Race Face Flank Leg Guard [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

As bikes become more and more capable, it only makes sense that protective gear continues to improve as well. RaceFace has been making all sorts of pads for years now, so they know a thing or two about making quality stuff. Elouan recently got their Flank leg guards and has been stoked on them. Read on for more!

Overview

I originally purchased the Race Face Flank knee pads for Enduro riding. Once I got them about five days after ordering, I was impressed by how sturdy the shell felt. I am so pumped with their durability and, in some cases, comfort. They are the most protective knee pads I have had; they have a thick front pad and exceptional side protection making them perfect for the bike park. Of course, with all this protection, there is a downside that they are pretty hot. You can easily climb with this out of the way, but if you were climbing for over a couple of hours, I would recommend taking them off and strapping them to the top tube.

One pro that makes these knee pads justifiable over other pairs is that you can easily strap them on and off without taking your shoes off. Something of note is the price at over $160; they are a little pricey. I think you get what you pay for, but many other great knee pads are half the price. I believe that if you are frequently at bike parks or racing, these would be the pad for you. Enduro racing feels like the focus of the flanks.

These are also the first knee pads that I have had that cover your shins from pedal/rock strikes. I will be using these in Utah and at Whistler this year, and I am also planning on using them on the day to day. The top strap on the knee pads makes sure they don’t slip down, which is important to me because I have had injuries because of my knee pads slipping. Another downside would be that they aren’t the easiest to wash because of how they are gathered.

I personally love them and would not trade them for anything, even with the disadvantages. I feel better about going out of my comfort zone because I know that I have the protection to back me up.

Final Thoughts

These pads aren’t for xc, but they should be on your lookout if you are a challenging trail or enduro rider. After owning a pair, I would easily give them 4.5 stars and a glowing review. I don’t plan on wearing them when riding light xc trails, but when descending, protection is essential, especially when you don’t want to get hurt but you want to improve. These are a little lighter than the POC DH ones put they feel like their offer equal protection.