Knee pad recommendations

[JoeBlow]

I'm looking for some new knee pads. Sort of middle of the road. Not out and out full monty downhill but equally not something that is essentially a leg warmer. The more reviews I watch the more confused I become. One says brand X is fantastic the other says it's crap. I ride mainly Blue, Red and single and two dot routes at the Forest of Dean with the odd trip to trail parks. I have had a pair of Dakine Slayers for several months. They were superb but the protective material slipped inside the sleeve and they are now very uncomfortable. I also have some ION K-Pact Zip but find the zip annoying and there is too big a gap between the protection and my knee when my leg is anywhere near straight. I'm thinking along the lines of POC VPD Air or Fox pads.

P.S. there may be some worn twice ION's for sale if anyone shows an interest.

Al

 

[Zimmerframe]

It's not easy. There's a lot of decent ones out there and a lot will come down to fit and leg shape as to which ones suit each of us the best.

I like the 7iDP Sam Hill ones. They're light, I don't find them hot.

The main central protection is just a bit of bendy plastic, but to it's credit, seems to do an admirable job. The extra protection with the "Sam Hill" version is basically a group of foam flower petals all around the knee to extend out the protection area. Again, at first sight I wasn't hugely impressed, but after I guess what you'd call "Significant" testing .. they've been faultless. The first two or three times the "plastic" felt a bit rigid, but it moulded once warm. After a couple of weeks that seemed to become a fixed shape and now I never know I have them on.

They're held in place with silicone bands, I tried a few strap types and didn't like them, though that style will be preferable for some people.

The only problem with mine is the mesh on the back is tearing up a bit from numerous crashes .. They still work though so I'm reluctant to change them as they still work perfectly - just have to be more careful putting them on !

I think there's quite a few threads on knee pads.

 

[RickBullotta]

I like the POC VPD 2.0's (I use them for bike park days + enduro days + dirt bike), but they can get a bit sweaty, so the Air could be the ideal choice.

 

[JoeBlow]

Cheers guys. I went into a couple of local bike shops but there was virtually no stock.

 

[leix_toffee]

I got some 7iDP Sam Hill's and they are comfy. First pair of knee pads I have bought (I am getting old). I got them from Bike24 but don't think they ship to UK anymore.

Available here: 7 iDP Sam Hill Knee Pad | Chain Reaction Cycles

 

[The Hodge]

I bought the latest incarnation of the Dainese Trail Skins ( pro)..having previously had the original version ..so I will tell you what not to buy ..these!
The velcro closure system on them is crap ..the plastic tab has no real "give" in it and I'm having to use gaffer tape to ensure it doesn't come away from the "catch" fabric and catch on my shorts / pants .
It's a pity as they look good and the pad itself looks as if it would offer reasonable protection in a fall ..but if there was ever a way to spoil what was a perfect pad ..this is it ..
I'm looking to change to a Bliss pad ..

 

[JoeBlow]

Thanks everyone. The 7iDP's looked tempting but I would prefer to have straps for the thighs. Ooh err that sounds a bit iffy I have ended up buying some Fox D30 pads as I found them for under £60 and they were on my short list. I have to come clean the price clinched it.

Al

 

[Tim1023]

One thought to keep in mind is whether you just want your knees protected or also your shins. If you use flat pedals, I'd recommend something a bit longer 'cos they bloody hurt when you catch them in the shins (when, not if!)

 

[JoeBlow]

One thought to keep in mind is whether you just want your knees protected or also your shins. If you use flat pedals, I'd recommend something a bit longer 'cos they bloody hurt when you catch them in the shins (when, not if!)

Yes I did that quite often when I started but less so these days. Unfortunately I find the shin guard versions too cumbersome and sweaty.

Al

 

[highpeakrider]

I got the fox with shin guards, light and comfortabl.

Fox Launch D3O Knee/Shin Guard Black

The <strong>Fox Launch D3O Knee/Shin Guards</strong> are trusted by some of the world's best riders and have been fully redesigned with D3O certification.

www.leisurelakesbikes.com

 

[steve_sordy]

I'm still wearing my Troy Lee Designs "Shock Doctor" range. I was concerned to discover that they had stopped making them, so I bought a set of knee/shin guards as a spare. When I looked a week or so later there were none to be had anywhere. That spare pair is still up in my wardrobe top shelf. They fall out now and again to remind me that I still have them.

 

[aarfeldt]

I bought the latest incarnation of the Dainese Trail Skins ( pro)..having previously had the original version ..so I will tell you what not to buy ..these!

I also has the original Dainese which I'm very happy with.

Then the v2 came out and I "upgraded".
I don't like them.....so I'm back on the originals.

They are very comfy, excellent ventilated and works great.

 

[JoeBlow]

I am beginning to realise how much of a personal thing knee pads are. I'm currently in the process of selling a pair of ION K-pact Zip. All the reviews say how good they are, which is partly why I bought them, but I simply don't get on with them. They are on the warm side, a bit bulky and the zip is not as big a benefit as I thought it would be. When my leg is bent they seem OK but when my leg gets anywhere near straight a huge space is created between the the patella and the pad and it feels less secure. I must have skinny knees, this simply feels wrong and it was not an issue I noticed with my previous Dakine Slayers.

Al

 

[Muttley]

Cam anyone with Fox Launch D30 pads answer - do they bed in / give a little after a couple of rides? Got a pair in medium but unsure if I need large, that said just checked suppliers site and they only have small now so I may just have to make do.