{"id":18928,"date":"2015-12-14T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2015-12-14T07:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2015\/12\/14\/review-leatt-airflex-knee-and-elbow-guards-r3900\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T08:51:31","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T08:51:31","slug":"review-leatt-airflex-knee-and-elbow-guards-r3900","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-leatt-airflex-knee-and-elbow-guards-r3900\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Leatt Airflex knee and elbow guards"},"content":{"rendered":"

Airflex is Leatt\u2019s first level of protection for your knees and elbows. The Airflex range is designed to be lightweight and offer pedalling efficiency. These types of flexible, all-day comfort guards are extending the scope of protection to more pedal intensive forms of mountain biking.<\/p>\n

\"Leatt<\/a><\/p>\n

While incorporated in the States, Leatt is a South African based company which began with the invention of the Leatt-Brace for motorcycling. Since then Leatt have been aggressive in developing new products, including an ever growing selection of mountain biking equipment. Most of the research and development happens in their state-of-the-art lab in Cape Town.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h2>\n

The Leatt pads are constructed from two fabric panels: the front panel being stretchy spandex with a moisture cool wicking fabric rear panel. The flexible pad that provides protection is sewn into place on the front panel. Elastics are used on either end of the pads, these along with the spandex panel, fasten the pads in place. The upper elastic features silicone grips while the lower is simply an elastic band sewed into the hem. There are no straps or clips, so correct sizing is vital for a comfortable and secure fit.<\/p>\n

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\n\"Leatt<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Leatt<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The sock-like design of the Airflex guards means that they simply slide onto the leg or arm. The guards have circular cut outs on the inside of the joints which goes a long way in reducing friction on the skin when bending the arm or leg. There are also silicone patterns on the inside of the pads to hold them in the correct position.<\/p>\n

The key to the flexibility and thinness of the Airflex pad is Armourgel. Armourgel is a non Newtonian gel that locks up the molecules and becomes hard on impact. In other words, the pad is supple when being ridden but should you fall and apply force to the Armourgel, it will become firm and offer more protection.<\/p>\n

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\n\"Leatt<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Leatt<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The 2016 Airflex Pro knee guard we have on test features additional protection above the knee cap and on the sides of the leg. This added protection is aimed at reducing impact when the bike and knee collide in a crash.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unsure about what level of protection you require, Leatt have their own rating system which you can use to compare the safety of each of their products.<\/p>\n

Specifications<\/h2>\n
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\nKnee Guard Airflex 3DF Pro<\/strong><\/p>\n