Alpinestars Bionic SX Knee Protector
3.2
5
5
5
Another Great product from Alpinestars
I am surprised that other reviews were bad. I think these knee guards are very comforatble and they are definitely an upgrade over the pads and other armour that usually come in the adventure pants,
Of course they don't offer the same kind of protection of knee braces, but if you just do some off road riding and nothing extreme like motocross they are good enough. If you do enduro at high speed or you race motocross then buy the Alpinestars Bionic B2 Knee braces wich are much more expensive than these knee protectors and offer superior protection.
In both cases I would recomend to use undersleeves for added comfort.
Thanks Alpinestar, Good Joob
July 23, 2012
High hopes crushed
Recently took a spill in which my cheapo EVS pads saved my bacon and I decided to upgrade to something even better that I'd be more likely to wear. I was really hoping that this would be a great product; it looked to have a good combination of thin profile (for wear under riding pants), good coverage of the side of the knee, flexibility, and a strap over the top of the knee. Most of this was true and the quality was typical A*, but the lack of flexibility was highly disappointing for how thin these are. If the shape of the pad happens to match your riding position, then great, but forget trying to walk or straighten your leg (the pad will arch between the pointy shin pad and the top of the knee, stretching painfully in the middle strap) or sit (the over-knee strap stretches uncomfortably and the little panels that provide lateral knee protection bulge outward). I tried flexing the knee joint to try to loosen it up but to no avail. I could see these being great for the track, but not for everyday use.
Frankly my cheap EVS pads appear to provide at least equal protection, are far more comfortable (if less secure), and are 10% of the price. I expect far more from A*.
July 19, 2012
Dissapointment
As soon as I got them in the mail I tried them on and walked around the house, sat down and bent my leg to simulate riding. I have been using Gen 1 Icon Field Armor for 2 years and they are far more comfortable then these alpinestars. These Alpinestars where a downgrade to mobility and flexibility, comfort and protection. They seem to cover all the important parts of the shin and knee but don't cover very much of the lateral nor medial sides of the calf which would be helpful in a slide. The downfall of this product was the fact that the knee and shin are one solid piece so mobility goes out the window and there is little flex in the knee. The straps all covered all important areas and kept snug so that was a plus. The construction of the material looked cheap, and adhesive materials where visible as though they did a sloppy job of sticking pads to cloth. Also the shin guard did not reach as far down the shin as I would like, it covered about 3/4 of my shins.
July 17, 2012
Its good but not great!
Fitment is good but only available in medium and large. For me it was perfect. Comfort is good while riding, almost forget sometime that's there but only it you have the three Velcro strapped on right, or it could be a little irritated to the back of your skin. Most of the knee guard slide down but not these, especially in riding position. While waliking, if u had it strapped good than it won't slide. It's fairly comfortable while walking but i dont recommend it. Style is good. Air flow is good.
July 16, 2012
I almost don't notice they're on. Sturdy, quality, fit well.
they feel good. i use them with Gearne SG12 full boots. i removed bottom strap as mentioned in the mfg writeup, and they slide right in my boot, and boots fit as before. i wear them under my Shift Woody pant, plenty of room. my used to feel my knees were vulnerable, but no more. only been on three hour ride so far with them... so can't vouch for all day....yet. But my gut tells me they'll be fine, as i had no ill fitting/issues in my inaugural three hour ride. i feel they're a good compromise btwn the $400 ea top of the line guards, and the thin, foam ones i see at Cycle Gear. CE rating was very important to me. hoping they'll protect in case of crash. will advise.
June 6, 2012