Elbow Pads really all that necessary?

Discussion in 'The Adrenaline Factory' started by afgenkuong, Apr 6, 2009.

  1. afgenkuong

    afgenkuong Guest

    Ok, I know some of you hardcore DH junkies will say yes they are necessary. In my case I don't really have much DH track in my area (Aliso) and I don't think my bike would do so well if I took it on T^$#*. I'm thinking of getting just some knee pads, and skipping the elbow pads. It gets pretty hot in Cali.

    The main thing that really detracts me from Elbow Pads is the restriction in arm movement and sweating. Also, I find if I fall, I usually put out my hand to stop/soften the blow. Of course I wear gloves.

    Also, do full-gloves really make any difference as to gloves that are tripped mid-finger? You don't really fall ontop of your finger, you fall on top of your palm (I hope).

    Most of this questioning is based on the weather in California and the avalibility of tracks I can ride. Also, I like knee pads because just recently I had a fairly large scab on it; I spun out at the bottom of Dripping Caves and when I put my foot down (not using Clipless at the time) the small notches on the platform pedals dug into my scab and ripped the whole thing off. I was bleeding all over my leg and my sock was pretty much all red. Good times.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 7, 2009
  2. mfoga

    mfoga Intense Whore

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    Honestly I dont think I would pad up at all for any Aliso trails, except maybe stairsteps. I think its a whatever your comfortable with.


    PS remove that trail name from your post.
     
  3. chevrolegs

    chevrolegs Active Member

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    I don't know anything about pads since I don't wear any but as far as gloves go, I like to go full fingered. I guess it helps me feel more comfortable going through the brush.
     
  4. RazoR

    RazoR New Member

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    I've never worn them, but, the main thing that really might be annoying, is the restriction in arm movement and bleeding after said breakage...
     
  5. xibvrian

    xibvrian New Member

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    I get used to knee pads now, i have to use them since my right knee was badly dislocated before.
    I get used to full finger gloves, cuz i fall a lot :?:
     
  6. Drop D

    Drop D New Member

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    I wear DYE pads (paintball) they are very flexible and Is very comfortable... It took some hard hits and my elbows have always been fine... but thats me.. a little protection is better than nothing.

    Its totally up to you...

    [​IMG]
     
  7. DownHillPhil

    DownHillPhil Team Rider

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    You don't need them when you see the fall coming and can tuck/roll. It's when you don't expect it that you'll need pads, and those are usually the worst falls.
     
  8. bluefirepictures

    bluefirepictures Almost Local Rider/Photog

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    I only used elbow pads at big bear and mammoth. When I ride at Fontana its just the full face and knee pads. In the past I havent used pads at Aliso at all. I just rode on long pants. With the warmer weather I think I will have to break out the shorts and knee pad combo again.

    I like the full gloves. While you may not fall directly on your finger tips, if you do fall and slide on your hands even small cuts on your finger tips hurt. How much will cut gloves help to keep your hands cooler anyway?
     
  9. sasquatch9billion

    sasquatch9billion Active Member

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    Full finger gloves keep the brush from whipping your hands and fingers too hard on single track. I imagine it would hurt going fast and hitting some of the stuff I've gone through without my gloves.

    You don't need elbow pads but I've had a permanant scar for six years that could've been prevented with the pads.
     
  10. mtnbikerfred

    mtnbikerfred Super Moderator

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    ....Only if you don't mind a fractured humerus once in awhile. Even if you fall and catch yourself with your hands, your elbows are almost always the next thing to hit the ground.

    +1000 on the FF gloves too.
     
  11. dubjay

    dubjay Having upgraditis is OK

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    I like elbow pads when I fall on my elbow. Hate them at all other times.
     
  12. project_d

    project_d Steve Peat Wannabe

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    It's really up to you as to whether or not you should wear elbow pads. You'll never need them until you crash on your elbow. If you wear pads, and they give you the confidence to go faster, then wear them for a while. After a while, you'll find out you don't need them as much as you used to, you know, as you get better.

    I don't care if you ride paved roads, XC, DH, FR, DJ, whatever. Full fingered gloves are a MUST! They keep your sweaty fingers from slipping off brake levers, and they keep more skin on from even the smalles tumble.
     
  13. 07coiler

    07coiler Banned

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    Do be honest I wear elbo pads and a FULL FACE HELMET on almost every ride. Yes say what you want but ive had some preety gnarly falls and my full face helmet has save me so many times. its not uncomfortable for me. gives me more confidence, so why not.

     
  14. DownhillWebKook

    DownhillWebKook l'homme plus

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    Another 2 cents...

    I think the degree of padding you run is a function of how much you're pushing it on the trail and how much risk you're willing to take for the reward of comfort.

    If you're a spaz and are prone to falling, then pad up. If you're pinning it, then pad up. If you're riding the bike path, put on some flip flops and board shorts.

    I, for one, pretty much always wear knee pads and full finger gloves. Reasons: 1) I am just so damn pinned all the time 2) I quit wearing fingerless gloves when breakdancing went out of style 3) the risk far outweighs the reward.

    Jury's out on elbow pads. I really never wear those, but after seeing my brother take a gnarly digger to the elbow this weekend I am rethinking the elbows.
     
  15. maxwell

    maxwell Dirty Stinky PATH Love

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    A little gore to get your attention....

    I like full finger gloves.........

    this was done with full finger gloves on
    [​IMG]

    And elbow pads. Even at Aliso.

    This was done on Rock-It, while the pads sat in the car.
    [​IMG]

    I'll usually wear my Kyle Srtaights (knees) during most rides, and carry my elbow pads in my pack for the descents.
     
  16. JOx2

    JOx2 Active Member

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    to the OP

    You'll be grateful to have that elbow pads on one day.

    Thanks for the example Darin!
     
  17. JohnnyGent

    JohnnyGent In it to win it

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    I just bought some 661 knee pads on PricePoint for like $45 bucks! And they have already saved me once. And i think full fingered gloves are a must on the trails! Not just for falling but think of all the tree branches and whatnot that hit your hands as you ride ST. They have saved me a few times as well.

    Once of prevention is worth a pound of cure....
     
  18. Pain Freak

    Pain Freak Dead or Alive

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    Wish I'd worn them this day.......

    [​IMG]

    Not as bad as it looks though. 8 stitches and a long wait in the emergency room.
     
  19. Mk3

    Mk3 D to the izzope

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    Great topic.

    I got some 661 pads dirt cheap from Jenson after a bad crash, wore them a few times but they must have brought me good luck 'cause I haven't crashed since, so I quit wearing the pads. #-o Probably not smart since I know the wife will be all over me the next time I crash and not wearing the pads I bought to protect me.
     
  20. TMS

    TMS New Member

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    I just started wearing elbow pads on some descents (luge) that I bought for $5.00 from Maxwell at the last bike swap. I hardly notice them, probably because I am used to big bulky skateboard elbowpads (when Skating).
     

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