another vote for the kyle straits. i've been rocking the same pair for like 3 years and they're still ticking along. still as comfortable as ever (even though the elastic is starting to go on them). I'll be buying another pair in the near future.
I haven't seen any cons mentioned yet so here is mine. I've had the Strait's for about a year now and really, really like them. My only complaint is the upper cuff rubs against a tendon on the back of my leg (lower hamstring). This tendon is very prominent when I'm pedaling and after a long day of XC-type riding, I've had the skin rub completely raw. For long XC rides or multi-day outings I've resorted to wearing the pads around my ankles for the long uphills and then pulling them into place for the descent. The other thing that has worked is wearing knee warmers underneath the pads. This sucks though when it is hot. When you go to the LBS to check out the pads, notice the stitching for the loops that capture the upper leg strap. this is the stitching that gives me issues as others have said the pads are great. they stay in place and other than the issue mentioned above, I don't even notice that I'm wearing them.
+1 for the Fox. Rode both, You won't even notice you are wearing the Fox ones. The 661's don't breathe and have a tendacy to bunch in back. Rode Fox's for 7 straight days in Whistler and not one complaint.
I'd check out the new G-Form pads before buying anything. I understand they are now making total body armor (Interbike photos from Dino) I've had mine for several months and love the fit and light weight.
+1 for the G-Form pads. I played with these at OC Bike Garage the other day. They are extremely light, breathable, flexible and offers good protection. G-Form pads won't offer enough coverage for the gnarliest downhill, but for all XC, AM it should be fine. Reasonably priced ($39 for elbow pads, compared to $5,000 for my last bike crash insurance deductible is a steal) I'm buying as soon as they get black in stock.
Save $20 and pick these up. I have had them for almost a year and they have been amazing. No complaints. http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/22522-536_RACDG1-1-Clothing-14-Protective-Gear/Race-Face-Dig-Knee-Pad-offerIN211GLB.htm?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=536%20RACDG1
Go to 661's website and take a look at their chart. I initially was looking to buy a medium, but after measuring my quads I decided to go for a large. I'm glad I did. I used to do lots of squats, so my legs are kind of thick. BTW, I'm 5'3, 145.
I cant count the number of ways I have been thrown from my bike; endo, sideways, flipping, side-spinning like a kung-fu-master.... and I've never even banged me knee. Are knee pads really worth the hassle?
As a XC/AM rider I've asked myself the same question, do I need knee guards? I wear 661 arm/elbow pads because I've skidded myself bloody a number of times previous. I think I've just been lucky on the knees. Think I'm gonna go try these on this week. BEFORE I need them.
It seems that every time I DON'T wear my knee pads, I hurt my knees. Besides, the Kyle Strait pads are almost a part of my normal riding attire now. I don't even notice them affecting my pedaling. They act like knee/leg warmers and help keep sharp brush from scratching up my legs on singletrack.
I think like others have made mention, it's going to come down to fit. One thing i forgot to ask about is the warranty. I've noticed on both of their sites that they offer a 1 year warranty. Has anyone had any experience with a warranty issue? I certainly do appreciate all of the feedback this is generating.
i have the fox and their pretty good. the only problem for me is that they tend to slide down when im riding. other than that their made well.