7 Best Mountain biking Elbow pads in 2023 ( Reviews & Guide )


Have you been looking for good elbow pads for mountain biking? Here are 7 of the best MTB elbow pads to protect you the next time you go cycling.

One of my earliest memories of cycling was when I was 7 years old. This is because I fell so badly and bruised my elbow. I was scolded for not wearing my elbow pads just because they were too heavy. I still have a scar from that incident today that’s why I never go cycling without my elbow pads.

Elbow pads are important to have as part of your mountain biking gear. They provide protection and are made of lightweight material that doesn’t weigh you down while cycling. Due to the possibility of injury with mountain biking, you should ensure to be protected before you go riding.

Your knees and elbows are most likely to get damaged when you crash so they must be protected. In this article, we combine a list of 7 of the best MTB elbow pads to protect you when you go cycling.

7 of the best MTB elbow pads- A comparison table

Name
Manufacturer
Material
Action
Webetop Motorcycle elbow pads
Webetop
Aramid Fiber+EVA+Fabric
Fox Launch Pro D30 Elbow Pads
Fox Racing
Ariaprene neoprene
RaceFace Ambush Elbow pads
RaceFace
Neoprene
Alpinestars Men’s Alps 2 elbow guard
Alpinestars
34% Polyester 21% Polyamide 20% Polyethylene
Fox Racing Launch Enduro MTB elbow pad
Fox Racing
Mesh + perforated neoprene
Bodyprox Elbow pads
BodyProx
Abrasion –resistant material
Alpinestars Paragon Elbow guard
Alpinestars
Polyester spandex

 

Webetop Motorcycle elbow pads- Best downhill MTB elbow pads

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The Webetop motorcycle elbow pads are wear-resistant and stylishly designed to keep you safe while riding. This is one of the most comfortable elbow pads that do not restrict your movement while offering you protection.

Specs

  • Weighs 0.25kg
  • Elastic straps
  • Size large
  • Size 30cm by 13cm

These elbow pads are very elastic and breathable to keep you cool when cycling on a hot day. They are made of Aramid fiber which is wear-resistant ensuring the durability of the pads. They are very comfortable and easy to wear and remove when you are done riding.

The sponge lining and breathable fabric found on these pads offer maximum ventilation and comfort for any cyclist. They are very versatile and can be used for many sports like snowboarding, skating, and motocross.

Pros

  • The towel fabric on these elbow pads are soft and make it easy and comfortable to wear.
  • The adjustable straps make it easier to fit these pads onto your arm firmly.
  • It is made of EVA foam which offers strong protection against pressure

Cons

  • The size and color options are very limited

Verdict

The Webetop Motorcycle elbow pads are versatile pads that you can use during other sports like skating, wakeboarding, and skiing. They are breathable and made with durable material to keep you safe and comfortable when you are cycling.

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Fox Launch Pro D30 Elbow Pads- Flexible Elbow pads for MTB

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The Fox launching Pro D30 is a well-padded and flexible elbow pad to protect you while mountain biking. With the abrasion-resistant and replaceable cap, you can be sure to use these pads for years to come.

Specs

  • Hook and loop closure
  • 1-year warranty
  • Velcro strap

These elbow pads have moisture-wicking back fabric which will keep you cool and dry when riding on a hot day. The neoprene and Kevlar add to the durability and protection of these elbow pads.

The Fox launch pro D30 will give you a more natural range of motion when cycling you will hardly notice you have them on. They are lightweight and padded elbow guards to offer you more protection. It also has a Velcro strap on the top arm to keep it firmly secure on your arm while on the bike.

Pros

  • The replaceable elbow caps protect the main padding and prevent snags
  • The sleeve is very breathable to keep you cool and comfortable while cycling.
  • It offers great coverage for your elbow

Cons

  • More pricy compared to other mountain biking elbow pads.

Verdict

The Fox Racing Pro D30 combines modern technology to be able to offer you maximum elbow protection. These pads are not only breathable but the cap is replaceable so that you can use it for longer without damaging the padding.

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Race Face Ambush Elbow pads- Best protective Elbow pads for MTB

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The Race Face Ambush elbow pads are comfortable pads that will stay put throughout your ride. It comes with a high-performance shock-absorbing foam. These pads are durable and ideal for mountain biking.

Specs

  • Rubber grab tabs
  • Woven strap
  • Made of perforated neoprene

The Race face ambush elbow gloves are fitted with light mesh in the sleeve to keep you cool while riding. The Velcro adjustment strap on the bicep of these elbow pads is good for getting the perfect fit that won’t slip.

These elbow pads are soft and come with extra padding in the interior to keep you comfortable and secure. They are the perfect length of elbow pads, not too long or short. They offer great arm flexibility while riding and are warm enough for the cold season.

Pros

  • The perforated neoprene enhances ventilation and is god for moisture control
  • The inner elbow is lined with soft mesh panels to keep you cool
  • It comes with an upper elastic strap and lowers neoprene comfort strap to fit firmly onto your elbow.

Cons

  • It is only available in one color

Verdict

The Race face elbow pads are lightweight and breathable pads to offer you protection while cycling. They are just the perfect size and fit to ensure your safety and comfort while cycling. This is a purchase you won’t regret.

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Alpinestars Men’s Alps 2 elbow guard-Best Men’s Cycling Elbow guard

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These elbow guards are made of many materials including polyester, polyethylene, EVA, and spandex. They also come in three colors so that you can have options to choose from. Made by Alpinestars, these are quality elbow pads for you to use.

Specs

  • 4†high
  • 8†wide
  • Weighs 330 grams

These elbow guards were made to offer a perfect fit and maximum protection against injuries. There is full freedom of movement with these pads due to its flexible nature. It also provides higher levels of impact protection compared to other elbow pads.

The inner liner has silicone printing to better prevent the guard from slipping when you ride. The softshell is made of durable fabric for abrasion protection. The stretch mesh panel is also better for stability.

Pros

  • These elbow pads are flexible and lightweight to carry around wherever you go.
  • The snug design offers a better fit and soft tissue support for the different styles of riding.
  • The top and bottom straps are Velcro to help keep the protection in place when you cycle.

Cons

  • Does not have a variety of colors to choose from

Verdict

These are lightweight and durable elbow guards that will ensure your protection no matter what style of cycling you are into. They are breathable and very firm so as not to slip. These are one of the best elbow pads for mountain biking.

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Fox Racing Launch Enduro MTB elbow pad- Best Enduro mountain bike elbow pads

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The Fox Racing Enduro elbow pads are lightweight and made for all-day wear while cycling. There is a popular choice for experienced and skilled cyclers because of how comfortable and unrestrictive they are.

Specs

  • Made of mesh and neoprene
  • Available in grey and red
  • Pull-on closure system

These elbow pads give you the perfect fit you will hardly remember you have them on. They will keep you cool and dry because the silicone gripper prevents slippage. You are sure it will be firm on your arm throughout the whole ride.

These elbow pads will protect you from bruises and scratches you are likely to encounter when mountain biking. The good thing is that you don’t have to sacrifice your mobility and comfortability with these elbow pads.

Pros

  • The slip-on design makes these elbow pads much easier to wear.
  • The forearm is stretchable and lightweight for a better and freer range of motion
  • The forearm is padded and abrasion-resistant to keep you protected.

Cons

  • Do not have a variety of colors to chose from

Verdict

The Fox Racing Enduro elbow pads are specifically designed for mountain biking. These elbow guards offer protection from bruises and scratches while still being comfortable and flexible. These are the elbow pads for any experienced mountain biker out there.

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Bodyprox Elbow pads- Best budget Elbow pads for MTB

[amazon box=”B0727PPH23″ template=”horizontal” ]

These pads offer unparalleled protection when mountain biking. These pads offer protection while also allowing flexibility while cycling. You still have your full range of motion while still maintaining the best performance.

Specs

  • Foam padding
  • Breathable fabric
  • Available in two colors

These gloves are not stiff and easily conform to the shape of your arms and elbows. They are created to help you move and balance without interfering with your capabilities. They offer arm wide protection against injuries when riding.

These pads are affordable and durable to use when mountain biking. The foam padding is strategically placed to offer maximum protection and to absorb blunt trauma caused when falling.

Pros

  • The foam padding is strategically placed to offer protection from injury.
  • The material on the sleeve of these elbow pads offers additional joint support.
  • The fabric is breathable to keep you cool when mountain biking during the summer

Cons

  • The sizes might be larger than expected

Verdict

The BodyProx elbow pads are durable and well-padded to give you a perfect fit when riding. They offer protection and joint support for your arms while riding. If you are looking for a firm, padded and breathable elbow pad, these are the one for you.

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Alpinestars Paragon Elbow guard- Best elbow pads for Mountain biking

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The paragon alpinestars are good for offering protection when mountain biking. They are highly optimized for maximum performance with different riding positions. They are sold in pairs.

Specs

  • Available in 4 colors
  • Breathable fabric
  • Made of polyester spandex

The Alpinestars paragon elbow pads have an ergonomic design to optimize your performance in different riding positions. They are made with a breathable mesh to keep you cool when you are riding during the summer.

The sleeves fit most body shapes and sizes. These gloves are versatile enough to be used when basketball, volleyball, CrossFit, and weightlifting. The snug fit prevents the elbow pads from slipping when you ride.

Pros

  • The slip-on design is convenient and saves on a lot of time in preparation
  • The fabric reinforcements are strategically positioned for added durability and abrasion resistance
  • These elbow pads are lightweight, durable, and flexible for a more comfortable ride.

Cons

  • More costly compared to other mountain biking elbow pads

Verdict

These are durable and lightweight gloves from Alpinestars that offer you protection without sacrificing the comfort that comes with elbow pads. They are the best choice if you are looking for breathable and easy to wear elbow pads for mountain biking.

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What to consider when buying the best MTB elbow pads

Elbow pads are essential for any mountain biker. When buying them you should not only consider the price but also the safety features, durability, performance, and breathability of these elbow pads.

Protection

This is the most important of the elbow pad. Make sure the pads you buy have a wide coverage to keep you from harming your forearms and elbows. The pads should sit firmly on your arm when riding and not keep on moving. If your pads keep on falling off they will not be useful for your protection. The thickness and quality of the foam padding also contribute to your protection. The padding on your elbow pads should also match the type of riding.

Comfort

The elbow pads you get should be very comfortable. They should fit you very well and not be too tight. You should do some research and use the sizing guide to get the best size for your elbows. If you get elbow pads that are too tight or uncomfortable, you won’t use them, this puts you more at risk of injuries, the next time you go riding.

Breathability

When you are riding especially during the hot weather, you should make sure that your elbow pads are breathable. Most elbow pads are made of breathable mesh and vented to keep you cool. The more intense your ride becomes, the more likely you are to sweat. Non-breathable elbow pads will easily slip when drenched in sweat they also tend to be smelly so you should consider getting vented pads.

Price

The price of any product is important to consider because you don’t want to spend more than what you have. The more durable and protection offered by elbow pads, the more expensive it is likely to be. Make sure to stick within your budget while ensuring you get elbow pads that are breathable, long-lasting, and offer maximum protection.

Design

The design of the elbow pads you buy is important for a perfect fit. The pads should naturally fit the shape of your arm easily. Good quality elbow pads allow you to freely move your arm when riding. With these elbow pads, you can easily maneuver the bike better because they will not restrict your movement. These are more comfortable and easy to wear the whole day.

Ease of Use

The elbow pads you chose to buy should be easy to use for any type of cycling. Some elbow pads have a slip in design to make it easier to put on and remove your elbow pads. Pick a model that you can use without the help of others. You should be able to adjust the straps for a snug fit before you go cycling. The straps should be easy to adjust to fit your arms better.


Conclusion

In conclusion, wearing elbow pads when cycling is very important to ensure your protection. To get maximum protection you should ensure that your elbow pads are breathable, durable, and well-padded.

The pads should be lightweight to make it easier to carry them, flexible so as not to restrict your movement and adjustable so that you can adjust them for a perfect fit when riding. You should consider the price, comfort, durability, and ease of use of elbow pads before you make a purchase.

You should never leave them behind because they offer protection to your elbows that are more likely to get injured during a biking accident. There is a wide variety of elbow pads you can buy and we have compiled a list of 7 of the best elbow pads for mountain biking to help you.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why should I wear elbow pads when mountain biking?

Elbow pads are important when you go mountain biking because they offer you protection. Your knees and elbow are areas that are most likely to get injured when you fall. Wearing pads will protect you from abrasion and scratches.

2 Which are the best mountain biking elbow pads

The best elbow pads are the ones that fit you the best without restricting your movement. They should be comfortable and padded to absorb the impact in case of any injury when riding.