THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads Review

Reviewed by: Essex Herts MTB - January 2014

EHMTB reviews the SAS-TEC packed Maxi Knee Pads from THE Industries.

THE Industries Maxi Knee Pad Introduction

I’ve been looking for a set of low profile, lightweight and comfortable knee pads, that I can use for all day trail and all-mountain duties but which will still see me right in the event of an unexpected dismount! Too many of the pads I’ve used before have been great for DH but are a bit too bulky for all day use involving lots of pedalling.

Last summer my search for the perfect solution led me to the Maxi Knee Pads from THE Industries. Aside from being called Maxi Pads would these fit the bill? After 6 months of use, here’s the Essex Herts MTB verdict

THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads Specification

The Maxi Knee Pads use SAS-TEC a German engineered viscoelastic insert foam, which reacts instantly to impacts by hardening and dissipating energy.
SAS-TEC is widely used in the motorcycle industry and is increasingly being adopted for use in mountain biking.
SAS-TEC has a working life of c. 10 years and is environmentally friendly.
The foam's memory effect returns the guard to its original shape and is safe to use, no matter how hard or how many times you crash.
SAS-TEC's lightweight, low-density properties and anatomical shape means that it shapes itself to fit comfortably.
It is also sufficiently malleable to provide a full range of motion with little resistance whilst pedalling or moving.
The SAS-TEC inserts are removable to allow machine washing; or can be left in for hand washing.
In addition the THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads have EVA foam offers side-impact protection.
Lightweight, low-profile design.
Inner neoprene sleeves on the Maxi Pads are perforated for ventilation.
Outside, special low-friction Kevlar will is used to reduce abrasions on impact but also to prevent snagging when worn under trousers.
Full product details for the THE Industries Maxi Knee Pad are here.
Price: RRP £69.94 .

"Pedalling in the Maxi Pads feels good with the pads staying in place – in fact, you don’t even notice you’re wearing them."

Design

The size chart seemed accurate.
The THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads upper and lower straps are nicely designed – the upper one goes all the way around but the lower one does has an out and back approach - which aids comfort but also means the pads stay in place well.
Coverage and protection is pretty good – not as extensive as the pads I use for full on rocky DH duties – but more than adequate for trail and all mountain riding.
The Maxi Pads kevlar outer, means these pads do work well when worn under trousers or even jeans. Its means they don't snag on clothing, and at the same time are highly durable.

A couple of securing loops would be beneficial on the lower strap to keep everything in place.
At full retail price they aren’t quite the bargain that can be had if you shop around.

"The Maxi Knee Pads use SAS-TEC a German engineered viscoelastic insert foam, which reacts instantly to impacts by hardening and dissipating energy."

Usability and durability in the field / longer term ownership

The THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads seem to be holding up well. There is no obvious wear and tear even after 6 months of heavy use and washing machine cycles.
Ventilation is good. I certainly haven’t had any problems with my knees over heating. Even in the very few hot days of riding we managed to enjoy in the summer.
The SAS-TEC inserts work as advertised. They mould to the shape of your knee, which really aids the comfort, but harden up instantly on impact which does seem to take some of the sting out of crashing.
Taking out the inserts is super easy so you’ve no excuse not to keep them clean! This is a huge deal for us, with all my current winter rides caking us in boggy mud.
Pedalling in the Maxi Pads feels good with the pads staying in place – in fact, you don’t even notice you’re wearing them.

Its not a massive problem but the graphics on the front of the pads are starting to fade a little bit.
Similar to many other brands pads, you have to take your shoe off to put them on; not a big deal but is mildly annoying if you wanted to carry them in your pack before putting them on mid-ride.

"Taking out the inserts is super easy so you’ve no excuse not to keep them clean!"

Test Info

Tested – since summer 2013
Riding – Trail riding.
Where – Worldwide.
Riding style – Maintains kit well and doesn't crash a lot. But when I do crash its usually a big one.
Similar products tried: 661 Kyle Straits; various RaceFace; O’Neal Sinner.

Final Thoughts

I’m pleased to report that the THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads do indeed tick pretty much all the boxes in terms of what I wanted for a set of trail and all–mountain knee pads.

The fit is super comfortable, the SAS-Tec does mould to the shaper of your knee, which means once they’re on you don’t really notice them. Being able to remove the SAS-TEC inserts and throw them in the washing machine with the rest of your gear means they’re really easy to keep smelling and looking good as well. Despite their light weight and low profile, protection is good and I can confirm that they have helped save my knees from further damage on a number of occasions.

Overall then the THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads are worth adding to the list of pads to try, if you’re in the market for a bit more knee protection on trail or all-mountain rides.

Find out more about the THE Industries Maxi Knee Pads click here .