[Closed] Kneepads (again)

My favourites for your needs are TLD 5500.No straps and quite light yet sturdy.

Ixs flow Evo + (or something like that) are my current favourites.

I tried a few different ones on and settled with the Scott Grenade Evo. They’re pretty bulky and feel robust and had a few crashes in them so far and they’ve stayed put. I haven’t had a really high speed crash in them yet though.

Having previously run lighter weight pads that didn’t protect me that well in a crash I decided to go robust!

I also looked at Fox Launch Pro but decided they were too expensive and lacked side of knee protection and I also tried some Ion K-pact zips but they didn’t fit me right. However they felt like a quality product so I’d consider those or the version without zips.

I didn’t try the POC ones but I’ve heard they’re pretty good.

The main problem is finding a shop with many (if any) knee pads in stock to try. In the end I had to order a number of them mail order and just pick the ones that fitted and send all the other back!

+1 for IXS Flow. Comfy, enough protection for my needs and stay in place well. I've been hankering after the Evo ones which zip on and off but I can't justify it when my current 3 year-old set still look and function like new.

I've had a set of the Troy Lee Shock Doctors (5500 or 5400) for about 4 years now, find them comfortable and not too warm. Not tested the protection properly since I've had them but I trust them. They're just getting to the point where I find myself needing to adjust the thigh cuff as it slips down but I'd get another pair when I do get rid of these.

I hand washed them for a long time but I now just through them in the washing machine with my shorts etc. to clean them up @ 30Deg and a slower spin.

Dakine Slayer seem to be my unicorn, had so many pads in the past I hated.

fox launch here. i'll need another set soon and i should really crack on and get them before they change/stop making them...

Been running these for the last month:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/7-idp-transition-knee-wrap/rp-prod142322

Initially they felt bloody uncomfortable but first ride they broke in and have been amazing since!  Proper protection, not too bulky with loads of adjustment.  You do have to size up though! I had to change mine to XL despite following 7idp sizing guide and I’m far from a tank of a bloke

Leatt pads. So far the only ones that don’t abrade the skin on my knees.

Admittedly usually use my race face charge for xc rides, but have VPD air for downhill ish. Find them very comfy.

Fox Launch Pro - Reasonable price from LeisureLakes, although the right one doesn't sometimes rub at the back outside of the knee, the elasticated edge of the vent hole just seems to nibble away at that tendon/ligament whatever it is.

Used to have a pair of IXS Flow that I liked too, although I managed to leave those in a dark, wet PedalABikeaway car park many moons ago 🙁

Anyone using the ixs carve+ Evo?

Dakine Slayer

Really wanted these to fit, they looked really well made and comfy.

I seemed to be between sizes though, or they didn't have the XL in the sport pursuit sale.

Anyone using the ixs carve+ Evo?

Yes. I’ve got 3 pairs......I’m really sweaty so have to wash them after every ride (same with all knee pads I’ve owned).
I tried on heaps and found these to be the best compromise of protection, comfort and fit for me.

I have hit the deck many times in them and they have done their job. They are definitely not on the minimal side of things but I find them comfortable, even on all day rides.

Have done some fairly big days in my POC VPDs, although recently I’ve switched to a set of Race Face Charge leg guards to give my knees a bit of protection and warmth for the cooler parts of the year. The POCs have taken a couple of fairly heavy landings in their stride - don’t expect the Charges to be anything like as resilient, but they feel almost like bog standard knee warmers to wear.

+1 for both the POC VPD Air and VPD 2.0 - the 2.0 are quite a bit larger and thicker than the Air's. Saying that, the Air's are my 'go to' knee pad of choice - have had them for about 4 years, and every few rides just chuck them the wash with the rest of my kit and they come out looking like new. They're also light and once warmed up you don't notice them. Tend to use these for trail riding.

The VPD 2.0 are heavier, thicker and more substantial, so tend to wear these where I'm uplifting with some pedalling involved in warmer climates. These are warmer, but provide better knee coverage. Again, just stick them in the washing machine every few rides.

Both have kept my knees working after a crash!

Just make sure you get the right size.

New Endura Singletrack knee/sheen pads for me. Do not need to take the shoes off to put them on, that is a bonus for me.

Got Slayers as well, using them on light rides, putting on at start, taking off when I'm done.

Nice, just no sheen protection included.

Cheers!
I.

I went from Fox launch pros to Daniese trail skin’s and I’m glad I did, really comfortable and airy but the material feels a little delicate.

It really depends on the fit for your legs - Fox Launch Pro work well for me for everything.

I've got the Poc VPD 2.0 and for sure they aren't the lightest and coolest, but they're comfy enough that I generally forget about them.

Not crash tested yet thankfully.

Thanks Hairyscary, I like a substantial pad for some rides and find the Flows very comfy so thought the Carves might be a good option.

Been waiting for my ancient Fox Launch Pros to die but they just keep on going (albeit falling down my leags from time to time).

+2 ixs flow evo

Endura singletracks

Comfy, good level of protection, wrap around means it's easier to get fit right & don't need to take off shoes to put them on/off- which somehow matters more than it should

I've been running the 7idp Sam Hill pads for the last 6 months and absolutely love em! Best pads I've tried, just so comfortable. The SAS tech can feel a bit stiff for a couple of minutes, but once warmed up, they literally hug your knee so well, really secure and supportive and very pedal friendly, with a solid level of protection. They are a long pad, coming up a long way on your thigh, so slightly warmer than some other lightweight pads, but it's the secret to their super secure fit, these things don't budge!! As with many of the lighter weight breathable pads out there, the mesh material behind the knee is susceptible to snags from pedal pins, I've got a couple of little ones, but I darned em up and not been a problem. It was a close call between these and the DK Slayers for me, both great feeling pads. The Sam Hills just edged it for comfort.

Got Fox launchpad pros (old ones) good protection and comfy enough but do get sweaty. Theybhave stretched after lots of use and even though I've added more velcro further up the straps they still slip down during the day.

POC size charts are utter nonsense for the VPD pads. If you can't find them in a shop to try on I'd not be wasting your time ordering and then paying to send back.

Got some Raceface pads (Ambush I think)  that fit well(size chart was accurate), comfortable and best of all they go on without having to put your feet through them.  Crashed once or twice in them and they stayed put and protected my knees.

HTH.

Si

Dainese Trail Skins Knee Guard are fantastic. I have tried a few knee pads and these are perfect for me. I have always had real trouble with knee pads either wearing out (stretching etc) or just slipping down all the time. My dainese are super comfy dont slip at all, dont interfere with riding, very good protection, very light and well vented for summer. I honestly can't find a single thing wrong with them. The first time I can say that about any form of protection I have had.