The 8 Best Mountain Bike Elbow Pads of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | June 28, 2023
Elbow pads are one of those pieces of protective equipment that you won’t know you need until it’s too late. Sure, kneepads are an easy choice when deciding what to wear mountain biking, but once you take a few crashes you’ll understand why many riders wear mountain bike elbow pads as well. They’re a lightweight, comfortable form of insurance against common crashes. But not all elbow pads are created equal. The best mountain bike elbow pads deliver an appropriate level of protection for your average rides, while also being comfortable and fitting well. So shop for your needs, not some artificial standard.
New This Year:
All of the elbow pads on this list are designed to be comfortable enough to wear all day long. But where they vary is the amount of padding they use. Riders on mostly XC trails will want a lighter, less padded option than those riding bike parks or shuttling. Some of the pads on this list are closer to thinly padded sleeves, while others use non-newtonian materials or harder pads to keep you protected. But no matter which pads you choose, remember that their fit and your comfort are the highest priority. No pad is protecting you if it’s so uncomfortable that you never wear it.
POC VPD Air Sleeves
POC VPD Air Sleeves come straight outta Sweden, leading the design and style charge. Even if they weren't so comfortable, you'd probably want to wear these lightweight elbow pads just on looks alone. Designed as multi-purpose pads to wear for everything from trail riding to enduro races and the bike park, they have perforated foam pads lurking inside a comfortable compression sleeve that just will not shift during riding.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| VPD Compound | $59.95 - $69.95 |
Dakine Slayer Elbow Sleeves
You're not afraid to fall off your bike, but it's easier when you're protected. Put your mind at ease and feel the breeze when you slip on the ultra-breathable and ultra-flexible Dakine Slayer Elbow Sleeves.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| DK Impact Polyurethane Foam | $65.00 |
Sweet Protection Elbow Guards
If there's a question, the answer is always yes: wear your pads. Sweet Protection Elbow Guards are lightweight and unobtrusive, easily forgotten after you slide your jersey over them. They're breathable enough to keep on while you're pedaling, giving you all day protection from scrapes, bumps, and bruises. Don't let an unhealing hamburger-swell-bow be the prodding you need to get with the program--wear your pads!
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| 3D-Protector from visco elastic soft foam | $69.95 |
Fox Enduro Elbow Sleeves
If you like to earn the descent by pedaling to the top, the Fox Enduro Elbow Sleeves will keep you covered without getting in your way. The removable D3O® insert is light and flexible, and the lycra-mesh sleeve is breathable, so you won't overheat on the climb.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| Removable D3O® Insert | $74.95 |
G-Form E-Line Elbow Pads
G-Form E-Line Elbow Pads protect you not only from the scary crashes, but the less dramatic hazards of a ride in the woods. This is armor against blackberry bushes, tree branches, and even the elbow bumps that have replaced high fives. Like all G-Form pads, they're machine washable, super comfortable, and they stay put while you're riding.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| Kevlar-Blend Armortex | $99.99 |
POC VPD Air Fabio Edition Elbow Guards
The world's (or at least the internet's) most famous mountain biker knows a thing or seven about crash protection. Fabio Wibmer is insanely skilled, loves riding bikes of all kinds, and he's sure as heck not looking to take any time off from injury, The POC VPD Air Fabio Edition Elbow Guards are low profile and comfortable, making them perfect for gigantic youtube stars and you, too. Trials, trails, downhill mashers, and ripping through the city are all better knowing you can mess up a bit without losing any skin from your arms.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| VPD Air | $69.95 |
Sweet Protection Light Elbow Guards
Lightweight and well-ventilated, the Sweet Protection Light Elbow Guards were designed to give you a minimalistic feel while still providing reliable protection. Beyond their form factor, the Light Elbow Guards feature a unique 3S™ Visco-elastic pad that hardens upon impact, plus super breathable, perforated fabrics with gripper elastic on the inside to keep 'em put.
| Pad Technology | Original Price |
| 3S™ Visco-Elastic | $90.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
- Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
- Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
- Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
- Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
- Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
- Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
- Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
- Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
- Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
- Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
- Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
- Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
- eBikes - Classes, Features & More
- eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
- Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
- Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
- Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
- Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
- Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
- Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
- Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
- Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
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The Selection Process:
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.