While no stranger to the protectives market, the LS Flex Enduro knee pad is amongst EVOC’s first go at limb protection. While it’s not a completely flawless pad, it provides good comfort, impressive airflow, with comprehensive coverage, so it ticks the ‘must-have’ boxes. It does feel a little overcomplicated, though, which holds it back compared to key players in the kneepad space.
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EVOC LS Flex Enduro knee pad – Technical details
With an extensive background in creating back protector backpacks, it comes as no surprise that the brand has moved to protecting other areas of the body, and to do so, EVOC has developed its own energy dissipating protector tech dubbed Liteshield Flex. While helping the burliest pad in EVOC’s range meet Level-2 certification, it’s said to be super flexible, and it’s pre-shaped to the curves of a knee. The brand says that the pad’s geometry, or its texture, then helps the protector flex and move as the rider pedals.
One feature that sets the LS Flex Enduro apart is its Power Flaps. While I’m sure we can think of a better name for it, it’s essentially a pair of loops cut into the Liteshield Flex pad through which a Velcro strap runs. When strapped up, the Power Flaps pull the lower portion of the pad into the shin for a closer and more secure fit. We’re told that these also help hold the pad in place during a crash.
Elsewhere, the pad features all of the usual gubbins that you would expect of an enduro knee pad. There’s extra padding around the main protector to boost coverage and provide some padding against a bike’s top tube, and there’s a second strap at the top to boost security. Further improving stability is silicon at the top of the pad’s sleeve.
At the front of the pad is an abrasion-resistant fabric that’s said to be breathable, and a cushioning ‘Airprene’ material elsewhere promises to provide comfort.
The EVOC LS Flex Enduro knee pads are available in four sizes from S to XL, and they’re machine washable, although we always recommend washing pads without the protector in place.
EVOC LS Flex Enduro knee pad – Performance
In a market where knee pads are getting longer and longer, EVOC has remained reserved with the length of the LS Flex Enduro’s sock. It doesn’t reach too much up the thigh while providing just enough down the shin for good coverage. In fact, coverage in general is pretty much spot on. The Liteshield Flex pad wraps right around the knee, providing protection around the whole of the kneecap and a good length of the shin. Then, the orbital foam pads boost protection further, staving off any knocks against a bike’s top tube.
Comfort is rather good too. The portion of the sock above the protector can bunch up a little, but if aligned right once it’s put on, it’s an easy pad to wear all day without running into any nasty pinching or bunching. Throw in its decent airflow into the mix, and there’s very little to moan about in the comfort department. Actually, I’ve been very impressed with the airflow on offer, given the coverage the pad provides and its burlier build. I’ve been perfectly happy wearing the LS Flex Enduro pads under shorts all day while racing on hot days, and they don’t get too sweaty under trousers.
The pad’s not bulky either. It’s happily slipped under trousers without issue, for the most part, and it’s certainly not felt cumbersome or large.
Where the interestingly named Power Flaps bring something somewhat unique to the LS Flex Enduro, this is the main point at which the whole package becomes a bit of a pain. It’s clever, and it does work in that it holds the lower part of the protector close to the shin, making for a more secure fit. But the velcro isn’t strong enough for a secure hold. Because of that, the strap that loops into the Power Flaps comes undone, unfortunately, often. So during longer rides, I’ve regularly had to stick the velcro back in place.
It doesn’t stop there, as if the pads are worn under trousers, the trousers can catch the velcro straps as they’re being pulled on, unsticking the velcro in the process. It’s tricky and rather annoying for something that brings a minor benefit in the grand scheme of things. And where the velcro isn’t strong enough to stick together securely, it is strong enough to pull on the main sock of the pad, so bobbling and wear have shown deeper into the test, raising some durability concerns.
But with all that said, I’ve worn the pads happily without the strap, without any concerns about the pad’s security or stability. When questioning EVOC on this, the brand’s representative replied, “The knee protectors can also be used without the power flaps, but the purpose of these is to prevent the pad from slipping in the event of a fall.”
When worn without the strap, the pad becomes much more of a fuss-free affair. They’re easier to throw in the wash, as I haven’t needed to thread a strap through its many loops, and I’ve not had to constantly restick unstuck velcro.
However, that one feature doesn’t destine the LS Flex Enduro knee pads for the bin. They fit excellently, provide plenty of coverage while being surprisingly breathable. I’ve not come into any issues while wearing the pads long-term either.
Since the publication of this review, an XL size was sent to retest. The Powerflaps stayed in place much more securely, but there is more excess material in the pad. This posed little issue in use, but if possible, try before you buy, and consider sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Elsewhere, performance stayed in line with my findings of the L size.
EVOC LS Flex Enduro knee pad – Verdict
The price tag of £110 places the LS Enduro right amongst some pretty hot competition. Rapha’s Trail Knee Pads will now set you back £120, and they’re still some of the most comfortable pads on the market. They’re not quite as complicated, and with that, there are no extra flaps or straps to faff with, but there are no extra pads around the main protector, so if you’re looking for something for heavier hitting use, EVOC’s offering holds up very well.
Scott’s Grande Evo Zip knee is also well worth a look. It’s similar in build, but it comes with a zip for easy removal. It’s a very comfortable knee pad, but it’s not quite as breathable as the LS Flex Enduro.
Provided you’re happy with a bit of extra faff with the Power Flap system, or you’re happy to forgo the strap that holds it all together, EVOC’s LS Flex Enduro knee pads are an impressive first crack at burly knee protection. They’re comfortable, breathable, secure, and competitively priced against some pretty hot competition.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Adjustable strap for a secure fit
Abrasion-resistant, tearproof fabric on the knee
Cushioning Airprene material for protective comfort
Additional lateral protection of the knee for maximum safety
Perfectly ventilated thanks to breathable, flexible materials
Silicone tape on sleeve end for anti-slip hold
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Product durability
Product durability extra:
Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
product value
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