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protection
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
any tips or reviews on elbow & knee pads. I am looking at items like G form, POC, 661 etc any info or whether you got it at LBS or online appreciated
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Got a pair of 2014 661 Rage knee pads and can't fault them. Bit stiff at first and were a bit of a pain when pedalling, but after 2 months of use doing DH and enduro, they are now soft and very comfortable for extended periods of time. Got them on CRC for ~$70 I think.
I have the Troy lee designs. 5500 and 5600 I think for elbow and knee. They are great for solid protection on enduro, DH riding but probably a bit heavy for XC. Got mine off crc at 50% off due to lack of choice/sizing at LBS.
Troy Lee 5400 knee pads have saved my knees a number of times.
They are comfortable and not too hot, imho. In contrast to JF, I don't think they are heavy - I use mine for general XC use.
I wore my first ones out (the elastic goes eventually), so I have just bought a second pair.
I bought the G Forms about 2 years ago from Pushie enterprises. I would post a link but the website seems to be down. Just look for "Nerf Herder" either on here or Rotorburn and he should look after you.
They are an excellent lightweight pad that you truly don't notice once you've put them on. They are extremely lightweight, comfortable and do not move. I have heard of a couple of people who found them a little tight but if you go on the G Form website guidelines, you should be able to get the correct size.
However………they really only lasted one decent crash (although at the cheap price that was exactly what my intended use for them was). Whereas my knees was mostly unscathed -slight grazing on the side where there was no padding- the thing lycra became torn. Granted they are still wearable but another similar crash would probably see them NOT perform to standard.
In a way, they are like a good helmet. Lightweight and built to take ONE decent impact only.
I also have a pair of 661 Rampage knee/shin pads. Since ruining the G Forms, I have been lazy and just used the 661s for most of my riding. Undoubtedly they are heavier and hotter but I'm not really too aware of it. Once you figure the best position on your legs (took me a few rides) they stay in place and on the two occasions where they have truly been required, I was EXTREMELY glad I was wearing them (I have flat pedals on both bikes that look like medieval truth seeking implements).
Ive used both hard outer shell pads (O'Neal & Dainese) and the softer type for DH, FR and AM riding and my preference is for the soft type.
Ultimately, I think both types perform similarly as they tend to follow the same formats. I'd suggest that your comfort (not too tight, doesn't pinch as opposed to getting very warm) is a main priority along with correct fit so that it doesn't move when it isn't mean't to.
I got the 661s from TBSM but you will undoubtedly get them cheaper from a website like Jenson, CRC etc. I'd also suggest look at MCAS in Sydney (Wentworth St). I get some of my stuff there as its always cheaper than MTB shops. I bought I set of 661 Bomber shorts about 5 years ago that have been excellent (REALLY recommend a pair of these - used on every single ride whether DH or trail). Cost about $25 less standard retail. Gloves are also a bargain.
I have gform, 661 kyle strait, dainese (black hard shell) and fox (dh one covering shin and calf). Fox one is a bit too heavy duty for non-dw and make u sweat a lot. Dainese is good and easy to clean, never change sharp after wash, well protect. Gform and 661 both are good but as Matt said, 661 takes longer time to put on and very warm! I wash them on regular basis and start becoming loose a bit. Be careful, the size can be a problem if u order online. The gform size chart based on knee diameter suggests large for me and I find xlarge is still a bit tight due to my calf size. Think twice.
+ 2 Gform.
I've use fox, 661 evos and a few other
Gform gets my vote. With the 661 in 2nd
Depends on what sort of riding you want to do. I have a pair of G-Forms that I wear occasionally for techy All-Mountain stuff and I have just bought myself a pair of 661 Rage hard knee pads for downhill. Once you get used to the G-Forms, you hardly notice you are wearing them but I'm not sure how they would handle a decent stack. Got the G-Forms off EBAY for about $50 and the 661 Knee pads from CRC for $72.