G-Form Pads are one of those things you realize you can never live without after you’ve tried them. The first time I slid a pair on was at a Ladies Allride Clinic in Moab. Practicing skills in a grassy field with flat pedals teaches you very quickly, that they are necessary. Whether riding technical terrain in the desert or learning to pop a wheelie or bunny hop a log, the security of knowing you are protected is priceless.
The G-Form brand of pads are unlike any others I have tried.
These pads are made of a highly specialized material in the contact zones that stays flexible and soft until you hit something, or it hits you. Once the impact occurs, the pad stiffens and dissipates the force, leaving your knees, elbows and shins blood and bruise free!
Our testers at the Roam Bike Fest, in Sedona this fall were lucky enough to test and review three different groups of G-Form products: compression shorts, knee and knee/shin pads as well as elbow pads. Everyday trail pads are branded the Pro-X pads and the more Enduro/Downhill pads are called the Elite series and are a little pricier with longer sleeves and increased protection zones.
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Pro-B Bike Compression Shorts: (MSRP $ 120)
Do you need protection inside your shorts? Why not, if they allow you to move normally and are comfortable. Afterall, no one likes to slam their hip or butt on the rocks.
Jenna: “I was not so sure about these with the first impression, but they fit surprisingly well! They come with a chamois built in, so they replace your regular short liner. Nice and snug (but not too snug), light-weight, and comfortable. That “second-skin” feeling. But, if I am truly going to wear these in place of my regular short liner, I need them to have a longer inseam.
I just have to get used to the idea of wearing so many pads. I like where G-Form is going with these – making a protective pad that feels like a second-skin, so you can move without feeling like you’re geared up for battle.”
Andi‘s Impression: “Great fit! Not too bulky or heavy. Women’s specific chamois is relatively thin and comfortable. Flat seams and multiple panels keep these shorts extremely comfortable throughout the entire range of motion. Second-skin is a very accurate way to describe the fit.”
Elite Elbow Guards: (MSRP $ 90)
The Elite line offers more coverage and two silicone grippers to make sure they stay where you put them. The sized small elbow pads I tested were burly and fit well. I’d say if you like riding park, jumps and downhill and you really like pushing your limits- then these are for you. They are a little hotter than the Pro-X pads for obvious reasons.
Andi thought they were a whole lotta pad too: “Hot damn that’s a lot of padding! They cover a lot more area than my old G-Form elbow pads and are for more extreme riding scenarios.”
Elite Knee Guards: (MSRP $ 100)
The extended coverage area on these pads is really nice. The shock absorbing portion of the pad goes not only further up and down from the kneecap region, but around the sides of the knee. This helps to protect the delicate tendons and joint lines on the inside and outside of the knee. We all know that it’s not very common to fall directly down on the knee. If you are like me, a few rolls and somersaults or at least a little contact with my bike can leave me with some knee scuffs. These Elite pads protect against that kinda thing!
The fit on the Elite knees is a bit big, so size down. If you wear a medium Pro-X pad, you are probably going to need a small in the Elite.
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Pro-X Elbow Pads: (MSRP $ 70)
Jenna tested the elbow pads and really liked the coverage: “The elbow pads fit great! I like the second-skin feel and that they are soft and lightweight – I do not notice them while climbing. I don’t want to be aware of the fact I am wearing pads once I start riding. Also a fan of the RPT padding – that they only stiffen when needed! Aka impact! Plus, extra warmth with the extra coverage, now that the weather is cold!
Have a hard time wanting to wear these when the weather is hot and the sun is shining. The black is absorbent and starts to feel a bit suffocating, especially when paired with knee pads.”
Pro-X Knee Pads: (MSRP $ 70)
These pads offer a low profile, easy pedalling protection with mesh rear panel and silicone gripper to prevent slippage. This is my personal go-to knee pad, which I have had for about 3 years and they hold up great to machine wash and line drying. I have to admit I should probably wash them more than I currently do. I don’t know why, but I just think “hey they are just going to get muddy/dusty again.” EEWHH! (I don’t feel that way about shorts and jerseys though!)
Here are Andi’s thoughts: “I’ve been wearing G-Form knee pads since before they were cool (or maybe right when they got cool) and haven’t felt the need to invest in anything different. These new pads are no exception. Lightweight, flexible, breathable. I never feel restricted, and they work when I fall on them, which I do a lot.”
Jenna liked the Pro-X pads too but had some fit issues (with size medium): ” great second-skin feel, light-weight, comfortable. I do not want to be aware of the fact I am wearing pads once I start riding. I have a really hard time figuring out the fit for these. I struggled to get these on and I REALLY struggled to try to get them off after sweating! I seriously thought I was going to have to cut them off. I would say it is important to try the G-Form pads on before buying because fit can be a little tricky. I find I am not the same size between different styles.”
Pro-X Knee-Shin Guards: (MSRP $ 115)
These are my lifesavers! Since learning to ride on flat pedals, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought “WOW, that would have really been bad without these!” I’m way more confident wearing the knee-shin guards and feel an extra dose of do-it power when kitted out with these. I have really long, lanky legs and the shin guard part leaves some of my lower shin (the really sensitive part – it turns out) exposed and vulnerable.
The fit on these is a bit bigger than just the knee pads, so you can probably size down on the knee/shin pad but be sure to try them on. I wouldn’t want to wear these out on a really hot day. The pads do have some breathability in the back, but with that much of the cushioning material, they limit airflow on the skin and can get hot!
I (Tricia) would love it if G-Form just made a big padded onesie for me, I’d be invincible and I’m pretty sure I could ride anything!
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