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Having had two elbow injuries in two years I'd like to wear elbow pads whilst I learn to keep my bike upright (no stabiliser jokes please). I have some 661 full lower arm pads but they're far too uncomfortable to ride in regularly.
What do people recommend I look at? It's not practical for me to get to a shop with a big range to try so will probably have to buy online.
POC joint VPD I forget I'm even wearing them
At that price I think I'd want to notice them 😯 😆
Troy Lee Shock Doctors here, found them very comfortable.
The only really comfortable pad I've ever found is the POC Bones... They're properly lobstered and articulated, they don't need to be firmly strapped on- they naturally move with you so they just need 2 very gentle elasticated straps and a loose, thin sock- less sweaty and enclosed. But despite all that, they don't move at all in a crash, and they're very protective (and have huge coverage too, almost all teh way down the exposed side of the forearm)
Soft pads tend to need to be held on tight and are always more enclosing.
Stormtroopery, though, and very expensive. I feel a wee bit silly wearing them sometimes on trailbike-type rides but I am brittle and it makes no sense to buy a less protective, less gnar-looking pad if it's hotter and sweatier.
It's a balancing act. I own some pads but because they're uncomfy and look a bit silly I don't wear them, hence the injuries. If i'm going to get new ones they need to be ones I [i]want[/i] to wear. I can see how the POC Bones would be very practical but I'm concerned I wouldn't wear them because they look "stormtroopery" as you put it 🙂
POC for me too, don't even notice they are there even in hot climates
Lizard Skins Softcell Mountain Elbow Guards work for me, comfy, not too hot and are cheapish. Minimalist 661 rhythms for the winter under clothing but way too hot now.
+1 for the POC bones. Very comfortable. Will admit mine were an eBay bargain @ £26
G Form
I can recommend O'Neal Sinner - SasTec based so very comfy
g-form for sure. Also had 661 evo (slipped unless you did them up uncomfortably tight) and POC bones (OK but very far from unnoticeable, only used them for DH so didn't bother me)
661 Rhythm?
Won't do too much in the event of a proppa impact but quite good at deflecting trail rash etc
Easy to put on/take off. Fold up small enough to put in a pack
I tried loads last year before finding a set of Raceface ones that felt comfy at a price I was prepared to pay.
Bit like bikes really, one size does not fit all.
There is a new light wieght RF one out atm which looks good.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I do need to try some on, so will persevere with what I have until I get to a shop.