Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard

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Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$139.00
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$139.00
Tested: Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard
Rating:
Vital Review
s1600 TLDRaidA 676508

Troy Lee Designs really needs no introduction from us. They’re known for making some of the most visible and iconic riding gear in two-wheeled sports, not to mention a reputation for quality. Their Raid Knee Guard, which has been available for the better part of a year, is touted as a lightweight, breathable, and durable pad which looks to target the modern downhill or enduro rider who needs protection but isn’t willing to sacrifice mobility. We’ve been riding in the Raid Knee Guard since the day it was released, and are finally ready to weigh in on our thoughts.

Raid Knee Guard Features

  • D30 CE certified knee pad
  • PU “Fit-Lock” calf band
  • Neoprene construction
  • Mesh back panel
  • Abrasion-resistant cover
  • Side padding for protection against frame and trail
  • Silicone gripper band
  • Available in XS/SM, MD/LG, XL/2XL
  • MSRP: $115 USD

It’s worth mentioning that we relegate protection reviews to "First Ride" features as opposed to "Tested" features based on the fact that we actually have to crash in a protection product to "test" it and our insurance provider simply won’t let us force our testers to hit the deck, as much as we’d like to make them. But, in the case of the TLD Raid pads, this particular tester has hit the ground not only once, but more like 30-or-so times in these pads (probably more), so a full-on Tested feature was warranted.

Typically, we find that there are two kinds of downhillers when it comes knee pad preference: those who can’t stand hard, plastic-shelled pads, and those who require them. Our specific tester who reviewed these pads is the latter and has always been a firm believer that hard plastic pads work better in almost every aspect…except maybe comfort. Who better to have test a “soft” knee pad?

Initial Impressions

Upon first inspection, the TLD Raid pads feature what you’d expect from the brand: quality-looking construction, a predominant “TLD” logo front and center (we’re not knocking TLD here, few knee pads don’t have this feature), and a well-thought-out design. An improvement over their 5450 / 5400 knee guards, we were happy to see what was some ample padding both above, and on each side of the main knee cup. The side and top padding appears to be sectioned and placed in a way that shouldn’t hinder knee movement drastically.

Another interesting feature we noticed right away was TLD’s “Fit-Lock” calf band. Instead of putting a lower strap on the pads, TLD has printed a silicon-like strip that restricts the mesh and neoprene fabrics (which the Raid knee pad is made of) from stretching a bit. Aside from a fairly standard top strap, the Raid pads also feature a silicon band that runs along the inside-top, which is pretty grippy to the touch. Combined with a thin mesh back panel, overall, the Raid knee pads look to be one nice piece of kit.

Following TLD’s fitting guidelines, we opted for the XL/2XL pads. The sizing seems spot-on with the pads offering a snug, but not strangling, fit.

On The Trail

We’ll jump right into it, we were stoked from day one on the TLD Raid pads. Comfort level is on par with the two other pads we’ve long-time considered the Holy Grail in this department; the 661 Kyle Strait pads and the Scott Grenade II pads. For all-day pedaling pads, there might be even more minimal pads out there that are more suitable, but we’ve never felt any discomfort, pinching, or hot-spots with the Raid knees, and we wore them on a 40+ mile epic in the Alps…the whole damn day. Also, for a “burlier” lightweight pad, we were impressed by how well they breathe.

If you prefer pants while riding, you’ll be particularly stoked on this: the TLD Raid pads stay put. All-day rides, DH laps, shuttles with buds, etc…we’ve spent little time, if any, re-adjusting these pads while riding.

No matter what, hitting the deck sucks…but, it sucks less when you’re wearing the TLD Raid Knee Guards.

What’s The Bottom Line?

No matter what, hitting the deck sucks. But, it sucks less when you’re wearing the TLD Raid Knee Guards. They’ve proven durable, reliable, comfortable, and ready to do their job. Looking back at the emails sent internally while we were organizing this test, I read one of my responses after I had just tried them on, but hadn’t ridden in them, which simply said “Comfy, but not really my cup of tea. I can’t stand fabric on the contact areas of kneepads.” Here's where I tell you how much I like the way crow tastes. Kudos to TLD for winning this plastic-loving curmudgeon over with a pad that performed beyond expectation.

For more information, visit www.troyleedesigns.com


About The Reviewer

Fred Robinson - Age: 32 // Years Riding MTB: 14 // Height: 6'1" (1.85m) // Weight: 247.2-pounds (112.1kg)

"Drop my heels and go." Fred has been on two wheels since he was two-years-old, is deceptively quick for a bigger guy, and likes steep, fast trails where he can hang it off the back of the bike. Several years of shop experience means he's not afraid to tinker. He's very particular when it comes to a bike's suspension performance and stiffness traits.

4 comments

Post a reply to: Tested: Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard

3 member reviews

The pad that was almost good.
Rating:
The Good
The fit is good, they stay in place, and they've taken impacts as good as anything else
The Bad
The material inside the pad doesn't absorb any moisture. You end up with a layer of sweat in between your knee and the pad that leads to rubbing and chafing; not comfortable at all for long days regardless of shuttling or pedaling.
Overall Review:

Feel great for your first run.... all you want to do is take them off by your 5th run. With virtually zero breath-ability, the fact that the material in contact with your knee doesn't absorb sweat makes this a pad that I would recommend to nobody. A shame since I went into these with high hopes...

4 comments

Post a reply to: The pad that was almost good.

In reply to by bizutch

In reply to by jefedelosjefes

In reply to by bizutch

As close the the ONLY knee pads you'll need for all types of riding
Rating:
The Good
Best knee pad I've ever owned and I've been racing DH and riding heavy trail in them for almost a year.
The Bad
Nothing so far
Overall Review:

I suffer from tremendous knee pain if a pad puts even the slightest pressure on my knee cap. These do not touch them. Other pads made not to touch are too stiff in an odd way and flop/stick out to accomplish this.

The D3O padding is thick enough that I've been racing in them and doing tons of DH laps without issue. I also take them on rowdy trail rides where I know I'm going to get into the big stuff. Not one issue.

The calf support is smart. They breathe in the swampy Southeast well enough to justify. All pads are hot, but these are bearable. It is very hard to say anything negative about them.

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Specifications

Product
Troy Lee Designs Raid Knee Guard
Riding Type
Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Downhill
Enduro / All-Mountain
Freeride / Bike Park
Trail
Pad Type
Soft Shell
Material
D3O CE certified knee pad
"Fit-Lock" calf band to prevent slippage
Vented Neoprene construction for all-day comfort
Breathable mesh rear panel
Abrasion-resistant front panel
Silicone gripper band on inside of upper leg
Adjustable Velcro strap
Knee/Shin Coverage
Knee Only
Size
XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Color
Black with red and gray graphics
Miscellaneous
  • CE1621-1 Level 2 D30 Impact Liner
  • Fit-Lock Rear Compression Band
  • Flex Gusset Designed For Articulation
  • Abrasion Resistant Kneecap & Side Pads
  • Strategically Placed Side Impact Protection
  • Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Rear Panel And Liner
  • Price
    $139.00
    What do you think?
    Where To Buy
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    $139.00
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    $139.00
    Knee/Shin Pads

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