XC body protection

squiggoth

Hello,

looking for elbow/knee pads.

Ride all natural stuff really, trail centres when I can but the majority is 'bridleways' mostly undulating with elevation gain no more than 100m at a time in the north (and a little south) downs area but ive had a tendancy to slam alot lately and am looking for elbow/forearm and knee pads to take the edge off and stop my scarred up arms getting any worse.

ideally a decent ammount of movement and reasonable temperature control and comfort, need to be able to stop me slicing myself to shreds on loose flint.

recommendations welcome.

many thanks.

y0.o!

I got some 661 kyle strait knee pads 2011 which are great. I don't have very big legs and heard there was a bit of a sizing issue with 661 so got large and they fit well, so maybe get a bigger size than you would normally.

My elbow pads are 661 veggie's and they are ok but could be better imo. I haven't tried any other elbow pads but feel there may be better out there.

You don't mention shin pads so I'll just throw in mine for the fun of it :-). They are 661 veggie's and they are really good imo if you need some.

kdawg74

Have a look at POC, a little more expensive than other stuff but well worth it.
Proctection is similar to D30 in that the pads are soft until you take a tumble, then harden up.
Ventilation is good, have worn mine for up to 4hrs at a time without them feeling hot or getting sweat rash.
Quality is good too have had quite a few offs of various degree's and the pads are still going strong.

felix.london

I use 661 Kyle Strait Knee pads and 661 Subgear for shoulders, elbows & forearms

squiggoth

looks like 661 and poc are the favourites then.

POC seem to be out of stock everywhere, and without trying dont seem to be that different to 661 in protection and comfort.

would the 661 evo knee and elbow be fine? not slip peddling / cut off circulation
final one: would you recommend the subgear over elbow pads?

kenan

I know a few people who tried the PO and went back to the 661 Kyle Strait knee pads

felix.london

Dunno about the Evos but I had the Veggie Knees and swapped them for the Kyle Straits - The Kyle Straits have much more serious protection, are much more comfy and just stay on your knees all day long - well worth the extra £10 imho. Medium fits me well and I have fairly skinny legs

The Subgear is good and it's nice to know everything will be in the right place if you do need it. Will be a good base layer when it gets a bit colder but it was 28°C here today (prob 24 up the mountain) and didn't feel too hot with it on under my jersey. Again medium fits me well and I'm usually a medium in most stuff.

Hope that helps

toastedone

I have evo elbow pads and straits knee pads, and am very happy with them

CharlieH

Kyle straits are fab, I've done all day rides in them and never had a minutes problem with them. I don't often wear elbow pads but do have an old set of fox pads which are ok, but they do feel a little restrictive. Would love to use the 661 subgear but the problem is
I'm wider round the middle than the shoulder area and the fit wasn't really designed for "normal" (ie not a "mens fitness" model) blokes

Northwind

POC's hard armour is the best there is, IMO, but their soft stuff isn't as good. Prefer my Kyle Straits, they have slightly better coverage yet they're less enclosed, and they seem to stay in place better too.

Scott's Grenade is the exact same pad, except it has a hard cap on the main pad. Whether or not you care, or care enough to pay the extra £££, is another question.