Issue #053, Review - November 24, 2022

Troy Lee Designs Stage – In our 2022 trail knee pad group test

Troy Lee Designs have long held cult status amongst motocrossers and mountain bikers, manufacturing high-quality helmets and body protection with flashy designs and bright colours for over four decades. Against all odds, the Stage knee pad enters our comparison test with a discreet look and simple slip-on design without Velcro fasteners. As a result, the TLD Stage tips the scales at just 154 g, which makes it the lightest pad in the entire test field.

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

**Weight per pad** 154 g | **Price** € 90.00 | **Certification** Level 1 | **Removable Insert** No
**Fastening System** Elastic Strip | **Lab Test Results** 20 kN at 2.8 ms | Manufacturer’s website

The CE EN1621 Level 1-certified D3O® insert is firmly sewn into the sleeve, providing 20 kN shock absorption at 2.8 ms, which is average in this test field – as is the € 90 price tag. The TLD combines a thin sleeve material with light mesh at the back of the knee and a slightly firmer, abrasion-resistant material protecting the front panel.

The TLD Stage knee pad extends far down the calf, which looks a bit odd when paired with long socks.

The Troy Lee Designs Stage forgoes Velcro fasteners and holds onto the leg by means of a thin silicone strip.

The sleeve material is rather thin but doesn’t let much air through the front of the pad.

The Troy Lee Designs Stage on the trail

The soft, flexible material makes it easy to slip the Troy Lee Designs Stage over the leg. However, the long sleeve extends far over the thigh and calf, making it harder to put on the pads when you’re already wearing shorts. On top of that, the elongated shape makes for a strange look in combination with long socks. The long knee pad transitions straight into the sock, making you look as if you were wearing leggings. The absence of straps ensures a comfortable fit but the Stage still stays in place on all kinds of descents. When pedalling, the thin, lightweight material makes you forget that you’re even wearing knee pads – albeit ventilation could be slightly better!

Tops

Lightweight
Excellent comfort

Flops

Not the best ventilation in this test
Long sleeve makes for a weird look

You can find out more about at troyleedesigns.eu.

The test field