Light, strong, easy to get in and out of, Foam inner kneepad is removable for easy washing. Splendid knee articulation

Compared to previous products? None. Slightly wider shin foam - even ½" would be good. How long with the velcro last?

The Core Rat leg armour is the bomb. Separate shin and knee pads stay where you put them. Even with deliberate "too loose" strap settings.
Delivery was delayed and Angie called me to explain this and offer apologies.
I will buy these again. In fact I will probably buy a second set just to make sure I can still get them.

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Mace Tectonic knee/shin combo. Raceface/Roach FR knee/shin combo. Bare skin and hair (the least effective)

I wear these for trail riding/light freeriding. They are very comfortable. There is no rubbing around the knee joint and they are relatively cool because of the open back. They are an excellent choice if you do a lot of pedaling. I had Roach DS legs before this (Hard shin/soft knee) and found they chaffed around the knee and were hot because of the nylon back on them.
As far as protection goes they seem great. I've never had any problem with these over the hundreds of small hits I've taken riding. I've also done a couple Superman imitations over the handlebars, including one which involved a long skidding stop on rock-studded downhill on my forearms and knees. The CoreRat legs never moved, and had some huge gouges in the plastic from the rocks. Between them and my Roach DH arms (another excellent product)I walked away without a scratch. The only 'weakness' they might have is the open back - it's good because this helps keep you cool, but bad if you have to worry about getting bitten in the back of the calf by platform pedals. Corerat does make a back of the calf guard you can add on, but I haven't tried it. Bottom line - an excellent choice for trail riding with clipless pedals.

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Roach DS legs

light, tough and versatile. I don't have to use the knee pads if I don't want to, such as when on a long climb or a fairly mellow ride. But it's nice to cover up the shins any ol time!

none that I know of

The Corerat leg armour is bomber tough, it gives you options of use and you can cram it (or parts of) in your camel back easily for use when you need it!

I'm very happy with em, but not as happy as my shins and knees!

This is an update to a 2001 post. I found that the 2001 version of the kneepads did not protect the tops of my knees, above the kneecap. This wasn't an issue with a single crown fork but once I switched to a double crown, I was banging my knees up regularly. Anyway, along came the burly kneepads and I'm happy to say they offer more protection to the top of the knee. There is more padding and it is stiffer so it stays in place. The neoprene straps keep things snug too. I thought that a stiffer pad might not be as comfortable for cross country use but it's not an issue. The pads feel good.

Comfortable and effective protection.

Similar Products Used:

Core rat original knee pads and core rat 2001 bigger knee pads, both with the shin pads.

Lighter weight and cooler than most. Reasonably priced. Prevents loss of skin and blood. Pads are removeable for cleaning.

Back of leg exposed but add on is available for full coverage.

Excellent product and customer serivce. I wanted something relatively light weight, cool for Illinois hot humid summer days, unobtrusive yet protective. Core Rat has performed as I hoped. My legs used to be cut, scraped and bloody now they are whole again.
Excellent customer service as well.

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1st body armour

--best shin protection I've tried yet
--are VERY comfortable with new Burly Knee Pads
--fit better and don't slide like they used to with regular knee pads
--a bit warmer with Burly knees than regular

--a bit warmer with Burly knees than regular
--along with more material (to save your skin) comes a little more chafing and irritation, but that's the price you have to pay

These things ROCK! And protect you from rocks. As noted above, this review is with the brand-spanking-new "Burly Knee Pad," which has increased coverage above and below the hardshell knee cup, and a double strap system with a wide neoprene strap that goes on first and then a heavy-duty (at least, better than the regular knee pad) elastic strap over that. I love these new ones so much more than the regular ones: they fit better for taller riders (I haven't noticed the slipping problems I used to have at all), the wide neoprene straps make them feel a lot softer and cushier (not a hard, abrasive elastic strap), and they cover a lot more, which instills a lot more confidence. I haven't crashed on the new knee pads yet, but even with the old regular pads, these guards are awesome! I was wearing my little tiny moto knee/shin guards last weekend because I hadn't gotten my new knee guards yet, and I had a little crash that shouldn't really have done anything to me, but I have huge scabs on my left knee where the guard totally let me down, whereas in my Core Rats, the same fall would have done nothing.

Bottom line--these things are amazing, I would recommend them anyday, especially with the new Burly knee pads. Plus, customer service is nothing short of amazing--Angie rules!

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661 2x4 (or whatever the model name is) shin/knee guard

They are light and comfortable while still providing protection. Plus they stay in place.

none

Everything made by core rat it tops. I have both the arm and leg armor. I'm 6'1" and the leg armor fits fine. You won't even notice that you’re wearing these. I ride in HOT humid New England and never have a problem with heat (the back of your leg is totally open). I've taken some fast hard falls on rocky trails and these things have saved my a**. The leg armor has 2 parts, shin and knee, that Velcro together. The shin part has a removable outer plastic hard shell and an inner dense foam pad that can be thrown in the wash (or just hosed off). The kneepads are similar in construction to skate pads, but are definitely the right size for riding a bike. The BEST thing about this company is that the owner "Angie" answers your phone calls and email herself. Instant customer satisfaction, and your talking to and supporting a fellow rider.

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None...did a lot of research and bought good equipment the first time.

These things are pretty comfy, and you dont sweat too bad in them.

The knee cups are stiff and crack easy

These pads aren't bad, but they can crack real easy, mine broke in like a week. If you do lots of extreme riding i suggest Roach Dh leg armour, or some SIXSIXONES. But, if you ride just like X Country, then these will do. Also if you ride unicycle, you kick ass!!

www.extremeunicycling-bcmat.cityslide.com

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Azonic pro knee cups

Shin Guard Section is ok.

This stuff is crap. I've had two big crashes with Core Rat now, and both times my knees have been on the loosing end. My riding is over for the summer now. With both knees torn up and a massive piece out of my right knee. Thanks for the quality Angie Ho.

If your going to buy armour spend you money on something that works. Core Rat slips constantly, the straps are too long and the knee cup provides minimal protection.

Lightweight, strong, fully adjustable fit, removable pads to throw in the wash, CUSTOMER SERVICE! (I ordered mine on a Friday and had it on Tuesday BC-->Yellowknife NWT!) YOU ROCK ANGIE! Will keep my legs entacted and protected from my pedals!

None so far!

Durable, lightweight, quality product that provides everything that I want in knee and shin protection! Perfect for urban riding and jumping.....will pay for themselves 10x over with the money I will save in bad-aids alone!!! Excellent buy....bottom line - GET SOME!

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my skin.....doesn't seem to hold up like it used to!