iXS Flow Light Knee and Elbow pads are perfect for the confident racer who is looking for a good balance of protection, flexibility and comfort.

It’s been a while since we have looked at elbow and knee guard options for BMX, I’d discovered some that worked for me and stuck with them for a couple of years now. I chose them because they provided a high level of protection and flexibility but on a long hot day at the track they aren’t all that comfortable, they get hot and sweaty, but two out of three ain’t bad.

Let’s face it BMX racing can a brutal sport, it’s regulated so we have basic protection like helmet, gloves, long pants and long sleeves. While elbow and knee guards are optional, there are a large number of riders who use them. Elbow and knee protection comes in all shapes and sizes with hundreds of brands each with multiple options. Finding the right protection for you can be quite the task. It can be cheap, you could always head down to a department store and grab some skate pads, but you get what you pay for. Heading down to a motocross store is an option, but you don’t pedal a motocross bike, and many of the pad options available to motocross simply aren’t designed for BMX. When it comes to injury prevention it’s worth doing your homework and spending good money on good product.

There are many mountain bike options that will work for BMX racing, many designed for long days of riding, freedom of movement while providing the protection when you need it the most. Some of the more popular brands that come to mind include Fly Racing, G-Form, Troy Lee Designs.

European MTB brand iXS have been around for decades and have developed a massive range of knee and elbow protection for various purposes.

First Impressions

The iXS Flow Light Knee and Elbow Pads initially look small, I had to double check the size to make sure I grabbed the right size for me. They have a more minimalist approach to protection which allows them to be more breathable, flexible and comfortable. They are a sock style pad, made from a super light and highly breathable Lycra mesh, they slide on nicely and stay put.

iXS Flow Light Knee pads

iXS Flow Light Elbow pads

The slim profile Xmatter pad is removable, being housed securely in a pouch, so – when you’re done with riding for the day – you can clean and air out your pads properly. They easily fit under race gear without being bulky.

The Xmatter protection foam is flexible and conforms to your body comfortably when you are riding, but they are highly impact absorbing when you need, should you hit the ground.

iXS X-Matter removable pads

The ride

I not only used the pads while riding the race track but decided to use them while riding my back yard track and even doing gates in the driveway. They are so light, flexible and comfortable that once they are on you tend to forget about them. I’m very happy with the way they sat. They were set and forget. No worries about slippage, no discomfort and no restriction of movement. Even more importantly they are the coolest pads I have used even in sweaty conditions.

Manufacturer’s Description

The iXS Flow Light Knee and Elbow Pads are for times when you don’t want or need to put on heavy-duty armour for your XC or Trail ride and would like something lighter and more flexible. Combining a breathable sock-like sleeve of Aeromesh fabric and X-Matter shock-absorbing foam, the Flow Light Knee and Elbow Pads provide the perfect combination of protection, flexibility, and comfort in a lightweight set of pads.

A great choice for those Australian hot summer rides where you want to maintain your cool whilst pedalling but not compromise on protection.

Features:

• Removable Xmatter protective foam
• Lycra mesh – light, moisture-wicking, breathable, anti-bacterial
• Silicone stopper
• EN1621-1:2012 certified

Size Chart

Elbow pads

Knee pads

Gallery

The Last Words

The iXS Flow Light Knee and Elbow pads aren’t for everyone. There are pads that provide more protection, but if you are looking for a light weight, comfortable set of pads that will keep you cool on a hot sticky day at the track then these might be just what you are looking for. If you need more padding then iXS will have you covered in their extensive range.

Rating 20/20

Comments

• iXS Flow Light Knee and Elbow pads are perfect for the confident racer who is looking for a good balance of protection, flexibility and comfort. Worth every cent in my book.
• Super light weight you won’t even notice you are wearing them.
• Comfortable all day long even in sweaty conditions and provide protection when and where you need it.
• While the pads are generally tucked away so no one can see them, they are well constructed and very slim fitting. The removable pad for washing and airing is a nice touch, no more sweaty homeless man smell – well not in the pads at least.

Australia specific information

Check them out at

• offroadbikesonline.com.au/ixs-flow-light-knee-pads
• offroadbikesonline.com.au/ixs-flow-light-elbow-pads

Reviewed by Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com March 5, 2024