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So, I'm wanting a comfy, pedal friendly, breathable as possible knee pad. I have some old Kyle Strait 661s that I've been using for everything from big days on the moors to uplift days and I'll probably dig out for bpw and the like. I'm looking for a lighter and cooler option for pedally days and the summer months. I've got 7idp transitions, dakine slayers, IXS flow Evo and alpinestars paragons here atm, ordered a few to try for size n fit. I think it's between the slayers and the transitions atm, like elements of both though!! The Sam Hill pads that are due out end of the month look rad, but bit pricy, don't really wanna spend more than 50 quids if possible. Any experience of these I've got or anything else you'd recommend?? Cheers
I'm in a similar place and have been hovering over a set of Troy Lee 5450 pads (knee + shin) pads on Wiggle for £55. The 5400 (knee only) are £50.
I picked up some of the Alpinestars ones from Start Cycles for £36 as I needed something quickly a couple weeks back. I've worn them for two ~4hour rides and they were plenty comfy and didn't slip so well happy from that perspective. I actually came off my bike on a structurally unsound berm.. and caught the side of my knee and I'm not sure on the level of protection TBH.. I'd prefer it if they offered a bit more side protection but overall I'm happy with them for the money.
Knee pads are so personal! I’ve been through about 10 pairs this summer and keep going back to my old Troy Lee Raids...
Got some Dakine Skayers in XL worn once if anyone is looking....
Yeah, the lack of lateral protection is a bit of a concern with the Transition pads. The knee cap is well covered and the pad material is nicely cupped and quite thick, but the sock material is quite stretchy and very thin, so I'm a bit worried I'd they'd pull off my knee in a proper stack. The Sam Hill version looks to have taken care of that with some e, xtra padding around the knee cap pad. Slayers feel solid, more protection but a little thicker, so feel a little warmer, but a lot more robust. The lycra on the transition pad is lovely a against the skin, but not sure it would survive a slide over anything abrasive or even catching on brambles etc. Anyone own a pair? Are they more robust than they look?
Oh, and I really wanted to love the alpinestars ones, on paper, just what I was after. Slightly more knee protection than the 7idp ones and more breathable than the slayers I think. However, they just don't fit as well as either, a large is really tight to to pull on, but then the upper cuff is actually a touch loose! Also, the sock material is a little flimsy, can't see it lasting long. Shame, good price too.
+lots for the need to try on before committing. What feels comfy for one person may not for another. Plus, you need to be 100% sure the pad is going to stay put when you need it.
I've got a pair of the POC VPD 2.0's that I can happily ride all day all year round in. After comprehensive impact testing I'm happy with my choice. I had the 661 'Kyle not Kyle' pads before and the POCs are very much improved.
Tbh, my Kyle straits are really comfy, done many all dayers wearing them, just a bit bulky and insanely hot in this weather!! Thought my knees were gonna boil off at Southern Enduro champs the other week!!
I did Ard Rock Sport (40km) on Sunday and as those who were there will testify it was warm. I wore POC VPD Airs (the lightest ones) all day pedaling pretty much the whole route and without adjustment or sliding them down. Whilst I haven't crash tested them yet they were supremely comfy having bedded them in on a couple of warm up rides in the week previous. Definitely worth considering for light, all day knee pads but as I said not crash tested by me yet.
Reviews
(trail bike crasher)
I bought online from Gravity Protection who were brilliant for price matching, stock, delivery and returns (I paid) for the pair that I returned having bought both small and medium.
The 'maverick' reply...
don't know if there's enough side protection, but the Dainese trail skins 2 lite are very airy.
as strange as it may sound, I wear mine over a pair of race face charge knee pads. The charge don't offer much protection, but the outer face of the charge knee pad is very grippy (I've compared it with a pair of endura thermolite knee warmers) which means that they grip the trail skins securely (not crashed yet, but failed to budge them when on all fours!).
the Velcro on the trail skins means that they're easy to remove if you're on an extended uphill, still leaving some protection from the charge knee pads.
hope that helps!
On a similar note, has anyone found D30 pads to do the job when coming off?
I'm still wearing the Dainese Trail Skin 1's ..
Great pads don't know they are there ..and they have done their job when needed ..
Once these are totally goosed ..I will get a set of the 2's ..
The comfiest I've used are the fox enduro ones, although they can get a bit warm. I found the trail skin 2s to get a bit awkward and found them uncomfortable.
Yeah, I initially wanted the trails skins 2, looked perfect, nice and airy, but decent protection, but heard many people saying they don't fit great and the velcro can be scratchy. Might be worth a try though I guess.... Fox Enduro pads look too minimal, don't think they'd provide any real protection. Surprised you found them warm though Andy? Materials?
endura singletracks here, bit sweaty, but still fine for all day rides, Ive had several big crashes and theyve been more than up to the job.
they are wrap around rather than slip on, which is great because you dont have to take off your shoes again when you forget to put your pads on & you have better fit adjustment so they dont slip down
Have the Alpinestars Paragon, got them quite cheap at CRC.
The protection itself is very nice. My issue with them is the upper end of the sleeve slips quite easily.
Once they start slipping, it wrinkles behind the knee and causes some minor chaffing on hotter days after 2 or 3h
My comfy all day riding pads are POC air's. Really are my favorite pads. For Ard Rock enduro this weekend I wore them for practice pedaling up and down, for the race I decided to go with the Kyle Straits for a bit more protection but did slip them round my ankles for the climbs as they are bulkier, warmer and not quite as comfortable to pedal in as the POC's. If the KS fit you then hopefully the POC's will as they both fit me well.
It's the trail skins 2 lite.
i wear the race face charge knees 'cos the world isn't ready for my skinny, untanned legs!
the upshot is that, if there is any problem with the Velcro chafing on the trail skins, I certainly don't feel it!
This combo also gives a very snug and secure fit.
and it's a pretty subtle and understated look, so ideal for all you urbanistas.