661 Pads Review

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by DownHillPhil, Dec 29, 2008.

  1. DownHillPhil

    DownHillPhil Team Rider

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2007
    Messages:
    2,693
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    Photography
    Location:
    South Bay 310
    I have had really poor experiences with the above products and I was wondering if anyone else had experienced something similar...

    The EVO elbow pads? They don't stay up for sh*t. I first bought a size Large, which felt like my arm was going to be shorn off from the tightness, so I traded in for an XL. Fit was good, still felt a bit tight... fast forward 3-4 rides, they won't stay up at all even with the straps as far as the velcro will allow. I'm gonna try cutting the straps down and re-sewing so they're shorter (allowing tighter adjustment) and I'll let you guys know what happens. Also, the stitching quality is inconsistent and doesn't appear to be done in a skilful manner.

    Bottom line: I won't be buying these again even with my sponsorship discount. I am also displeased I had to pay shipping twice since 661 doesn't give out return shipping labels.


    Strait Knee pads size Large

    Strengths) fit is awesome, very comfortable, not noticeable during rides or HAB. Stylish of course. Plastic cup inside padding.

    Weaknesses)they slip right off in any crash where you land knees first at speed. Stay in place fine during the ride and pedaling, but take any sort of downward sliding impact and they're gone. This has resulted in multiple hamburger patellas for me. Not pleased. Stitching same as above.

    Bottom line: They've let me down as many times as they've saved me. Probably better used for Dirt Jumping or Urban than for Downhill. In their intended function (IMO)they did great the few times I had to bail while DJ'ing.



    I'll be posting more reviews for products that I've used, in the upcoming weeks.

    T.H.E. Carbon helmet
    661 Nasty Signature glove
    Five.Ten Impact Mid-Top Shoe
    Various RockShox forks

    More when I think of which ones I would like to review.
     
  2. Soul_Control

    Soul_Control New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2008
    Messages:
    621
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    Condom Tester
    Location:
    Mission Viejo, CA
    Home Page:
    Do you have any experience with Troy Lee pads? Thanks.
     
  3. skate

    skate Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2007
    Messages:
    342
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Fontana

    Yeah man just about every 661 gear I've had problems slipping off. Some of the newer pads may not slip at all and feel perfect until you crash. That's when I notice the most slippage when I need it the most. For the most part the knee only and the elbow only pads tend to be the worst.

    The only pads I have had good experience with are the 2008 race pads for the arms and the legs. After many years of trying different 661 stuff these have proven to be the best so far.

    Oh and the gloves seem to be pretty much worthless as well.
     
  4. vandyketom

    vandyketom New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2008
    Messages:
    442
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Murrieta
    Don't stay up for sh*&!

    After riding skateboards, freestyle bmx, dirt bikes and now MTB for the better part of 30 years, I still find all elbow/knee pads slide down unless you tighten them to the point they cut your limb off. Knee braces w/ knee pads on the dirt bike are the only thing that stays where it should be.
    Letus all know what stays!
     
  5. Rockinthecasbah

    Rockinthecasbah A.D.D. Unleased

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2007
    Messages:
    7,036
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Location:
    Lake Elsinore
    my 661 4x4's seem to stay in place well, when i use them
     
  6. danlorek

    danlorek New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2007
    Messages:
    420
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    portland
    same issues here...

    d3o elbows slip down under heavy bumps (they're a bit better if i'm sweaty tho) and my kyle strait knees are pretty good but will spin around in an at-speed get-off. i had a pair of their cedric gloves and they ripped right at the thumb seam in a few rides too. asked the lbs and they said there was nothing i could do about my almost $40 gloves.

    in all fairness the only elbows i've had fully stay in place are the ones attached to an armor jacket.
     
  7. 92se-r

    92se-r Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2007
    Messages:
    2,898
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Electrical Engineer
    Location:
    San Diego
    i think all armor will slip when subjected to a sliding force. thats why i think im going to start wearing mx pants with my leg armor. although, my old style tld legs dont seem to slide much.
     
  8. ladera Dave

    ladera Dave New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2008
    Messages:
    2,665
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    Millwork project manager
    Location:
    Ladera Ranch
    I like Lizard skins Knee, elbow & Gloves they seam to work out fine and keep me warm on these cold morning rides. Good Luck with you choise.
     
  9. wheel slayer

    wheel slayer Damn Seagulls

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2008
    Messages:
    238
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Thousand Oaks
    DHP, You are the perfect rider to lab rat for pads. I suggest you do a cup review too, afterward hit the kareokee bar up.
     
  10. cid`

    cid` booger flicker

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2008
    Messages:
    308
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Upland
    Anyone try the Race Knee/shin, and Elbow/Forearm? I'm about to throw down on a set of those and the pressure suit.. Seems that any full pad would fit and stay much better, as you have the 'bottom' support to hold it up.. eg; ankles/shoes, pads wont slide any lower than that, etc..

    just my 2 cents..
     
  11. Franky

    Franky DHShuttleMonkey

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2006
    Messages:
    1,687
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I've had good experiences with the 661 Evo's, Race, & Strait pads.

    EVO knees & elbows

    Strengths: I've used these on about a dozen rides. I bought the XL and I haven't had any problems with them staying up. They held up during one crash so far and they are very comfortable when pedaling.

    Weakness: The only weakness I noticed has been the stitching. The stitching came undone on a knee after 1 ride. I took them to a sewing shop to repair the knee stitching and haven't had a problem since.

    Bottom Line: Good pads for All-Mtn or light DH where you have to pedal up to get to the good stuff. I wouldn't use these for riding anything gnar. Rating: 4/5

    2008 Race Knees & elbows

    Strengths: I used these this race season. These are the best Race knees and elbows from 661 so far. The knees have better coverage than previous years. The top straps wrap around your knee in a 'X' and does keep them in place during a crash. There is also a sleeve that wraps around your knee so the straps don't rub against your leg. The elbows have better forearm and elbow coverage than the previous year. They stay put during crashes and I sometimes forget they are there.

    Weakness: None, just the inconvenience of having to take off your shoes to put on the knee/shins.

    Bottom Line: Best 661 Race knee/elbows to date. Rating: 5/5

    Straits

    Strengths: I'm on my 2nd pair of Strait knee pads and used them DH races and rides. These are very light, comfortable. Ok side protection around the knee and stay put during crashes.

    Weakness: My 1st pair ripped on the top/side from pulling them on and off. This 2nd pair has held up good so far. The plastic cup on the knee is a little thin. I bruised my knee cap after a hard crash. Pedals with pins tend to snag on the sides of them when pushing up. Lack of shin coverage, I've got the pedal scars to show for it.

    Bottom Line: Very comfortable but lack shin protection. Rating: 4/5

    Five Tens Impact low top

    Strengths: I've had these for 3 or 4 months. These stick like glue to your pedals. Stiff sole so your feet won't fatigue and super comfortable. These could be used to walk around all day if you wanted to. Stick them in the washer, air dry them and they perform like new.

    Weakness: NONE

    Bottom Line: Best shoe for riding in flats. Rating: 5/5



    I've got a few rides in with TLD t-bones and TLD elbows. I'll give a report on these after a few more rides.
    :beer:
     
  12. denmother

    denmother Gone riding....

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2007
    Messages:
    11,235
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Riverside
    New 661 Knee/Shin Lineup for 2009

    [​IMG]

    EVO LITE XC KNEE​

    Looking forward to trying a pair of these.​



    I have these, they do stretch out, so I bought size small and after stretching they fit perfect. They DO NOT hold up to washing even on "delicate". You have to wash them by hand. I have had trouble with the stiching and I am on my 4th pair. 661 was happy to warranty all of them.

    [​IMG]
    KYLE STRAIT PATRIOT KNEE




    I also have a pair of these and prefer them over the Kyle Straights. I am knock-kneed and the pads on the inside of the knee on the Kyle Straights bug me and rub on the frame.



    I use these over some of my shin guards to keep them from slipping. They work great, everyone should have a pair!!! ​


    [​IMG]




    I have a pair of these that I only use for DH courses with a lot of rocks (ie Bootleg). They are light, comfortable and fit well and don't slide.​
     
  13. denmother

    denmother Gone riding....

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2007
    Messages:
    11,235
    Likes Received:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Gender:
    Female
    Location:
    Riverside
    661 Elbow pads for 2009

    [​IMG]



    EVO LITE XC ELBOW​


    I plan on trying these out as soon as they are available.



    [​IMG]


    EVO ELBOW

    I have a set of these, same problem as the knees, they stretch out very easily. Mine are small and they fit when I bought them, but now they are too big. I sent them back to 661 and they said that the stretchage was normal. Sooooo, moral of the story, DO NOT wash these in the washing machine even on delicate, hand wash only!!!


    [​IMG]


    2008 2X4 ELBOW GUARD​



    [​IMG]


    2008 RACE FOREARM/ELBOW​



    [​IMG]


    COMP ELBOW/FOREARM

    I have a pair of these but I can't straigten out my arms completely, so I only use them for racing.


    [​IMG]


    RICOCHET ELBOW​


     
  14. northshore

    northshore Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2007
    Messages:
    3,358
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    It's a gig...
    Location:
    Laguna Hills, CA
    Troy Lee's are awesome. Cheap and have never slipped a single time I road with them.
     
  15. speckledtrout

    speckledtrout Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2007
    Messages:
    2,442
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    actor
    Location:
    Silverlake in Los Angeles
    i had the 661 veggies and those suckers slid off and around my arm anytime i hit the ground. chewed up elbows galore.

    i got the 661 comps and the wrap around design is much better. but like Denmo said, they don't give you the same free range of movement like the others.

    I got the Kyle Straits and after only one day of use, they were stretched out and kept sliding down my legs. Luckily, a kind soul about to buy a pair of them bought them off of me so I bought a size smaller. When I did bite it with the Kyle Straits they were great though. And comfortable.
     
  16. KonaDawgDeluxe

    KonaDawgDeluxe REKE/DMC

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2008
    Messages:
    1,573
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    construction estimator/Project MGR
    Location:
    Arco Arena
    I wear the 661 Kyle Strait knee guards (XL). They fit perfect and feel comfortable while pedaling. I've had a couple of moderate to rough crashes with these guards on and they cusioned my knee quite well. When I crashed the impact was direct so the pads did not slide. I imagine the pads would slide down a bit if your impact was in a sliding fasion. I throw my pads in the wash after each ride and the stitching appears to be holding strong. I bought these on discount at Jenson USA for $50. I XC so these pads are perfect for me. For DH I would probably use something more 'beefier' as the crashes can obviously be more violent than XC. Just my 2 cents. :wave:
     
  17. 2wheel_lee

    2wheel_lee Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2006
    Messages:
    7,341
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Location:
    North Orange County
    That's been my experience as well. I've used many different Troy Lee and 661 knee/shin pads, and they all slide down when you slide your knees on the ground (even with 661 padlocks). I now prefer wearing pants. With pants, you can wear any knee pads, and the pants slide on the ground but the knee pads stay in place.

    The only solution I've found for successfully holding elbow pads in place is to use the ones integrated into upper body armor (I've been using the TLD Descender). The suit holds the pads in place so they don't slide down my arm.
     
  18. Pain Freak

    Pain Freak Dead or Alive

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2005
    Messages:
    11,163
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Da Boss
    Location:
    Fontucky
    Home Page:
    Can you ride with the pants for any distance/time? In the past I've tried wearing some of the Fox pants and they rubbed me raw after a short ride.I've never tried the Troy Lee's.
    661 should be sued for putting out the worse gloves ever made. I had a credit at a LBS so I bought some that weren't cheap and they didn't last a month. Took them back and LBS said 661 doesn't offer to replace them but they gave me store credit on another pair and same thing, fell apart after a few months. Very aggravating. Then my wife buys me some for my birthday because she sees them and thinks that's the brand I like. Third pair all different styles but with the same result, these too last less then a few months.
     
  19. CalEpic

    CalEpic member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2005
    Messages:
    7,721
    Likes Received:
    17
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Laguna Niguel
    I suppose how well the above pads work depends on the shape of your legs.

    I have skinny bird legs and my experiences are as follows:

    Race Lites - total crap. The knees fold down on crashes. Tried adding the pad locks - they still suck. They are moderately comfortable pedaling except for an annoying strip of velcro that chafes occasionally.

    Kyle Straits - I really like these for the comfort. Stay put in crashes. The downside is little shin protection and I have to take my shoes off to put them on. I also use these when on my moto.

    Fox Launch - These are winners. Super comfy, stray put in crashes and no need to remove shoes to put them on. Fox also makes a short version of the Launch pads. I'm guessing these would work for moto use as well. Similar to Straits in coverage but with hard-shell protection.
     
  20. Geronimo

    Geronimo S.T.U.P.I.D.A.S.S. member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2006
    Messages:
    2,028
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I steal bikes
    Location:
    San Juan Capistrano
    After the second day in sedona, I was little raw from my dickies, but I was rolling commando.
     

Share This Page

Help keep STR alive, please click the donation button below