Knee pad replacement advice

[JoeBlow]

I have a pair of older Fox Launch knee pads that I hardly wear as they are sweaty and not that comfortable as well as looking a little strange because they stick out so far beyond the knee. I also feel as though my knee is rattling around in the shell as there is too much space around the knee for the protection to be affective. My Leatt Reaflex pads, which I love because I hardly know I'm wearing them, have unfortunately started to slip down during the course of a ride. I've tried the various recommended solutions but to no affect. As well as these I have a pair of Fox Endura knee pads which stay in place but the protection is almost none existent(this is probably why they have lain in the drawer unused). I believe the former are Level 2 whilst the latter two are level 1 even though the Leatt has a hard and a soft shell so always felt a little more substancial.

I suspect that I have no choice other than to add to what is in danger of becoming a "collection". I've been out of the game for a short while and wondered if things have moved on at all in the previous 2 years. I've certainly found that to be the case with torso protection (see related thread). I know legs and knees come in all shapes and sizes and that it's a very personal thing but advice based on personal experience would be much appreciated. I'm sick of reading reviews that leave me more bewildered than knowledgeable.

I tend to ride mostly blues and reds at Forest Of Dean, CwmCarn etc. so something, comfortable that will stay in place would be great. Do you find that straps are better than just friction?

Al

 

[RustyIron]

I'm currently running IXS, the longer ones with more coverage. I find them to be very comfortable, to the point where you'd think they're flop around and not be very good. But they stay exactly where they're supposed to. They're not tight and constricting, and they don't rub anywhere. Three friends also ride IXS, some with the short ones, and they like them. On thing to pay attention to is the sizing. For most things, I wear and XL. For the IXS kneepads, XXL is just right.

 

[JoeBlow]

Cheers I prefer independent reviews. I saw a review that was ecstatic about the Fox Launch, I think they are abysmal and I'm pretty average build, not skinny not fat with 42" thigh muscles.

 

[Highland Wheels]

Fox Launch Elite, Endura MT500 Ghost or DHARCO gravity if you want something with a bit more protection


All of the above stay in place even on big all day Enduro days and have saved my knees several times on chunky "black" trails so should be absolutely upto the task of what you ride

 

[Jersey Skier]

Ion K-Lite pads are relatively lightweight and stay in place. Mine are only a few months old so no idea about long term durability but so far so good. Just scored a new pair of Rapha Trail Knee pads on ebay that are supposed to be great but haven't tried them yet. Feels like they might be warmer than the Ions.

 

[Gila Man]

I like the 7 iDP Sam Hill lite pads. I’m more of a trail rider, blues and some blacks. I have less than 20 rides with them but they are staying in place so far.

 

[AirKuhl]

I bought some Fox Launch ones but they would slip and I'd have to pull them up several times per ride.

I replaced those with these POC pads and they are perfect for me. Much cheaper, never slip and very quick and easy to take on and off.

Joint VPD Air Knee MTB Protection in Epidote Green | POC (US)

The POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pad is light and flexible and allows free movement. Well-ventilated padding lets your skin breathe without slippage.

poc.com

 

[Zed. (Justin is short)]

I ride with TLD Raid d30 knee pads, have tried most of the other mtb brands and these are the most comfortable for my riding (pedalup @ Bpw, Cwmcarn etc.)
before wearing the TLD pads my go-to was 7idp's Sam Hill & Project knee pads although these didnt quite agree with my not-small thighs
Nukeproof pads were good but again thigh-rub

 

[JoeBlow]

Ooh Er. Do they charge extra for the thigh rub?

I ride with TLD Raid d30 knee pads, have tried most of the other mtb brands and these are the most comfortable for my riding (pedalup @ Bpw, Cwmcarn etc.)
before wearing the TLD pads my go-to was 7idp's Sam Hill & Project knee pads although these didnt quite agree with my not-small thighs
Nukeproof pads were good but again thigh-rub

 

[skizzian]

POC joint VPD 2.0
excellent