Are you on the hunt for some new BMX pads, but you don’t really want something that’s bulky, heavy and hot? It seems like a lot of riders avoid wearing pads because of those three factors, so The Shadow Conspiracy went to work to develop some pads that are the opposite of traditional pads while still offering plenty of protection against impacts. The Invisa-Lite BMX pads are designed to be slim, lightweight and offer plenty of air flow to keep you cool. We recently got our hands on a set to give a go and figured we would give you some insight into what make these pads so special. Ready? Let’s do this!
Invisa-Lite Shin Pads
Other than a helmet, it’s safe to say one of the most important pads for a BMX rider are the shin pads. We’ve all taken a pedal to the shin or back of the leg and lost some blood in the process. One of the downsides to shin pads are that they are bulky and usually don’t fit under your pants well. The Invisa-lite shin pads are designed to be minimal, while still protecting you. The pads are made from a breathable and stretchy lycra / micro mesh construction with specially designed and tapered double-layer impact foam placed in the key areas. The stretchy construction, along with an interio anti-slip silicone band allow the pads to stay in place without bulky straps restricting movement. There’s a small Shadow woven label and the crow logo imprinted in the foam for a clean look.
The Invisa-Lite shin pads come in three sizes; small, medium and large (See chart below), with a weight of 6.98 oz. (198 grams / medium) and black for the only color option. These pads retail for about $35.99. You can pick them up right here
The Anti-Slip Silocone band can be found on the shin, knee and elbow pads to hold them in place.
A small woven patch with the Shadow logo can be found on each pad. Clean and simple branding.
Invisa-Lite Knee Pads
Next up, the Invisa-Lite knee pads that allow you to run knee pads under your pants without all the extra bulk or plastic shells. These pads, like the shin pads, are designed to be minimal and discrete with a breathable and stretchy lycra / Micromesh construction. The pads feature tapered impact foam that are designed to cover your knee and still have flexibility. There is an anti-slip silicone band that goes around the top to hold the pads in place, a branded Shadow woven label and Shadow logo in the foam padding.
The Invisa-Lite knee pads are available in three sizes; small, medium and large, with a weight of 3.67 oz. (104 grams / medium) and come in black for the only color option. These pads retail for about $34.99. You can pick up a set right here!
Invisa-Lite Elbow Pads
Finally, the Invisa-Lite elbow pads. These, similar to the shin and knee pads are designed to be slim fitting, allowing for flexibility and breathability. The pads are also made from the stretchy Lycra / Micromesh construction with tapered Impact foam that is designed to cover the elbow and wrap around it without too much extra bulk or plastic caps. Inside you can find the anti-slip silicone band, and then there’s the Shadow woven label and Shadow logon printed into the pad.
The Invisa-Lite elbow pads are available in three sizes; small, medium and large, with a weight of 2.89 oz. (82 grams / Medium) and come in black for the only color option. These pads retail for about $34.99. You can pick up a set on the Shadow Conspiracy Webstore
Sizing
Like we mentioned above, each of these pads are available in small, medium and large sizes. Above is a sizing chart that you can use to measure to get the proper size. Make sure you measure A and B to ensure you’re picking the right size. Since these pads do not have straps and rely on the stretchy material to hold the pads in place, having pads too small will be constrictive and too large will leave them loose and allow them to shift.
We’ve have the chance to give these pads a go for a few weeks now. Overall, we’re digging the simplicity of the pads and how clean they fit under pants without really sticking out too much or restricting movement. This definitely made it easier to throw them on since overly bulky pads can kind of be a pain to wear. The downside, since they are thinner and pretty minimal, they aren’t going to protect from impact as well as some of the larger styles of pads. These pads do take impacts well, but in comparison to pads with plastic shells or thicker materials, you’ll still feel a little more of the impacts.
Do we think you should pick some up? If you are looking to protect your shins, knees and elbows without excessive pads that are heavy and hot, then these are definitely what you’re looking for. The clean and simple design make them easy to put on and take off and they aren’t very noticeable when riding with them. Plus, any protection is far better than no protection. If you’re prone to taking heavier slams and are more concerned with how well the pads can take a big impact over size or comfort, these probably aren’t for you.
The Invisa-Lite pads are available worldwide through all BMX shops and mail-orders that carry The Shadow Conspiracy now. You can also pick them up direct from The Shadow Conspiracy Webstore
You can find out more about The Shadow Conspiracy by visiting their website — TheShadowConspiracy.com
