knee, which is important when you're riding a motorcycle.
- Strength: Knee braces mimic the shape and movement of the knee, providing a strengthened joint as well as impact displacement on big bumps and hits.
Cons:
- Restriction of movement: Knee braces can slightly limit your range of motion, which can make it more difficult to shift gears or move around on your bike when you first start wearing knee braces.
- Heat retention: Knee braces can trap heat, which can make your knee feel hot and uncomfortable during long rides.
- Cost: Knee braces can be expensive, especially if you need a custom-made brace.
Recommended Products:
- PODMX K8 Carbon Knee Brace: The All New K8 Knee Brace is Setting New Standards in knee protection, bringing a whole new Impact Guard design that provides better protection to your knee, a slimmer Hinge Housing with improved Ligaments, new Dampening Inserts and Knee Grippers, also featuring the new QuickLoc Clip System which allows you to anchor the brace to your leg quicker and easier.
- Mobius X8 Knee Brace: The X8 Knee Brace is the most protective, comfortable brace on the market, utilising innovative patent pending technology which incorporates the CCRS (Continuous Cable Routing System) to form an unparalleled system of support and protection. The forged CNC machined dial makes fit adjustments on the fly and through pants easy. Fully lined with plush EVA foam, a comfortable, impact-absorbing surrounding is created. Includes one pair of braces and two extra sets of patellar shell pads for a precise fit.
Knee Pads: Pros and Cons
Knee pads are designed to protect your knees from impact-related injuries, which can be a concern for motorcycle riders who may experience falls or collisions. Here are some of the pros and cons of using knee pads:
Pros:
- Impact protection: Knee pads offer an extra layer of protection against impact-related injuries.
- Mobility: Knee pads are typically less restrictive than knee braces, which means they won't limit your range of motion as much.
- Breathability: Knee pads are designed to be breathable, which can help keep your knee cool and comfortable during long rides.
Cons:
- Lack of support: Knee pads don't offer the same level of support as knee braces, which means they won't prevent your knee from moving in potentially harmful ways.
- Limited use: Knee pads are only effective against impact-related injuries, and won't offer protection against other types of knee injuries.
- Durability: Knee pads can wear down over time, especially with frequent use, and may need to be replaced more frequently than knee braces.
Recommended Products:
- Fox Racing Titan Pro Knee Guards: These knee pads offer full coverage protection for your knee and shin, with a comfortable and breathable design. They're made with high-impact plastic and feature a soft bio-foam interior for added comfort.
- Alpinestars SX-1 V2 Knee Guards: The SX-1 v2 Knee Protector helps reduce the risk and severity of a knee injury by preventing hypertension of the knee in the event of an accident. This lightweight yet strong protector features a poly-centric hinge system that allows natural articulation of the knee. The ergonomically sculptured knee protector is constructed from a semi-rigid high performance polymer for optimum levels of protection and flexibility, while the highly ventilated padding allows for superb airflow cooling.
So, Which Option is Best for Motorcycle Riders?
The choice between knee braces and knee pads ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the rider. If you're prone to knee injuries, ride or race in extreme conditions or have chronic knee pain, a knee brace may be the best choice for you.
AMA Warehouse has a massive range of Knee Guards and Knee Braces that will fit every rider's needs and budget.
View the range here: https://amawarehouse.com.au/collections/motocross-knee-guards-braces
