ARE KNEE PADS BETTER THAN KNEE BRACES?

ARE KNEE PADS BETTER THAN KNEE BRACES?

I spent a full day riding to find out. As someone who’s worn knee braces since 1998 and who tore an ACL in 2014, I wanted to test the popular theory: are knee pads (like the EVS TP199) better than traditional carbon-fiber knee braces (I ride Asterisk)? This article walks through what I tried, what I felt on the bike, a candid conversation with Ryan Hughes, and my final take on comfort, protection, and performance.

Why this matters

Knee injuries are common in motocross and supercross. Whether you’re a weekend ripper or a pro, picking the right protection affects comfort, confidence, and — potentially — your injury risk. In recent seasons a lot of pros have moved from rigid braces to knee pads, claiming better feel and more freedom. I wanted to put that to the test personally and report back.

My gear and background

Quick background: I’ve been wearing knee braces since the late ’90s. My first brace was the CTi, and the Asterisk carbon-fiber brace I use now is the modern evolution of that design. For knee pads I tested the EVS TP199 — the model Travis Pastrana had a hand in designing. I wear a size 30 pant and tried the EVS in Small/Medium.

Important context — I tore my ACL in 2014 while wearing a first-generation Asterisk brace. That day I hadn’t tightened the brace properly and learned the hard way that a brace only works when worn correctly.

First impressions: fit and under-the-pant volume

The EVS TP199 slides on with a sleeve inside and straps behind the calf. On paper they felt snug — especially under my knee and on the calf — and they tuck into the boot nicely. Before riding I expected more freedom and less bulk under the pant. In reality, there’s a surprising amount of material behind the knee from straps and neoprene, so the space inside the pant didn’t feel dramatically larger than with my brace.

On the bike: what I noticed with knee pads

After the first ride in the TP199s I felt a little looser at the knee. The biggest positive was bike contact — when I squeezed the bike I could feel the machine’s contour better through the pad. That improved “feel” is exactly what riders who switch to pads talk about.

I also didn’t feel naked without the braces; it wasn’t a dramatic shock. The pads are flexible and let your knee move freely. Where you do lose something is the structural support you get from a carbon-fiber brace. With my brace I have a slight lockout feeling at full extension — tension behind the leg that’s not present with pads.

Protection: pads vs. braces

This is where the difference becomes clear. My Asterisk braces come up higher on the thigh and wrap more of the knee in hard material (carbon fiber + metal hardware). The EVS TP199 sits about 2–3 inches above the kneecap and offers impact padding and a plastic shin piece, but it lacks the wraparound structural protection of a brace.

Real-world scenarios where that extra structure matters:

• Getting your knee jammed or charley-horsed against the machine’s frame or tank.
• Contact with another rider, a handlebar, or a crash that twists the thigh/knee area.

On protection alone, a brace is superior because it provides hard structural support around the joint.

Chat with Ryan Hughes: perspective from a rider

“A feeling never lies. I rode with pads and after two laps I could feel my bike better. My leg feels lighter. You take stuff that’s supposed to move out of the body, you don’t perform at your highest potential.” — Ryan Hughes

Rhino’s angle is simple: efficiency and feel matter. He points out that the knee joint naturally has interior and exterior rotation (roughly 30–40%), and a rigid brace can limit that natural movement and reduce how effectively a rider uses the bike. From his experience — and from riders who prioritize lap time and bike feel — pads can unlock better movement and tactile feedback.

He also challenged common assumptions: people often wear braces because it’s what they were taught or because it’s marketed as the safer option. But Rhino says the only way to know is to try and see what your body and performance tell you.

Putting my braces back on: my final test

After testing the pads I put my Asterisk braces back on. They’re custom-fitted and comfortable after a month or two of wear. I was surprised to find that the braces didn’t reduce my feel on the bike as much as I expected. The flexion behind the knee felt natural to me and the brace didn’t steal the tactile connection I need when squeezing the bike.

Because I value the added outer protection and the structural support that comes up higher on the quad, I decided to stick with braces — at least for now. That’s a personal choice shaped by my injury history, riding style, and comfort with the braces I’ve worn for years.

So — pads or braces? A practical breakdown

When pads make sense

• You want maximum freedom of movement and improved “feel” while squeezing the bike.
• You value lightness and less hassle when getting dressed/undressed.
• You’re willing to accept less structural wraparound protection in exchange for mobility.

When braces make sense

• You want structural support and hard protection around the entire knee/thigh area.
• You have a history of serious knee injury or are returning from ACL reconstruction and need added stability.
• You ride in situations where impacts and entanglements are likely and you prefer the mechanical protection of carbon fiber/metal braces.

How to decide for yourself

1. Try both. Ride at least a few laps with each and pay attention to feel, range of motion, and confidence.
2. Fit matters. A poorly fitted brace won’t help and a loose pad will move and irritate. Get sizes right and adjust straps properly.
3. Consider your history. If you’ve had major ligament damage, lean toward the support of a brace unless your surgeon/therapist says otherwise.
4. Think about your riding type. Aggressive racers who need precise bike feel may prefer pads; those who deal with more crash/entanglement risk may prefer braces.

Final verdict

There’s no single correct answer. Pads deliver improved feel and mobility for many riders — and that feeling is real and valuable. Braces deliver superior structural protection and may better protect the knee in certain impact or twisting scenarios.

Personally, after testing the EVS TP199 knee pads and comparing them to my Asterisk carbon-fiber braces, I’m sticking with braces for now because of the protection and the fit I have with my current setup. That said, if you haven’t tried pads and you’re curious, give them a ride. A feeling never lies — and what works best is what feels best for you on the bike.

Ride smart, wear what lets you perform and feel confident, and make your choice based on both feel and objective protection needs.