Wearing the right gear during mountain biking is a must. So, check out our list of the best elbow pads for mountain biking to stay protected. Elbow pads protect the elbows from any fatal injuries during a fall, such as scrapes, bruises, joint dislocation, or bone fractures. As crucial as your safety is, your comfort is equally important. A suitable elbow pad must not interfere with your movement or speed. With various features and designs, choosing the right elbow pad may be challenging. So, read on to know more.
11 Best Elbow Pads For Mountain Biking
1. Best Lightweight: Bodyprox Elbow Protection Pads
Bodyproxelbow protection pads will enhance your mountain biking experience by allowing you to ride carefree. It extends from your elbows to your arms to provide extra protection and prevent bruises and scratches on your arms. In addition, the strategically placed foam grid will protect the elbow area from all types of injuries caused by an impact. Since one size does not fit all, these foam pads are available in various sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Pros
Breathable compression fabric for optimum comfort Abrasion-resistant material Snug-fit design Doesn’t hamper the arm movement Lightweight
Cons
Some might find these not so helpful for downhill trails Small padding area
2. Best Waterproof: G-Form Pro X2 Elbow Pads
The G-Form Pro X2 elbow pads feature smart flex pads that are flexible and impact-resistant. That is, whenever your elbows are hit, the padding material hardens and absorbs the shock, protecting your elbows. Wearing these pads can make you feel like your second skin, and they are comfortable to wear. In addition, these elbow pads are available in various sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Pros
Extended foam padding to forearms for added protection Waterproof material The moisture-wicking feature keeps your arms dry Ventilated design for air circulation Silicone grippers to keep the pads in place Machine washable Lightweight Doesn’t hamper the movement
Cons
Not durable
3. Best Durable: Demon United Hyper XD30 Elbow Pads
The Demon hyper elbow pads are made of shock-absorbing foam. When hit by a hard object, this foam absorbs the impact and protects your elbow. It will revert to its flexible state after the impact. In addition, the Kevlar front shield protects the pads from being chewed up on concrete or asphalt. These elbow pads are comfortable and flexible to wear while mountain biking and come in various sizes. Pros
Moisture control design to keep them dry and comfortable Soft mesh panel at inner elbows Large foam area that extends the protection Lightweight Non-slip elastic bands to keep the pads in place Durable Outstanding protection
Cons
Some might find these elbow pads bulky
4. Best For Comfort: POC Joint Vpd Air Elbow Pads
POC elbow pads are specially designed for rough cycling, ensuring flexibility and comfort without sacrificing movement. These are light-duty elbow pads with crash retention straps and an anti-slip neoprene interior. They remain in place during a collision and protect your elbows from serious injury. They are available in various colors and sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product. Pros
Lightweight Reinforced stretch fabric for comfort Shock absorbing VPD compound Durable material Comfortable to wear all day long Breathable fabric
Cons
Some might find these elbow pads bulkier No straps on the upper side
5. Best Tear-Resistant: Triple Eight Exo Skin Elbow Pad
Triple Eight ExoSkin Elbow Pad is made of high-intensity eight-link foam padding. It also has six padded pockets on the sides for additional elbow and side protection. The Velcro straps will keep the elbow pads in place. These pads are available in various sizes to ensure a proper fit. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product. Pros
Sweat-absorbing cloth lining on the inside Abrasion and tear-resistant Kevlar cover outside Protects the sides of the elbows Neoprene breathable body Comfortable to wear for a long duration Durable Easy to put on and off
Cons
Feels a bit hotter during warm weather Not great for downhill trails
6. Best Stretchable: POC Joint VPD 2.0 Elbow Pads
VPD 2.0 from POC offers protection on tough rides and is appropriate for all mountain bikers. These elbow pads are soft and flexible to conform to the shape of your elbow but harden when it is stuck in a collision. The shocks are absorbed by the padding and protect your elbow from severe injuries during a crash. It also comes with a crash retention strap for a perfect and secure fit. These elbow pads are also available in different sizes. Pros
Prevents sliding down even in rough conditions Breathable and stretchable fabric for comfort Lightweight Comfortable to wear for a longer duration Offers great protection Adjustable straps
Cons
Feelsbulky
7. Best For Hot Weather: Kali Protectives Strike Elbow Guards
The Kali Protectives strike elbow guards are made of Xelion padding and provide high-impact protection. These slip-on elbow pads have EVA padding in critical areas for additional protection. It has non-slip bands on the top and bottom to keep the pad from sliding down on rough terrain. The mesh back panel allows for ventilation and adds comfort. Pros
Three years warranty Flexible and offers freedom of movement Easy to put on and off Lightweight Keeps you dry even in hot weather
Cons
Doesn’t fit great for muscular arms
8. Best Sturdy: Webetop Elbow Guards
Webetop elbow guards are versatile and provide good impact protection for the elbow. These elbow pads can be fastened with Velcrostraps. The durable aramid fiber armor, combined with the high compression EVA foam on the sides, provides adequate protection. The inner fabric is soft and breathable, offering comfort and ventilation to your elbows. Pros
Wide elastic strap for comfort Sturdy built Keeps your elbows dry and cool in hot weather Easy to clean Lightweight
Cons
One size which doesn’t fit everyone perfectly Can slide down
9. Best Breathable: Fox Racing Enduro Elbow Guards
Fox Racing’s Enduroelbow guards are specially designed for mountain biking and are ride-friendly. These slip-on elbow pads are easy to put on and provide maximum protection in the event of a crash. They provide adequate coverage without impeding movement. It has a multi-fabric design that fits perfectly and does not slide down. The stretch material on the back and the perforated neoprene on the outside of the arm provide flexibility. Pros
Lightweight Breathable fabric keeps you cool and dry Allows full range of motion Sleek design Easy to put on and off
Cons
Have no straps to hold it in place
10. Best Odor-Controlling: Dakine Slayer Bike Elbow Sleeve
Dakine’s elbow sleeves are made breathable to keep you safe and comfortable on longer rides in hot weather. The DK impact polyurethane foam acts as a shock absorber, preventing serious elbow injuries. In addition, the stretchable extended mesh material will fit you perfectly without sliding down. In addition, these breathable elbow pads are ideal for tough terrain. Pros
Lightweight Aramid ripstop shell Odor control technology to manage stink Ergonomic pattern for an enhanced snug fit Four-way stretch mesh with grip keeps the pads in place
Cons
May not snugly fit some individuals
11. Best Low-Friction: POC Joint VPD System Elbow Pads
POC Joint VPD elbow pads are made with their patented viscoelastic polymer dough, which is highly absorbent and breathable. These elbow pads are ideal for mountain biking and are extremely comfortable. Its multi-layered ventilation system ensures that you do not overheat while the flexible padding hardens on impact, providing maximum protection. These elbow pads are available in different sizes for perfect fitting. Pros
Lightweight Low-friction construction Abrasion-resistant outer fabric Snug fit Gives freedom of movement
Cons
No Velcro straps
How To Choose The Right Mountain Biking Elbow Pads?
Here are few factors to consider before buying mountain biking elbow pads.
Why Trust MomJunction?
In this article, we have created a list of the best elbow pads for mountain biking after reviewing, comparing, and researching numerous products across different websites. We have ensured to present all the information you need to choose what suits you best. The products are sturdy, long-lasting, and made of high-quality materials for optimal protection. We have also considered customer feedback to offer you an unbiased opinion.
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