Knee Pads

Yacoby

So after a minor wipeout on a easy corner at Glentress (Which somehow has resulted in a visit to A&E, 4 x-rays, 2 trips to the local nurse and a soon a trip to orthopedics) I have come to the conclusion that some protection on my knees would be good when riding on harder surfaces (Trail Centrers, Peaks), at least while I am still incapable of staying on a bike.

Things I have looked at are G-Forms, 661 Rage, Fox Launch Pro. The 661 Rage doesn't have that good reviews though so I sort of discounted it.

I am tempted with either the G-Forms or the Fox Launch as they both seem to have Ok reviews. I know they are pads for different things with the Fox pads being more DH orientated. Given the fact that I have only just been able to walk down stairs I am leaning towards something more heavy duty even if it does mean I have to ignore my pride.

The questions I had were how the g-forms stood up to high speed impacts on rocks and how the fox launch pro stood up to pedalling. (or if anyone else had any suggestions?)

andymc06

I have the launch pro's. Extremely comfortable and pedal friendly. Also offer a decent level of protection. Highly recommended.

EH_Rob

+1 for launch pro's. Not the most protection you can have, but it's a trade off if you're pedalling uphills a lot. The only thing I'd say is remember to cut the washing instructions label off before use as it somehow created a horrible sore on the back of my knee.

They've been great since then though, and go through the washing machine fine too.

paul.skibum

Fox Launch Pro's or 661 Kyle Straits - both very similar and pretty comfortable. I have the 661's and ride 3-4 hours in them without issue - knee pads that you can pedal in are invaluable as they are a bit mor of a pain than some shin/knees to get on and off if you wanted to ride up with them on your pack.

I find they stabilise my knees for pedalling and offer good protection/confidence for the downs.

MDobs

Yacoby wrote:

The 661 Rage doesn't have that good reviews though so I sort of discounted it.

I was looking at those, where did you see the reviews? I thought they were just like the old kyle straits which got really good reviews.

andy_welch

Funnily enough I've just been trying a few on in shops in the hope that I could get some before I actually need them. Getting the right fit seems to be tricky though. I tried some 661 Riot and the M felt very snug and secure, but uncomfortable just walking round the shop for a while. The L felt much more comfortable but I was less convinced that they wouldn't just roll off in a crash. The Endura MT500 felt as though they might be a better bet, and the sizes are sort of intermediate M/L and L/XL, but they only had the L/XL which were too big so I'm waiting for the M/L to come in (although did by the elbow pads in M/L).

Moral of the story is that I'm not sure pads are the sort of things I'd want to buy online.

Cheers,

Andy

dusk

Fox Launch Pro, I have the knee and elbow pads and I wear them for everything from xc to dh, they don't slip, they're comfy and they aren't too bulky

Yacoby

Cheers for the advice.

MDobs wrote:

I was looking at those, where did you see the reviews? I thought they were just like the old kyle straits which got really good reviews.

I think they are slightly different. They may not be bad but there are couple of reviews that said they weren't quite as good as the old Kyle Straits (Though that may be because it doesn't being with K, i.e. perceived difference). There isn't quite enough reviews yet imho.

andy_welch wrote:

Moral of the story is that I'm not sure pads are the sort of things I'd want to buy online.

Good call. I know several shops nearby that do pricematch so I may make the effort to go to one of them

cat_with_no_tail

If I may hijack for a moment.

I need some new pads to fit my tree trunks. Any recommendations? Was thinking of giving Nukeproof a try, can always send them back thanks to CRCs excellent returns policy.

Have tried Kyle Straits before but wasn't entirely happy with the fit. When I was able to get a size big enough to not cut my legs off, they tended to slip down quite easily.

widge34

Can thoroughly recommend the Nukeproofs.

1mancity2

Fox launch pro, they are comfy and loads of protection, they have saved my knees loads of times after big offs, I have quite big legs so I got L/XL and they fit fine, Im waiting for the Knee/shin combo to come in stock and will be having a pair of them asap.

.blitz

Another vote for Launch Pros. Kindof tight to begin with but after a few rides they mould to your legs and you know you're wearing them but only in the same way you know you're wearing undercrackers

Am on my second pair now the first pair have become a little too slack after a couple of years. It's great to fall on your knees and get up and think hey! that didn't hurt!

Shylock

The Kyle Strait 661's seem to be no longer available. Only the purple size available on ebay. Looks like the Fox are the best option now!

Trailblazers

I highly recommend the RaceFace Ambush kneepads. The d3o pad inside just works:flexible while pedalling hard on impact. Very,very comfortable with a soft lining. Also, while other kneepads i've tried need to be slipped down to remove, these come straight off quickly which i found very useful. Overall, a brilliant set of kneepads which i managed to get for £50 brand new of fleebay!