Issue #053, Review - November 24, 2022

Alpinestars Paragon Plus – In our 2022 trail knee pads group test

While Alpinestars are mainly known as a manufacturer of clothing and protective gear for motocross, the Italian brand also offers a wide range of MTB-specific products. The Paragon Plus knee pad is made entirely of a thin material and forgoes Velcro straps, relying on an elasticated sleeve design with a sewn-in insert instead, with silicone strips on the thigh and back of the knee preventing it from slipping.

Click here for an overview: 14 trail knee pads in test

**Weight per pad** 173 g | **Price** € 59.99 | **Certification** Level 1 | **Removable Insert** No
**Fastening System** Elastic Strap | **Lab Test Results** 14 kN at 3.3 ms | Manufacturer’s website

When putting on the pads, however, the rear silicone strip pulls on the hair on your legs, which can be quite annoying – and on our pads, the strip came loose after just a few test rides. However, in the lab test, the Paragon Plus delivered some impressive numbers, measuring 14 kN residual force at 3.3 ms, which makes it one of the best performing pads in this test – and that’s despite the fact that it’s the cheapest model, retailing at just € 59.99! At 173 g, it stands bang in the middle of the test field for weight.

While the insert of the Alpinestars offers a high level of protection, it’s rather hard and rubbery, pressing against the kneecap when you pedal.

When pedalling, the Paragon Plus rubs against the back of the knee.

The Paragon forgoes Velcro straps and relies on an elasticated sleeve design instead, with silicone strips around the thigh and hollow of the knee preventing it from slipping.

The Alpinestars Paragon Plus on the trail

The thin material of the Alpinestars Paragon Plus promotes ventilation, ensuring a pleasant inner climate under the sleeve. However, the protector doesn’t have any vent holes, causing heat to build up underneath it. The fit is excellent and the pad doesn’t slip – our test model even stayed in place with a torn latex strip. When pedalling, you can feel the material rolling up at the back of the knee and rubbing against the leg, which can be uncomfortable on long climbs. The protector is firm but at the same time elastic. As a result, it takes a long time to adapt to the shape of the knee while the rubbery consistency causes it to spring back into its original shape, preventing it from moulding itself to the leg and thus pressing on the kneecap when you pedal.

Tops

Excellent impact absorption
Cheapest knee pad in test

Flops

Protector too stiff and rubbery
Sub-par wearing comfort

You can find out more about at alpinestars.com.

The test field