The most important facts in a nutshell

The "Sleeve AMP" protectors from ION offer more than just protection from abrasions. The thin and pre-shaped pad is designed to prevent the worst injuries in the event of a fall and complies with protection class EN 1621 Level 1. A thin, glued-on layer on the top ensures that the protectors can slide on the ground and do not get stuck. Silicone strips in the elasticated cuffs ensure a non-slip grip.

First impression

Both the knee and elbow pads have a small pack size and can also be carried in a small rucksack. The protective pad can be easily removed for washing, which extends the service life of the plastic.

In use

When the test products were delivered, ION warned that the protectors are very tight-fitting but very elastic. "Just pull them on with force, they'll hold up," says the Swiss distributor. No sooner said than done. And yes, the first few times you have to pull really hard so that the seams crunch, but nothing breaks.

It does take a few inserts until they widen a little and you can put them on more easily. But they keep their shape even after more than a dozen washes. You need a little patience, as the upper cuffs tend to fold in and need to be well aligned. Once the sleeves are in place, they stay that way for hours without getting in the way - you hardly feel them. It feels like you're just wearing knee warmers or elbow covers. As fate would have it, there were no hard falls during the four-month test period. There was the odd bump with trees or your own bike, but the thin protectors protected you from bruises and abrasions.

Conclusion

If you're not riding in the bike park or on very rough trails, the "ION Sleeve AMP" protectors are more than enough. You can wear them all day long and are happy not to kneel on stony ground with your bare skin when repairing your bike on the trail. They are comfortable to wear in hot weather and provide additional protection and warmth in cold weather.

Recommendation

You are well advised to put on the ION sleeves before the ride. If you have sweaty skin, it's almost impossible to get them on because of the tight cut.

Price: CHF 99.90 each

Manufacturer/distributor

Knee protectors K-Sleeve AMP: www.ion-products.com
Elbow protectors E-Sleeve AMP: www.ion-products.com