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So in the red corner there's [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=36888 ]POC Bone VPD Leg armour[/url]
and in the blue corner there's [url= http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fox-clothing/launch-pro-knee-shin-guards-ec026839 ]Fox Launch Pro Knee/Shin guards[/url]
Ordered a massive bumper bundle of different pads and whittled it down to these two. Off to Basque MTB in a few months and wanted something to protect my legs there (I know Doug wears and recommends the POCs, and they feel comfortable on) but for usual day-to-day XC riding we do in the Peak District I'm wondering if the POCs might be a bit OTT and cumbersome for pedalling up and down hill?
The Fox's certainly feel lighter and look less obvious, but the fit of them is a little odd. Has anyone else got a pair of these? They fit great round the calf and are nice and snug but round the knee, there's quite a lot of room round the sides and front and when I pedal the material sort of bunches up a bit at the side. Not sure if this is how they're meant to fit or not.
I've looked at the Fox sizing for them on the Evans site and my measurements seem to equate to a Large, which is what I've ordered, but I'm not sure about the roomy knee thing.
Hmmmm.
The Bones are excellent... Massive, sure, like cricket pads but they're comfy and so well placed that they don't feel that massive when riding. I've all-day pedalled in mine and it was fine but they'd not be my choice for that, I've got various kyle straits for anything that isn't proper full-on massive rocks and difficulty.
POC for me. Wear mine everywhere, including Coed y Brenin, Cwmcarn XC etc.
Thanks for the comments. Anyone got any experience of the Fox Launch pro pads?
Ive got them Poc ones,and ive got the little ankle bone protectors that go under them too,as with all Poc stuff,its v v well made,and really really comfy,the hard shingard armour fits mint !,you wouldnt be dissapointed,and you do get what you pay for...
& just lookin at your link to CRC whats the difference from them to ther 2013 ones >,apart from £40 ??.
Theyre good value them at 70 nicker...
Have been wearing the Fox Launch for several months now can climb and descend with no issues and as the reviews state once you put them on its a fit and foget not bulky and fit under my shorts very well ventilated and never pich or bunch up behind the knees very good allround! At £39.99 a bargain but in caying that have never crashed in them so never tested in anger!!!
Anyone got any experience of the Fox Launch pro pads?
Have got some of the knee pads (w/o the shin protection) and I like them a lot I'm on my second set.
In terms of sizing, the L should fit pretty much any adult male I find them a little tight to begin with but the neoprene eases off after a few rides. No issues with bunching or bagginess the big cut-out at the back works great for me I wear them all the time.
The hard outer shell of the knee pad is suspended in the material and it works very well when it has to. First time I fell off in them it was quite a revelation 'hey that didn't hurt at all!'
rocketman - Member
In terms of sizing, the L should fit pretty much any adult male I find them a little tight to begin with but the neoprene eases off after a few rides. No issues with bunching or bagginess the big cut-out at the back works great for me I wear them all the time.
That's the trouble - I'm a 5 foot 9, size 12 adult female! But with 'sturdy' legs 🙄
Interesting that there's no issues with bunching or bagginess round the knee. Maybe I do need to try the smaller size. I certainly wouldn't want the round the knee area bit to get any looser with wear!
I'm a 5 foot 9, size 12 adult female! But with 'sturdy' legs
Ah OK 🙂
With all due respect the S/M might be too small they're more for yoofs and people who don't have err...sturdy legs
If you haven't already done so you might want to look at some [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=72463 ]661 Rhythm knee/shin pads[/url] . They're not as gnar-tech as the others and don't offer much impact protection but they are pretty good at deflecting trail rash and easy to ride in. They're basically leg warmers with an armoured insert and I find them supremely stretchy and adaptable and ideal for wearing under 3/4 shorts or trousers. Quite easy to take off and pack away if not required.
If budget might sway your decision I have some medium unused 661 race knee/shin pads on ebay at the moment starting at £5.
Thanks rocketman for the linky. I do bruise ridiculously easily though - slightest little knock and I have a big bruised egg appear so I do need a reasonable amount of protection and I'm not sure the 661 Rhythm pads would afford that.
I had a very minor OTB dismount at the bottom of Stanage at an almost standstill and three enormous purple/black mounds appeared on my leg within minutes and I still have lumps on my poor shin months on 🙁 (I have been checked out by the docs incidentally, I'm just delicate and sensitive and probably chosen the worst kind of hobby really!)
I've lost about a stone since I started shopping for pads (the size small POCs initially didn't fit!) so my legs are getting less sturdy... perhaps I should reach my weight loss goal first and try the small Fox pads.
Gah, being an indecisive woman sucks! If I was a man I'd have bought some already, I'm sure of it.
I was torn between the fox and [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67500 ]RaceFace Flank's[/url]...
Went for the Racefaces, well impressed very comfy and unobtrusive. That CRC discount is very nice, wish id held of a month >.<
the 661s are probably not a good idea for you in that case they're more of an extra layer of padding whereas the Launch's suspended hardshell really does absorb impacts.slightest little knock and I have a big bruised egg appear
The S/M Launches are small though - shorter and narrower than the L/XL. If it's any help the neoprene stretches a bit to begin with but after that they don't move. The elastic straps are also quite durable. My first pair lasted prob 2 years I only retired them after the shell pocket started to disintegrate on the side (one scrape too many!)
Good luck I hope you get something sorted.
Got the bones for elbows and they are excellent.