After a rather nasty fall at a trail centre this week , I am keen to get protected.
I mainly ride xc ( hard tail )and have never really felt the need for such pads , however with an increasing number of our group wanting to ride trail centres I feel that I should start wearing them.
What are the views on the Fox pro launch pads ?
Or any other suggestions please.
Don't know the fox pads but I'm on my third pair of 661 Kyle Straits which I really like
Fox pro launch knee pads for me good cover and the elastic/velcro holds well.
Used to use Kyle 661's but had a nasty crash in Cwn Carn last year, the elastic was loose, pads dislodged and my knees took the brunt of the fall. Good though, still feel cover on the Fox is better.
Elbow pads I use RaceFace, be aware I find their sizes are a tad small.
I did order a bunch of knee pads to try out IXS carve and RF Ambush the latter large was too small for me but I like the fact you can put them on/take them off without taking your shoes off.
Heard that the SCOTT grenade pro II is good as well just too pricey for me.
Having knobbly knees and pointy elbows that tear at the merest hint of trauma I invested in some G form elbow and knee pads. Lesser protection but comfy enough to wear more.
I have troy lee knee/shin guards kg5550 and fox enduro elbow pads.
Neither have huge protection...but enough for me on the toughest UK trails
I wear G Form not the heaviest protection but I completely forget I'm wearing them.
Another +1 for g-form, light but reasonable protection for XC
I have a set of [url= http://www.silverfish-uk.com/ProductDetail/0/15283/Indy-Knee-D30-8482-Guard ]these[/url] on order with my LBS, D30 protection, but without the bulk. They sound like they'd suit you down to a tee.
gogg - Member
I have a set of these on order with my LBS, D30 protection, but without the bulk. They sound like they'd suit you down to a tee.
Interesting. I have the Charge, which are just knee warmers really.
Race Face Dig knee and elbow guards here, surprisingly comfy and have worn them for a full day biking without any chafing. Which is always a good thing.
They do come up a bit small size while, so as above, size up when buying.
Fox launch pro pads here also
Nice warm knees - they don't chafe and seem pretty robust (I've not fallen off yet)
Happy to keep wearing em cos you never know when you're gonna fall off
Elbows are harder than knees, lots of good soft pads out there now that (as long as they fit) you can ride all day in and almost forget they're there. But elbows is harder, to get no restriction, not too much sweat (your arms do a lot of radiating) and something that actually stays in place.
They look silly but I love my POC Bones, they're the only elbow pads I've worn that are much good. Massive protection but also they're far less hot, because they're essentially open on the inside rather than a big heavy duty sock. A better option for XC than any minimal pads I've tried, they just make you look like a stormtrooper is all.
Launch Pros are good, I have a set - but I only use them for DH since I got these...
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/troy-lee-designs-kg-5400-knee-guards/rp-prod59945
As above, I have the Launch Pros - bit hot if you're continually pedalling. I also have the TLD 5400s and they're the real deal for XC in my opinion - lightweight and very unobtrusive, very airy and not too sweaty; probably about as minimal as it's going to get without sacrificing the protection you seek. They come up large, so go down a size if you want them to stay in place.
Stupid question but the lighter protection options like the launch pro .. Has anyone ever fallen heavily in them and what was the result?
Have had fox pros but found them uncomfortable while pedalling for long periods, changed to raceface ambush and they are better for me, also can be removed without taking shoes off!
I'm gong to add a recommendation for the g-forms for knees. Happily ridden in them all day, not too sweaty even in summer. One knee stopped me dead on a pointy rock from about 15mph at cyb. I didn't think I'd be standing up but I was barely bruised. Check the sizing carefully though.
I'd been hunting for something a bit slimmer to use when racing the dreaded E word.
I'd always used POC's but they started to feel like sandpaper on my knees. Reverted back to a set of 661 KS's, which were my default prior, but they are crap by comparison. They bunch up horribly.
Troy Lee KG5450 - took a flyer on them, as I was concerned there was no straps & they are a bit slimmer. So far, they are mint! Size down as you want them to fit like a piece of compression clothing, but they really don't move at all.
Even started using them for DH. They don't have the side impact support of the bigger, bulkier pads, but they are signifcantly more comfortable. 🙂
I'd still like a set of the POC VPD Long's for the Alps, but it seems they only make them with plastic cap on them now. Annoying.
I've never found an elbow pad that stays where it's meant to, without doing it up so tight it gives you massive arm pump, so i've given up trying.