In recent years, the Australian brand DHaRCO has made a name for itself with stylish, functional MTB apparel. Now, with the launch of their new Protection Series, they’re venturing into new territory: protective gear. At the heart of the new collection is a material called RHEON – a reactive polymer that remains soft and flexible under normal conditions but instantly stiffens upon impact, aiming to combine high protection with superior comfort.
In addition to two upper body protectors, the DHaRCO Protection Series includes three models of knee pads – ranging from the lightweight Trail Knee Pad, to the heavily protection-focused DH Knee Pad, and the Gravity Knee Pad we tested. The Gravity Knee Pad is noticeably less bulky than the DH version, yet still meets the stringent Level 2 protection standard of EN 1621-1:2012. It sounds like the golden mean for long enduro days – but does the Gravity Knee Pad live up to that promise on the trail?
The DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pad in Detail
The DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pad features a classic sleeve design without additional straps, and relies on big silicone grippers at the top and bottom to ensure a secure fit. For optimal sizing, DHaRCO offer the pads in four sizes, S to XL; our test sample in size L weighs 355 g – a solid figure, which even many Level 1 pads exceed. Priced at € 119.99, the pad is fairly priced, too.
True to form, DHaRCO maintain their clean design language, with a sleek, modern look that is easy to pair with most riding kits. In addition to the removable RHEON protectors in the central knee area, the Gravity Knee Pad features thin protective inserts on both the left and right sides, intended to provide extra stability in the event of a crash without compromising comfort.
The perforated RHEON pad and breathable nylon main material ensure solid ventilation and noticeably less heat buildup compared to many other Level 2 solutions. The nylon and elastane fabric blend feels pleasantly soft and conforms snugly to the knee. A practical bonus: according to DHaRCO, the pads can be machine-washed at cold temperatures without having to remove the protectors first.
The DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pad on Test
On the trail, the Gravity Knee Pads stay securely in place – provided the size is right and your anatomy works well with the sleeve design. While the lack of straps improves comfort and the overall look, it also limits adjustability: unlike pads with Velcro fasteners, the Gravity Pads can’t be fine-tuned or tightened before dropping into the trail. The fit simply has to be right from the start. DHaRCO offer a detailed sizing guide on their website, which we also used and which helped several of our testers find the correct size.
When the fit is right, the DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pad remains securely in place, even on long descents, during frequent pedal shifts, or through rough trail sections. Pedaling remains unhindered throughout; there’s no annoying rubbing or material bunching behind the knee, so even long grinds feel relaxed. Even in cold temperatures, the RHEON insert stays pleasantly supple. The good news: the high level of comfort is consistent throughout the day. The Gravity Knee Pads don’t cause pressure points or trap excessive heat inside. One small drawback, however, is that the sleeve below the RHEON insert is a bit short – adding some extra material here would improve comfort even further.
This high comfort level comes with a slight psychological side effect: because the Gravity Knee Pad is almost unnoticeable while riding, it occasionally lacks the reassuring sense of security that many associate with Level 2 pads. That said, the fact remains: the Gravity Knee Pads offer reliable protection when it counts – they just feel far less bulky than many of their more cumbersome competitors.
Conclusions about the DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pads
The DHaRCO Gravity Knee Pads combine high Level 2 protection with a level of comfort typically reserved for lightweight trail pads. Even after hours of riding, they remain pleasantly unobtrusive – with no pressure points or heat buildup. However, proper fit is crucial: since the sleeve design doesn’t use straps, the pads must match your anatomy well to stay securely in place. When they do fit properly, the Gravity Pads offer an outstanding blend of protection, lightness, and comfort – ideal for long enduro rides, technical trails, and pedal-heavy tours.
Tops
- High wearing comfort
- Level 2 protection despite a slim profile
- Good ventilation
- Easy to wash
Flops
- Not the highest perceived level of safety
- Fit cannot be adjusted due to sleeve design
For all further information, visit DHaRCO.
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker