TSG Chamber Knee Guard
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Product reviews
Stylish with an articulated knee design that delivers a high level of comfort on the bike, the TSG Chamber Knee Guards are sadly not as comfortable off the bike. The main knee pad is sturdy and flexible and they don't restrict freedom of movement. The simple velcro holds the pads in position and breathability is good thanks to various ventilation points. Good for trail use to enduro racing, but at £105, they come in as one of the priciest options in the best MTB knee pads category.
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TSG Chamber Knee Guard - Technical details
The TSG Chamber Kneeguard is a pull-on sleeve constructed of neoprene and mesh. The back of the knee features a spandex-lined opening. The hard knee protector is flexible, with a breathable perforated PGF foam structure. They are easily flexed but, at the same time, feel supportive enough to withstand nasty scrapes.
The front of the knee pad is a slimline shape that sits close to the body. The brand puts a lot of emphasis on the amount of ventilation on offer and the breathability level is high. This concept has been named 'Air Stream.' The side of the pads also features extra padding for better protection coverage.
To keep the pads in position, there are Velcro straps on the upper and lower part of the sleeve. There is also a non-slip NBR top and non-slip silicone bottom on the inside to create a better hold against the skin. These pads have a brand logo on the Velcro strap and an Air Stream logo on the lower side of the sleeve. There is a left- and a right-specific pad as the shape is articulated for the best performance. The knee pads have a claimed weight of 388g, which is quite heavy when compared to others on the market.
TSG Chamber Knee Guard - Performance
The pads felt too tight in comparison with what I’m used to using in the same size. They took some effort to put on, but once in position they were comfortable enough and felt nice and secure. There was no sign of the pads moving out of position. Because of the tight squeeze, the Velcro almost had no purpose as it barely gripped together. That said, once it was fastened up it didn't come away or move. Plus, the tab on the end of the Velcro is easy to pull to adjust even with gloves on.
While riding, the pads moved well and didn't feel restrictive or stiff. They are bulky but still fit well underneath trousers. The pads were only really comfortable when riding due to their shape. While walking around off the bike they did dig into my legs. The back of the knee area has a really effective vent to allow heat to escape. TSG has thought a lot about achieving maximum ventilation, and it shows because when riding I didn’t feel uncomfortable and clammy.
The flexible but very protective main pad looks solid but is surprisingly bendy. Luckily I didn’t have any offs while using them except for trailside bush scrapes, which it defended against with ease. I feel that they would offer enough knee protection if I was to have a crash which is always reassuring when riding something technical. The PGF foam construction isn’t just bendy, it also moulds around the knee and stays in position for longer. It's similar to D30 found on the Fox Enduro knee pads, where it gradually returns to its original shape.
TSG Chamber Knee Guard - Verdict
At £105, the TSG Chamber Knee Guards are expensive but there are plenty of dearer options that possess the same level of features and protection. For starters, there's the Leatt Knee Guard 3DF 5.0 Zip at £120 with a nifty side zip for quick access. There are also the IXS Dagger Knee Pads for the same price as the TSG. They offer side padding and a special unique joint system. They are also 28g lighter.
The ergonomic shape and flexible construction offer comfort and a high level of protection with a sturdy feeling. They have adequate ventilation, especially behind the knee, and the low profile sits nicely underneath trousers. After using these TSG knee guards, they tick lots of boxes and have a good mix of features that can offer protection for a range of riding, from local pump tracks to riding at a bike park.