IMO with kneepads, unless you want to wear them under other clothes, bigger is always better. The daft “kneewarmers with squishy bits” like Gform don’t offer much protection, and mine were actually warmer and less comfy than my big bulky 661 Rages (because the big ones can be soft and loose and have opening and good knee-forming shapes, while the minimal ones have to be tight and enclosing)
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Side protection can make a huge difference, and there’s no replacement for displacement at the front. So something like a Fox Launch Pro, or the previous model 661 Rage (not the shit current one), or Scott Rockets.
But fit is really important too so you’ve got to try them on, the Fox Launch is a great product but it chafed me raw in an hour just because it’s not the same shape as my leg.