Not all crashes are the same – and neither is the gear to handle them. Here’s how to pick the right protection for your style of riding.
Whether you’re shredding downhill trails, hitting dirt jumps, or grinding rails at the skatepark, one thing is non-negotiable: protection. But not all protection gear is created equal. Depending on your riding style, terrain, and risk level, you’ll want to choose between light, medium, or heavy impact protection.
Here’s a breakdown to help you gear up right.
Light Protection
For trail rides, pump tracks, skatepark sessions & uphill MTB – where mobility is key.
Light protection is made for riders who value flexibility, breathability, and minimal bulk. Whether you’re cruising mellow trails, flowing through pump tracks, playing around in the city, or tackling technical climbs like Stefan Schlie, this level of protection gives you just enough coverage without holding you back.
Recommended Gear:
Knee-Sleeve Dermis A
Featherlight, breathable, and ultra-packable – the Dermis A offers soft-shell protection with high flexibility. Powerband compression and anti-slip cuffs keep it secure even on technical climbs. Ideal for trail and uphill riders looking for subtle, all-day wear protection.
Also available as: Knee-Sleeve Dermis Pro A with extended knee and shin coverage, and as Youth Knee-Sleeve Dermis Pro A for kids. Elbow versions are also available for both adults and youth.
Knee-Sleeve Joint
Low-profile and flexible, the Joint sleeve protects your knees without getting in the way. With articulated padding, mesh backing, and lateral foam inserts, this pad is made to disappear until you need it most.
Also available as: Elbow-Sleeve Joint.
Riot Socks
Sleek protection where you don’t expect it: these socks hide soft foam guards for your shins and ankles. Ideal for skatepark laps or urban riding where slipped pedals are part of the game.
Medium Impact Protection
For enduro & technical trail riding.
When your rides start getting rowdier, you need gear that balances impact protection and pedal-friendliness. Medium protection is perfect for aggressive trail riding, rocky sections, and moderate-speed spills – where you want solid coverage without sacrificing mobility.
Recommended Gear:
Kneeguard Scout A
A solid all-rounder for enduro and trail: The Scout A combines ACF foam protection with a tough nylon front and slip-resistant Horseshoe fit. Pre-shaped design and mesh back ensure comfort and ventilation on long rides.
Kneeguard Chamber
Slim fit, strong protection. The Chamber features a ventilated neoprene body and a flexible PGF gel pad for medium-impact absorption. Enhanced side padding and an upper pad provide extra coverage, while the anti-slip zones and a 360° strap system ensure a locked-in fit – even when things get sketchy on roots, rocks, or switchbacks.
Also available as: Elbow-Guard Chamber
Heavy Impact Protection
For downhill, dirt jumping & high-risk BMX.
When you’re going full-send – whether it’s massive dirt jumps, big mountain lines, or technical park riding – your gear needs to handle the worst so you can ride at your best. Heavy impact protection is for riders who push limits, take risks, or simply don’t mess around when it comes to staying safe.
Recommended Gear:
Kneeguard Tahoe A
The go-to pad for dirt jumpers, BMX riders, and all-mountain shredders. The Tahoe A is our most popular kneepad – a team rider favorite – known for its outstanding fit and unbeatable slip-resistance. It combines ACF impact foam with a slim, pierce-proof insert for serious protection, plus lateral padding and a 360° strap system to keep everything locked in place through the roughest lines.
Also available as: Tahoe A Zip – featuring a vertical zip for easier on/off without removing shoes. And Elbowguard Tahoe A
Kneeguard Temper A 2.0
For full-send riders who need full-coverage protection. The Temper A 2.0 combines soft ACF impact foam with a removable hard shell shin guard – plus a slim, pierce-proof insert layered above the foam for added defense against rocks and sharp hits. Four Velcro straps, a 360° bottom strap, and an open-back design make this pad easy to dial in and quick to get on and off.
Looking for kids protection gear?
We’ve got young shredders covered too.