5 cool things from Alpinestars, IXS and O'Neal
Four sets of knee pads, plus more new summer gear
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We kick the week off with four new sets of knee pads from Alpinestars and O'Neal in the form of two lighter enduro style pads, plus two rather more aggressive pairs for gnarlier trails. We've also got a the IXS Trigger AM helmet on test, plus new women's riding gear also from O'Neal.
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Alpinestars Paragon Plus knee pad
The Alpinestars Paragon Plus knee pad is a lightweight, pedalling friendly pair of pads that are relatively cheap too. At just £45, they look like much pricier pads! The simple, you'll on pull off cuffs get silicone at the thigh and a grippy band round the calf, to keep the pad in place. There is also a 'Lite' version of this pad for even easier pedalling, plus you can get matching elbow pads and the pads come in kids sizes too.
Alpinestars Vector Pro knee pads
The Vector Pro pads from Alpinestars are a chunkier pad compared with the above. These get thicker padding, a more robust feeling sleeve and the addition of velcro straps at the top and bottom. Built for more protection, the Vector Pros extends down the shin and features warp around side protection too. For £70, at first look, these appear to be reasonable value, although we'll have to test them to find that out for sure!
O’Neal Superfly knee pads
First up from O'Neal are the nSuperfly pads, new for 2020, they consist of a rather old skool style knitted sleeve and use the brands IPX® impact foam pad. O'Neal's IPX foam is designed to work like D3O, hardening on impact but otherwise being soft and malleable. These are rather short and simple, lightweight pads, coming in at just £40.
O’Neal Redeema knee pads
Just like the second set of Alpinestars pads, the Redeema knee pads from O'Neal are for more gravity focused riding. They are larger and heavier than the Superfly pads and offer more protection. They also use the IPX foam pad and feature top and bottom velcro straps, plus a full length zipper so you don't need to remove your shoes before removing the pads.
IXS Trigger AM helmet
Another entry into our big helmet test, the IXS Trigger AM is an all-mountain or enduro trail lid that costs just £100. There is a choice of two sizes, the helmet gets an adjustable peak and there is a super soft chin strap with Fidlock magnetic buckle. It looks good, comes in various colours and there's an adjustable cradle to winch the lid tight.
- £100
- ixs.com
O’Neal Soul shorts
The O'Neal Soul shorts are from the women's range of kit, they are a robust-looking short for all-mountain and trail riding. The shorts get a decent leg length to fit well with knee pads, an adjustable waistband and zippered pockets on each hip. For the similar men's version check out the 'Pin It' range.
O’Neal Soul jersey
From the same line up as the shorts, the women's Soul jersey gets similar styling. There is a small, hidden pocket at the rear and a built-in glasses wipe. Again for men's gear you need to look at the 'Pin It' range.
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