Bliss ARG Knee Pad Review

Reviewed by: Essex Herts MTB -
Bliss ARG Knee Pad
We're testing the ARG Knee Pad from Bliss. Will the the super flexible, easy clean, self regenative armour from Bliss, be as good as it sounds?

Introduction

Only a few years ago almost all armour was bulky foam backed plastic. The armour made us all look like Robocop & was hot, sweaty & heavy. Someone then realised that while hard plastic offers puncture protection, it does a terrible job of dissipating the energy from impacts. As a result companies began to look at alternatives.

There are now several companies using 3DO, SAS-TEC or similar inserts to create armour. Their aim in using these technologies has been to create armour which offers good protection, is lightweight but at the same time is flexible. German company Bliss have taken this one step further. They have invested in developing their own protection, Armourgel®. A system which Bliss believe, is the next level in flexible protection.

Bliss ARG Knee Pad
Armourgel®. A system which Bliss believe, is the next level in flexible protection.

What Bliss say about Armourgel®

  • Shock Freeze System:
    Armourgel® absorbs and dissipates energy, greatly reducing impact forces transmitted to the body. The special structure of Armourgel® allows the material to absorb 80% of the impact energy.
  • Air Circulation System:
    Armourgel® is based on an open Re-entrant Structure, allowing natural ventilation and airflow around the body for ultimate comfort.
  • Temperature Steady:
    Armourgel® shows no impact performance losses at high (+40°C) and low (-20°C) temperatures.
  • Ergo Flex System:
    Armourgel® is totally flexible, giving the wearer great freedom of movement.
  • Easy Clean:
    Armourgel® can be washed more than 50 times at 40°C with no loss of impact performance properties.
  • Self Regenerative:
    Unlike PU or EPS foams, Armourgel® can be subjected to multiple impacts onto the same point without being destroyed.
  • Lots more info in the Bliss Science Lab.


Bliss ARG Knee Pad
I never felt the pads slipping down or needing adjustment, even on long trail rides.

What Bliss say about the ARG Knee Pads

  • Knee protection
  • Ergonomic cut for a perfect fit
  • Superlight mesh materiel
  • Extra elastic for comfort
  • 5 Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Retail Price is 89,90 EUR

Protection & Comfort

  • The Bliss ARG Knee Pads use an elastic sock, with top and bottom straps. This is a tried and tested method of keeping the knee pads in place. It’s not a surprise that it works well. I never felt the pads slipping down or needing adjustment, even on long trail rides. I didn’t have to over tighten them to stay up.
  • The comfort offered by the lycra sock is superb. I have battle scarred knees and as such I’m very sensitive to any rubbing in the knee cap area. The sock in addition to the Armourgel backing meant that I ddint feel any rubbing.
  • The ARG Knee Pads straps offer good adjustment. Using the size guide, the fit was as expected.
  • The Velcro offers a good level of ‘grab’ without being so aggressive that it snags your shorts.
  • The knee is well covered by Armourgel with supplemental padding around the side.
  • Armourgel is one of the most flexible protection systems we have seen. It instantly moulds to the contours of your knee.
  • The pads are very breathable & vent well.
  • The Armourgel used on the pads is relatively thin (4mm). This is less than other knee guards I’ve tried. Even with the high tech properties of the Armourgel, the amount used on the knee pad, results in slightly less protection than bulkier & heavier pads. This is the trade off for the flexibility and comfort the ARG pads give you.
  • The Bliss ARG Knee Pads straps have a bit of a hard edge to them. In some instances they would rub slightly. They have softened & improved with washing.

Bliss ARG Knee Pad
They still look brand new, with no loose stitching to report. They haven’t lost their shape.

Durability and looks

  • The The Bliss ARG Knee Pads look good. The attention to detail on the labels and fasteners make for a premium looking product.
  • The rubberised strap tab ends make doing the straps up very easy, and look good.
  • The Bliss ARG Knee Pads have become my go to trail / enduro pad. As such they get filthy and washed a lot. They still look brand new, with no loose stitching to report. They haven’t lost their shape despite getting sopping wet and being dried on radiators.
  • Crashes & rolls in the mud have not left any marks thus far.

Test Info

  • Tested when - Winter, Spring
  • Tester size and shape - Legs like a chicken. Small calves.
  • Level of care for kit - Left muddy and wet, and only washed when caked in mud.
  • Other similar products used - 661 Kyle Straits, 661 3D0s, Fox Launch, Scott Grenades

Final thoughts on the Bliss ARG Knee Pads

The Armourgel is one of the most flexible protection systems we have seen. The comfort can in part be attributed to the pads offering a little less shielding, in comparison to thicker heavier pads. As such they make an excellent choice for enduro / trail / freeride applications, where pedaling comfort is vital. They do still however offer good impact and abrasion protection, and the durability and looks of the product are superb. If you looking for comfort and style as well as solid protection then the Bliss ARG Knee Pads are well worth a look.

Find out more about the Bliss ARG Knee Pads at http://www.blisscamp.com.