Knee Pads

Xommul
Xommul Posts: 251
edited February 2014 in MTB buying advice
Hi Folks

After a recent crash and a ripped up knee and shin i am getting some pads.

I have done some research and a few come to mind and so I'm after your opinions and experience.

Race Face D30
661 Rage Knee/Shin
IXS Evo Pads

I currently have a 15yr old trek hard tail which is one of the reasons i had the crash along with poor skills. I have a canyon spectral on order and my aim is to do a mixture of cross country and trail centres like BPW.

So anyone shed light on whats the real life pros and cons of these pads please

Cheers

tony
MTB Trek 4300 Disc 1999
Road Rose Carbon Pro RS Custom
Canyon Spectral AL 7.9 29er

Comments

  • Goggs-san
    Goggs-san Posts: 36
    I use fox launch knee pads for both downhill and xc. Good protection at a reasonable price and I don't notice them at all when pedaling.

    Had 661 Kyle straits before them which are now call 661 rage and they lasted 3 years before they became a bit slack.

    Getting a pad that fits is the key. Better to be tight in the beginning which will slacken a bit during break in period going on my experience.
  • The secret rider
    The secret rider Posts: 812
    I'm also looking at getting some but those all look a bit extream for XC
  • ej2320
    ej2320 Posts: 1,543
    The secret rider wrote:
    I'm also looking at getting some but those all look a bit extream for XC

    I wouldn't worry about that
    A knee pad is a knee pad.. Some are bigger but they're all plenty flexible

    I use Oneal pads, found them comfy and have good protection (And they keep my knees warm in the winter)
    Only complaint is in hot weather they will get sweaty and move slightly
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Endura MT500

    A mate has these and likes them, I havent tried them on because he has knees like knotted string and if I tried them on my feet would fall off.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    I've got the 661 Rage. Excellent pads, they don't move at all on my legs, even on long rides and I literally forget I've got them on when I'm riding. Can't vouch for how well they protect as I haven't had any big, knee first offs since I got them, but they seem robust enough to do the business. The sizing guide on the 661 site worked a treat for me but others have said it didn't work for them so make of that what you will, bearing in mind that fit is important.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • taffygriffiths
    taffygriffiths Posts: 186
    i also use Fox launch knee pads.

    bought them recently, so cant comment on how well they may last, but they have protected my knees in a few off so far..

    very comfy, and grippy inside. no movement.. infact, they are a pain to take off when wet and sweaty!
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    I use 661 rage knee pads and find them very hot and uncomfortable for xc riding.
    Might be worth getting some coaching to fix the cause of the problem.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    RockmonkeySC wrote:
    I use 661 rage knee pads and find them very hot and uncomfortable for xc riding.

    Clearly asking about pads on a forum is nest to useless when you get such divergent views. I don't give mine a single thought when out riding, even on long hot days. They just disappear.
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • the_Quietman
    the_Quietman Posts: 1
    Angus Young wrote:
    RockmonkeySC wrote:
    I use 661 rage knee pads and find them very hot and uncomfortable for xc riding.

    Clearly asking about pads on a forum is nest to useless when you get such divergent views. I don't give mine a single thought when out riding, even on long hot days. They just disappear.

    I bought some 661 Rage's after a landing knee first on a rock at Swinley and getting a nice dent. Barely remember I'm wearing them most of the time and saves me wearing full tights in the winter to keep warm.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    I evend find them a bit uncomfortable for downhill. Not the best pads I have owned.
    I wore them for an xc day at bike park wales recently, pedalling up. After three laps I would rather have just had a shattered knee cap than wear them any more.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • ej2320
    ej2320 Posts: 1,543
    Don't want to veer off topic.. But

    Rockmonkey, how long did it take you to ride to the top of BPW? I'm looking at going but I'd ride up rather than get an uplift. Is it just a fire road climb?

    Back on topic, I would advise you go to your LBS as knee pads are a personal thing
    Tried mine on in the shop and found them the best out of what was there.. They've been going strong for a year now and a combination of them stretching and me loosing weight had made them a little loose, but otherwise I'd recommend them (O'neal pads)
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    edited February 2014
    RockmonkeySC wrote:
    I wore them for an xc day at bike park wales recently, pedalling up. After three laps I would rather have just had a shattered knee cap than wear them any more.

    Are we even talking about the same pads? Last Saturday and Sunday I was down in Wales and spent about 4 hours each day climbing in the forests on the opposite side of the valley from the Afan/Glyncorrwg Centre. Didn't even notice I had them on. Maybe you've got knees like Dennis The Menace.

    The moral of this story? Don't listen to any of us!
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobi ... -prod72468
    These are what I have got. I guess they fit different people differently.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    RockmonkeySC wrote:
    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/661-rage-knee-guards-2013/rp-prod72468
    These are what I have got. I guess they fit different people differently.

    Ah ah, it might not be your Dennis The Menace knees after all. I have these, so they might be slightly different...

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661- ... prod113560
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • Cqc
    Cqc Posts: 951
    The rage knee/shins are appalling, slip down heavy, uncomfortable, etc. knee only may or may not be similar
  • The secret rider
    The secret rider Posts: 812
    Any feedback on these fox ones mentioned above look like good lightweight breathable pads
  • Kowalski675
    Kowalski675 Posts: 4,412
    Nukeproof Criticals here, which I like a lot, but looking to buy a pair of the 2014 661 Rage too, as they feel more unobtrusive for pedalling.

    Of the ones in your original post, I've tried the Raceface Ambush D30, which are comfortable and very flexible, with good protection (and the ability to take on and off without removing shoes is nice), but they get warm, and the velcro should be on the opposite way round - the spiky side of the velcro frays the top edges of the pad as your leg moves. After a few minutes testing them out in the street they were already starting to fray, so they went back, and I kept the Nukeproofs (ordered 3 differnt types to try on).
  • The secret rider
    The secret rider Posts: 812
    5 stars and great reviews http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/661- ... prod113560

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