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SixSixOne
4x4 Knee/Shin Guards
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Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | Cheap all in one pad set | | Weaknesses: | -weak protection
-slide down ALL the time
-straps are too long
-not very durable
-hot | | Bottom Line: | These pads should be sold as shin protection only. During any crash when the moment of impact is upon you these pads slide down leaving your knee's exposed. I would recommend saving the cash and not wearing pads rather than buying these. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh, Pa, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Moraine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Strengths: | light weight and comfortable with a good amount of protection for trail riding... anything more would just be to much for every day use. the wrap around design makes them stay put better than just straps. | | Weaknesses: | straps are to long (easy to fix) and they do take a minute to get on and off so your not going to be taking them on and off throughout the ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox RockGardn and some other hard plastic shell models at bike parks | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Prophet | | Bottom Line: | Nice, about as much protection as I can wear all day, the amount of bloody shins was getting ridiculous and the occasional knee to stem or rock contact wasn't fun either.
There are a couple places I ride where I just love having these... one is all rock and the other is filled with log rides and such, most of the other spots I just dont mind wearing them.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
poozank
a Downhiller
from Rat Turd Ranch
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | The Snurkle | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson | | Strengths: | somewhat cheap I guess better than bare skin | | Weaknesses: | to many straps
hot
straps to long
requires excessive tightening
slide down
look bad
materials are not durable
only a centimeter of foam with one mm of plastic does noy provide much protection
stink for pedaling
| | Similar Products Used: | Fox Launch | | Bike Setup: | Demo 7 | | Bottom Line: | These are dicks | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doctorpunch
a Weekend Warrior
from Holtsville, ny
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Frenchie's Cycle Wor | | Strengths: | -Non constrictive
-Lightweight
-Full coverage
-Durable | | Weaknesses: | -Take FOREVER to put on
-Straps are too long | | Similar Products Used: | None, first pair of guards | | Bike Setup: | Unicycle | | Bottom Line: | I purchased these because I ravaged my calves on my unicycle. The only reason I got them was because I needed calf protection, but they've saved my shins more than once. I got them in the fall so the whole "heat" thing was never an issue. It's like riding in a pair of jeans. My main gripe is the straps: there's too many of them and they're waaay to long. After a while you get used to it but it takes a solid 2 minutes to get everything on and in place. There's also a strap on top that wraps around the back but it takes up Velcro space for the main top one, so it's pretty much useless. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cgirnus
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Greenfishsports | | Strengths: | The padding material seems good and the coverage are is good which has kept me from getting scrapped up in a couple falls. | | Weaknesses: | I am 6'2" and these are always sliding down on me.
The stitching on the velcro straps are pulling apart after only 6 rides.
They are a little hot especially in the summer but for those early spring/fall rides and night rides it is nice. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | K2 | | Bottom Line: | Granted they aren't really expensive pads but would have expected the stitching to hold up better. Once those velcro straps go the pads are pretty much worthless which is why I am sending mine back for either a warranty replacement or refund. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robot
a Cross Country Rider
from Palos Hills, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$38.00 | | Purchased At: | xsportsprotective.co | | Strengths: | -great protection
-stiff, hard shin-pads (that means they will protect your shins fairly well)
-all-around protection | | Weaknesses: | -a bit hot (but which pads aren't?)
-some rubbing on the knees
-slides down above the knee (just a tiny bit) | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Giant Rincon Disc (hardtail) | | Bottom Line: | Fairly decent shin/kneepads. They protect the vital limbs quite good against rocks and pedalbites.
When I first rode with them on a downhill trail, I faceplanted on the rocks after sitting on the bike for two minutes. Luckily I had those pads on and they totally protected my legs.
They do get a bit hot sometimes, but if you gain some speed, they will actually cool your legs a bit due to the ventilations.
A great number of the straps keeps them from slipping which is better than other pads.
Overall, a great buy for the price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicholas Belarde
a
from Eureka
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay! | | Strengths: | -Feel kind of funny for the first few rides
-Good protection | | Weaknesses: | -Straps too long
-Slips down legs untill your legs start to sweat. ;) | | Bike Setup: | Kona Roast
-Hayes Hydro brakes
-Shimano XT Rear Derailleur
-Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 3 Fork
-Rhyno Lite 27mm wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Great for your first pair of shin/knee gaurds, but get hot pretty easy. Some of the stitching ripped after about 2 months, and they slipped down my leg untill my sweat started to glue them to my leg. Pedals are brutal on the front of them, tears holes all over if you slip off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mic
a Weekend Warrior
from ACT Australia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Strengths: | GReat pad cheap and good protection | | Weaknesses: | Too short. I'm 6'1 and have really long legs and I find they fall down. To get good knee coverage I am always pulling them up. If I crash they slide down and get grazes on the top of my knee. | | Similar Products Used: | Various skate pads | | Bike Setup: | Percentage 4x | | Bottom Line: | They are a good pad and great value for money but I will be replacing them as its easier than getting shorter legs :)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Connor R
a Downhiller
from Fresno CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast rocky and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sport | | Strengths: | Great coverage! Ive got a big tear in mine from the pedals. These things are amazing. | | Weaknesses: | sure im on my second pair
but i think im a little harder on stuff than other people | | Similar Products Used: | none! these things are amazing | | Bike Setup: | Bighit2 full custom | | Bottom Line: | get them
they are amazing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Connor R
a Downhiller
from Fresno CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fast rocky and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sport | | Strengths: | Great coverage! Ive got a big tear in mine from the pedals. These things are amazing. | | Weaknesses: | sure im on my second pair
but i think im a little harder on stuff than other people | | Similar Products Used: | none! these things are amazing | | Bike Setup: | Bighit2 full custom | | Bottom Line: | get them
they are amazing | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Witkowski
a Downhiller
from rockford, il, usa
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | TNT @ keystone, co | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | light, cool, good coverage. | | Weaknesses: | if they aren't on your leg right they hurt the inside of your leg, and it starts to really hurt. | | Similar Products Used: | my first full shinguards | | Bike Setup: | devinci, 888 | | Bottom Line: | you can find them cheap. they are lightweight varry well vented and cool. trailriding to downhill, they work great. and you can wear the mesh backing on the front of ur leg and they are cool enough for xc use. + they cover above your knee witch is a plus. so if u get em cheap, there a def buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jey
a Downhiller
from Sacramento, California, US
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Auburn | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | BeyongBikes.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable and surprisingly cool considering the coverage (wrap around). The guards are fairly easy to pedal in. | | Weaknesses: | Bulky fit and poor Velcro closure system. Straps behind the knee become uncomfortable and require adjustment after an hour of use. | | Similar Products Used: | This is the only soft guard I've tried. | | Bike Setup: | '06 Heckler (Freeride build) | | Bottom Line: | (FYI... My body geometry: 6' and 177 lbs)
Overall, I'm content with the functionality of these pads as they have indeed kept me healthy after several wrecks in Auburn and Downieville, but the quality of the materials and the fit of the guards leaves me shopping for replacements.
The guards are secured by both Velcro tabs and a series of straps that wrap behind the leg. The Velcro tabs began to tear off completely after several weeks of use. This is a serious problem considering the straps don't secure the guards tightly and sit loosely behind the leg. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Jimi Legs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Traders | | Strengths: | -Stop pedals from murdering my shins
-Relatively light
-Comfy (at first)
-Durable. 661 is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | -Price. I should have shopped around before paying $79.99 at sports traders....
-Dig into the back of your knee joint after a while
-Can get itchy | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 06 Kona stuff with ODI grips, WTB saddle, and axiom flat pedals | | Bottom Line: | These pads are good if you are only wearing them for about an hour at a time. If you wear them for any longer, they start to itch and dig into your knee joint (which is painful). Also, if you want to buy 661 pads, go to a motorcycle store. I know that these pads were $30 cheaper at action motorcycles. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from CT
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Westwoods, Guilford, Ct | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Bully Dog Bikes, Guilford | | Strengths: | The pads are very light and strong. They fit very nicely and are quite comfortable. I like how they protect your knee. You cant tell you are wearing them once you break them in. | | Weaknesses: | The straps that go behind the knee are little uncomfortable. Hard to clean because of all the little holes and things. Takes a long time to take off. They also take foeever to dry. All of these things are very little and magageable | | Bike Setup: | GT backwods frame, Rock Shock Mag 20 fork, Mavic wheels w/ Specialized enduro tires, WTB stealth seat, 1 in. riser bars w/ Yeti grips, Shimano shifters and cantis style brakes | | Bottom Line: | A great set of pads with a few drawbacks. Great for cross country and down hill riding | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick B.
a Downhiller
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirt Merchant, whistler, BC | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bikes (CBO) | | Strengths: | They don't have plastic like other ones, but are hard enough for me fying and rolling into rocks.I Dirt jump, XC, freeride, dh race.. I use them for downhill racing and freeriding. I like how it cover the back of your leg which prevents stabs/scrapes from sticks. It doesn't move because all the straps hold it in place. | | Weaknesses: | Many people say they are hot. I have only used them in 70 degree weather, but if it were 85, I wouldn't mind. I can imagine how opens guards would be cooler, but these help a lot, especially on trails that are tight with plants that would hurt. | | Similar Products Used: | My friends (shin side only) guards when I went over to ride xr 50's (mini bikes) | | Bike Setup: | Azonic Evolution -hayes mag champagne brakes -xt deraileur and 8 spd cassete- truvative single ring Stylo crankset -e13 srs -mavic ex325 rear and light xc bontrager rim front(needs to be replaced with a wider one) -marzocchi 'o3 dj II (5") -Maxxis high roller 2.35 tires | | Bottom Line: | THey are good shin gurads for the money. The full closure protects your leg from sticks/plants and they don't move at all. The shin armour is not plastic, but it works great for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gianni
a Downhiller
from San Luis Obispo/San Diego
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Knotts | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Stay where you put them. Durable. Protect very well. Save you medical bills for stitches in teh shin and banged up knees. | | Weaknesses: | a little on the hot side, but honestly its never bothered me at all. | | Similar Products Used: | lizard skin shinguards back in the day | | Bike Setup: | 02 bighit, magura M brakes. XT components. Azonic riser bars....... | | Bottom Line: | These are a great shin guard and cheap. They work great and i would highly suggest them. I ride everywehre with them after my latest incident with my 3rd chain ring which gave me 14 stitches in my shin. 50 dollar deposit but insurance paid the 635 bucks. Overall buy this product, its one of the best shinguards i've worn mostly because it stays in place so well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J-P Human
a Downhiller
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable
dont move around
breathes well | | Weaknesses: | Well iv had 3 bad falls in them, the first one i slid down a cliff and they worked well, the second time i crashed hard into a bearm and the pads left burn marks on my knees and arms (2x4's), the third time was over the handlebars into a rock, my chest protector hit the rock first and took the grunt of the fall, but when i stood up my knees were burnt, bruised badly and bleeding?? the pad did hardly anything to protect me. Im now going to sell them and try a pair of roach rally.
I think they are burning me because i have fairly skinny legs and because the pad does not have a plastic shell it grips on impact and my leg moves in them. | | Similar Products Used: | skateboard and hocky pads. | | Bike Setup: | DH Giant | | Bottom Line: | Dont protect well from direct impact, suited more to XC would not use if you ride DH. It still hurts when u fall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Falberg
a Downhiller
from Solana Beach, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$25.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Won't fall down, protection, relatively comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Kinda cheaply made, but have held up fairly well so far. Good price. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox 911 | | Bike Setup: | Bullit | | Bottom Line: | I've tried the Fox 911's, and although they look good, they fall down while riding, which is beyond annoying. These don't, mainly due to the number of staps and velcro you have to use. But how they hel do you think they can stay on so well? Plus, you get used to getting them on and off in no time. It's a good product, works well, protects you well and stays on well, for a cheap price. What else do you need? I wear mine all the time now. Even on easy XC rides. Why not? Not too hot either. Go get them.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tb
a Downhiller
from socal
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | They fit well, dont move around or feel like they will fall off, and offer great protection | | Weaknesses: | they make you feel about 10 degrees warmer than if you werent wearing them | | Bottom Line: | These things will protect the hell out of your legs and they feel good while you wear em. what more do you want? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jd
a
from canada
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | rambler | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | rob's | | Strengths: | they work. If you wear these, your shins wont hurt nomore.
I never ride without them on.
Having good gear makes you look cool. | | Weaknesses: | kevlar material is easily cut by gears, etc.
takes a while to take off and put on due to many straps.
can be hot. | | Bike Setup: | a learner XC bike and a freeride bike | | Bottom Line: | THese pads have saved my legs countless times from bruises, cuts, etc. They hold up pretty well and cost about the same as similar equiptment. I wear them no matter what kind of riding I am doing XC, DH, FR, or urban. I find them most helpful for not getting cranked by your cranks (lol), but they are also useful in falls. Anyone who takes biking seriously and doesn't want scars on their legs should by these or similar. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Downhiller
from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | I dunno sommin at woodlot | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$92.00 | | Purchased At: | The Realm | | Strengths: | Comfy....lol. Look alright i guess. If u live in a place like canada they keep you warm in the winter... a well respected company... i guess thats a plus? They are tough, hold up to the rigors of south western BC's (real) shore. | | Weaknesses: | The velcro is a pain in the a$$ so many straps... Take along time to get on and off. The things that close the pads without the straps eventually rip off, both of the ones in the middle of three on my pads came off. Fu | | Similar Products Used: | i unno.... ur mom | | Bike Setup: | 04 rampage | | Bottom Line: | These pads are really good to start out with. They actuaaly are really tough and have a lot of protection. Not a bad price i think i paid a bit much for mine but w/e they've held up for a long time but after a year and a few months they are creeping close to they're retirement. The next pads ill get will definatley be a hard shell pad roach rally FR or 661 race lite. Bottom line is these pads are a really good pad to start out with and if u live in a place thats cold they keep u warm. They r tough and well priced. Good pads but could've been better. If ur a shore rider they keep u warm in the forest. Good all around freeride pads. Not the best for DH but they work. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Skibinski
a Weekend Warrior
from Gdansk, POLAND
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Strengths: | +Protection
+Stays where it's supposed to be
+Comfortable
+Looks
+superb protecion against pedals | | Weaknesses: | -damn hot
-not enought protection against "leg to ground" things | | Similar Products Used: | Dainese Pro | | Bike Setup: | DC amstaff 2003, DNM USD 180, Avid BBDB on front, Deore crank, DaBomb 20mm front hub | | Bottom Line: | Really good for this price. They are really hot, but i don't care. Saved my legs from "pin-holes" few times and they're almost good as new. Don't move on your legs while riding. I think they are perfect for people who need good leg protection for hard riding, but don't want to spend all their money | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from San luis Obispo
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Cerro Alta | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Cost, good protection | | Weaknesses: | ugly | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | For the cost worth it if you arent too aggressive. I only put them on for the downhill. Protected me so far, no complaints except maybe a little hot but no big deal its a pad. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Jersey
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Excellent protection, front and back. | | Weaknesses: | So hot. | | Similar Products Used: | Roach FR | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | Taken a couple spills - not even a scratch under the pads. Best part is, it keeps those platform pedal pins from gouging my shins/calves.
Take forever to put on and take off. Not for the claustrophobic. Don't notice how hot they are until it's time to take them off. Rip, rip, rip, rip, rip, rip, rip (velcro). What a project.
Fit is OK, nothing to rave about.
Cheaply made, but cheap to buy. That's the way it should be.
Trying a set of Roach FRs now to see if they're cooler and more comfy. FRs seem to breath a little. 4x4s don't breath AT ALL Much more $$, though. Will post review after I've used them for a few months.
Excellent protection, good value, hot, hot, hot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesse Hill
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Demo | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | great flexibility and coverage | | Weaknesses: | none I can think of | | Similar Products Used: | Skinz | | Bike Setup: | doesn't matter | | Bottom Line: | These ar the greatest pads I have had so far. As you can see I have had them for a while and still they work great. They are the only pad I have found that has no open areas to get hit yet are still totally flexible. Mine (the earlier versions) took a little while to break in but now the new ones seem flexier from the get go. The only thing I could say is they are a little hot as others would say but then I have tried skinz and have tried on fox 911 (for about 5 minutes) and all of them are just as hot or hotter so get over it its armor they are going to be warm there is foam in there. And finally the full wrap without having to remove your shoes is very nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Kincaid
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Skookum Flats | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | superblo | | Strengths: | can use with the full backings on them (for total coverage) or with just the straps (great for XC twistys). | | Weaknesses: | i wish the velcro went all the way across the front of the pad instead of just square blocks on eahc side of the knee area | | Similar Products Used: | protech | | Bike Setup: | if i told you, you would prolly rob me. | | Bottom Line: | worth the money...stays in place. saved my @$$ (well, knees and legs) many times over.
4+ chilis | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
reconone
a Downhiller
from Toronto, Ontario
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$37.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | - great protection for price (knee and leg guards for $37)
- Don't even notice when a pedal smacks you in the shin
- aren't too stiff
- lightweight / look cool | | Weaknesses: | - straps can rub behind knee after long >2 hour rides (undoing 1 of the behind the knee straps helps)
| | Similar Products Used: | hockey knee pads, rollerblade pads | | Bike Setup: | 03 Norco Sasquatch w/XT shifter/brake lever upgrades | | Bottom Line: | Great pad for heavy XC or DH use. I like the fact they don't have a rock hard plastic shell on them because it makes them more flexable. I can fall onto my knees on concrete from standing and I have a nice soft landing.
Knee straps can be a pain after a long ride. undoing 1 of them helps.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derek
a Downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Toad's | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | superblow | | Strengths: | - Excellent ankle to above knee protection
- Also covers back of your leg with breathable mesh
- Fastens securely, does not slide around
- Flexible knee has minimal impact on spinning the cranks | | Weaknesses: | - Top Velcro straps chew backside of knee when fastened | | Similar Products Used: | None, first pads ever. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky 6 | | Bottom Line: | I was headed off for Downieville, Ca in less than a week for some sick downhill runs, so I needed some pads to keep my skin. This seemed like the perfect choice to compliment my SixSixOne Pressure Suit. I ordered them from superblow mail order on a Monday, they arrived on Thursday, Friday I was heading for the mountains.
I broke my ratings down into the following categories which I felt were important.
Fit: 5/5
Comfort: 3/5
Protection: 5/5
Fit - They are an excellent fit. I got the size large, have about a 30 inch inseam, and they cover from ankle area to several inches above my knees. I'd say they pretty much cover your whole leg. There's a mesh back to the pads that you're meant to put around the back of your calf and leg that makes the Velcro straps a bit more comfortable on your leg, and offers a bit of protection back there. Supposedly you can keep the mesh inside the pad and not wrap it around in hotter conditions. With all Velcro straps in place these pads are securely fastened and do not slide around.
Comfort - They are quite comfortable, with the exception of the top Velcro straps that fasten behind (slightly above) the back of the knee. There are two of them, maybe a little overkill, but when both are fastened they start to chew away at the back of your knee after a while. Other than that, the rest of the pads are comfy.
Protection - They are made of a durable woven material with hard (but not plastic type of hard) pads underneath. They are thick, durable, and would do a good job protecting your shins and knees from obstacles. They cover from your ankle to several inches above your knee, so it pretty much takes care of your whole leg.
Bottom line - Pretty good product for the money. Offers excellent protection and a reasonable fit outside of the chewing at the back of your knee. They are a bit warm, so if you're an XC rider you might want to think about getting a lighter weight pad. I'd reserve these for the downhill’s only.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | -Sweet Ass Protection
-Lighweight
-Vented | | Weaknesses: | -Takes forever to put on
-Needs more moveablility
-Costly | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | '03 Brodie Bruzza | | Bottom Line: | Buy it, you'll need it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellflower,CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | Lets you breath your shins, strong enough to withstand a godd fall. Both arms and shin guards have enough velcro to keep you skin safe from the dirt. | | Weaknesses: | It only comes in black | | Similar Products Used: | Foxrace elbow guards | | Bottom Line: | I would recommended to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey, USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Ninham Mtn (Carmel, NY) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | You can wear them either with the webbing on the back of your legs, or, if you fold up the webbing, you can wear them with the back of the legs exposed. Many people who have them don't realize you can do this. - - They protect well for XC riders who ride with a DH flair. - - They do look sort of police riot gear intense, but it revs you up for your ride. | | Weaknesses: | One thing that no one mentioned here is that the inside of the padding rubs the skin raw on your knees, if you ride more than, say, 2.5 hours at a time. For a XC rider that goes for 5 hour rides it's really painful. So I've started wrapping my knees with ACE bandages (not too tight though) and it's fine. But I'd rather not have to. | | Similar Products Used: | None. First pair of pads. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Genesis Kaitai (hardtail); GT XCR 1000 (full-suspension) | | Bottom Line: | Great pads for XC riders. Don't forget that they open in the back for the summer. Careful for rubbing on the knees if you do long rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan russell
a Racer
from melrose,ma usa
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | bruce and toms | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | excellent coverage, light and allows good airflow to help keep legs cool. You forget your wearing them when riding because they dont move around or need to be adjusted.(with proper sizing of course) | | Weaknesses: | straps may strecth after some time but have your mom sew on some more velcro. | | Similar Products Used: | sixsixone 4x2 | | Bike Setup: | azonic ds1, monty trials, aeon isis, sampson ti | | Bottom Line: | these are great pads for the money. Cool, comfortable and durable, I have crashed a few times and they have protected without tearing. Cooler on those hot days than plastic pads.
I have already recommended these to a few of my friends. Live to Ride!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Benicia
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | a place | | Strengths: | stays put, max coverage, flexy, good crash taking, looks, PRICE | | Weaknesses: | hot/sweety, 2nd knee strap cut bake of knee | | Similar Products Used: | POS foxes that move and flop like a limp dick | | Bike Setup: | big hit super-t | | Bottom Line: | if your looking for a good pad that doesn't move and money is an issue(like me and most other bikers) get these | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Tommy & Lefebvre | | Strengths: | stays on well, wears in quickly as well. | | Weaknesses: | damned hot sometimes, but what else do you expect from wearing pads. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis XLT 1.0 | | Bottom Line: | pretty good overall. I haven't had any serious falls or crashes, but they done their job protectin from the minor scrapes i would've got. they've worn in really quickly and since i do some f.r and xc i wear them on my xc rides now too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wes
a Downhiller
from san juan capistrano CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | summit trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Very durable, i thought they would rip but they havent. dont slip at all and are comfy. | | Weaknesses: | Warm on hot days and takes a while to get them on right | | Similar Products Used: | pants | | Bike Setup: | Iron Horse SGS Sport | | Bottom Line: | These are great but dont buy them from supergo they are a rip | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ash
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Preston | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | beyondbikes.com | | Strengths: | They seem to stay put. The behind the knee strap, does not dig in behind the knee. Total leg protection, without sacrificing mobility. Great pad! | | Weaknesses: | Not to sure about the 2 straps around the knee. Only really need one. They lower 2 straps could have been designed better, as there is no room for error. They either fit, or they dont. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro 02. Stock except for a great set of training wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Great pads. I can understand that these puppies would get a little hot, out in the sun all day with 100 degree heat, what part of your body is not dry in these conditions?
I am 6'4 205lbs, and the large fit me perfectly. If my legs were any bigger, I dont think the large would fit correctly.
They do take a little longer to get secure than other pads, however, WHO CARES? Its not like your pads are the only thing you put on to get ready for a ride?
I have not crashed in these yet, so I dont know how they will hold up, however they look sturdy enough. I paid $50 for the set (elbow and knee/shin), which is a great deal!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Downhiller
from An Extreme Unicycleist
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Local NorthShore stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | www.pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | It lets you ride with more confidence and lets you focus on the trail not the "What if's" stops pedal slips from demoloshing your shins and knees, the back of the calf protection will stop cuts but not bruses doesnt slide around unless your an idiot | | Weaknesses: | takes a while for the caluses to form on the back of your knee but not a biggie only matters when taking them off. | | Similar Products Used: | P.O.S. fox shin and Knee guards that flopped around like a limp dick | | Bike Setup: | dabomb sputnik with a Z1 freeride, dt onyx hubs, Mammoth rim in rear rhyno lite in front, profile cranks, XT rear derailur and shifters, Kudjos, sunrigle octane pedals, big cheese bar; my unicycle, Yuni frame suzi hub, kooka cranks, Kris Holm saddle, kudjo 24in rhyno lite and it looks sick | | Bottom Line: | buy these pads if you want to stop the scars from adding up, the pads will make you look sick and give you confidence, a bit sweaty but what do you expect, you dont want to get sweaty dont wear pads. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colin Osborn
a Downhiller
from Carbondale,Colorado,USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Vail 94 DH course & Stikline | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Ajax bike and sport Carbondale | | Strengths: | Durability, looks | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Carve,hoping to Get Rocky Mountain Switch LTD or Kona Stinky Dee Lux
| | Bottom Line: | These pads are awesome, when i crash they stay in one place and are Super durable. Then they also breathe really well. I DH,FR,DJ and even XC with em and they work great for all. They are pretty light but not to light. And they fit well enough to wear while riding any condition and don't slow you down. I have worn them in a all day ride and they are still comfortable. And they break in really fast. They are practically simular to the Roach legs, maybe not as strong but work good. If i wear these out i will either get the Dianesse Legs or Roach DH legs also. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anna
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary,AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | urban trials | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycle | | Strengths: | Provide enuf protection for trials, but also stay flexible
Warm (on cold days)
Full coverage (so no more scars on calfs)
Ryan Leech wears em
Look cool
| | Weaknesses: | They take a bit of time to put on
Apparently r rip offs of Roach, but i think 661 n AXO were around longer -- but if we hafta be all patriotic of Canada n all, that one guy from a wierd named city izzint even canadian so *>_<*
the middle strap is kinda long, but it's cuz i hav slim legs | | Similar Products Used: | Roach Indy Legs, Sugoi DS legs, Roach DH shins, Fox | | Bike Setup: | Planet X Zebdi - Magura HS-33, XTR, Sunn Mammoth (rear), Sunn Rhyno Lite (fr), ODI lock-on grips, | | Bottom Line: | For the price, on sale at CalCycle I'm happy with my purchase, duz it realli matter if they seem to b Roach rip off? like who f*ckin cares as long as they work... izzint wellgo a big rip off of shimano? n nakamura a big rip off of mtn bikes in general?
The work wonders n hav saved my shins on many occasions bailin on rocks n spools. And of course they're not burley enuf for DH, if you wanted something that hardcore, you'd go off n buy some pro gear from FOX, but for the price, it wuz decent, n the protection is great for me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, CA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Solutions (Beaches) | | Strengths: | provide full leg and knee protection | | Weaknesses: | the bottom strap could be a bit longer, i have fat legs | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | BRISA B20 PRO | | Bottom Line: | first of all, i'm very new to trials and this is the first leg armor i've ever wore, so i have no basis for comparison... having said that i find that these are extremely nice to wear and after a few minutes i totally forget that i have anything on my legs until i hit my knew on the stem... as far as some people saying that they are too hot, i'm not very sure how does one tell that because when i'm totally sweating after an hour of so i don't really notice that little "extra" heat on my legs. I would say that these are perfect for trials riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from overthere
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | store | | Strengths: | Good protection for Urban riding.
Calve protectoin for pedal slips.
Looks. | | Weaknesses: | Very warm because of back protection.
Expensive.
Not enough protection for DH, get a hard cover instead(these are for urban.) | | Similar Products Used: | The pedal in my shins | | Bike Setup: | hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Get 'em for urban, skip 'em for DH | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Henniker
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Webcyclery.com | | Strengths: | cheap (but not really) | | Weaknesses: | uncomfortable
a rip-off of the Roach pads.
Tear very easily | | Similar Products Used: | Roach knee/shin downhill pads | | Bike Setup: | one trials bike and one Haor MX3 freeride/downhill bike | | Bottom Line: | These are nothing but VERY CHEAP imitations of the Roach pads. I got them hoping to save a couple bucks but they ripped wide open on the FIRST RIDE. DO NOT BUY THESE! Spend the extra $10 and get the real thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | A.K.A. | | Strengths: | Good Protection... don't slide down | | Weaknesses: | POOR... and I Mean POOR craftmanship... not worth the 90$ Can. I paid for them... these things fell apart | | Similar Products Used: | Roach and my new Core Rats... WHICH TOTALLY ROCK... buy Core Rat direct from their website and skip all the made in Taiwan junk... CORE RAT from Squamish BC, Canada. | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn 4-banger with Fox Vanilla R shock, Fox Forx Vanilla RLC, dual Hayes, Profiles, ETC ETC ETC... | | Bottom Line: | Unless you want a lot of practice sewing... or want to learn to sew don't buy these pads... the straps rip off bad... My first crash I had to sew the middle left strap and velcro back on...
These pads are pathetic...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastian Wiers
a
from Mineapolis, MN, USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Self built / hobo camp / urban route | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS (Varsity Cycles) | | Strengths: | Very secure fastening, full coverage protection from ankle to thigh, even some back of calf protection. Good solid design, well made, not to expensive. | | Weaknesses: | Heat wise, these are armored leg warmers that open down the side. Great for winter riding, I bet! They pretty well block any air from getting at your legs. I drink twice as much water wearing these and the 2x4's, but the heat index is often aroung 95 here.
There is some chaffing behind the knee, unless they fit you just right. The Large size is maybe to small if you are over 6 feet tall. The area that wraps around the calf lacks anatomic shaping, so it gaps a bit unless your calves are slim. Should be available in other colors (pink) and sizes (XL).
Kinda intimidating looking, in a "riot armor" way. Even if you are a considerate rider, you'll probably attract negative attention if you wear these for urban rides or XC, so don't make it worse for every body who wears pads by acting like a jerk.
These aren't unique weaknesses- if you want to avoid this, get open-back shin gaurds or simple knee guards, depending on needs. | | Similar Products Used: | Scar tissue, gauze, surgical tape. | | Bike Setup: | Rockhopper FSR "really built up". The seatpost is still stock... | | Bottom Line: | Excellent protection, even a bud of mine who has the (very similar) Roach pads likes them. The fastening system might actually be BETTER than Roaches, though the fit isn't quite as nice.
If you crash, are looking for cheap but really effective pads, and don't mind getting sweaty, buy these. On a recent group freeride sesion, I was one of 4 riders out of 20 who decided to attempt a hairy drop that had a sizable obstacle just at the lip. My back wheel caught the obstruction, and I went sliding maybe 10 feet on my chest and knees. People figured my ride was over, but I was completey unhurt. I'm a bit sore now, but I figure those pads saved me a couple weeks pain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
oosvn
a Cross Country Rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Strengths: | Full coverage from ankle to knee , back of leg also covered (not with pads though )Light & comfortable enough for technical cross country & enough padding to race with . | | Bottom Line: | Very happy with this purchase , they feel awkward to walk in , but once your on the bike they feel great . For long climbs unstrap the knee straps & attach them to the front side , bought these to race downhill , but use them for cool mornings of cross country / freeriding rides too . For me these were dual purpose , dh racing & cross country , I'f I were doing hardcore dh only I would go for something with a hard shell like core rat . | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Thorough protection, stay in place and fit very well. | | Weaknesses: | Can get very hot and are uncomfortable behind the knees if they're not strapped up properly. Not good if you plan on doing extensive climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500 Hardtail, Marzocchi Z-1 MCR fork, Hayes Hyrdraulics, blah, blah, blah. | | Bottom Line: | I decided this past winter that it may be a good idea to invest in a set of pads due to the fact that a bad injury will put me out of work; no work = no paycheck. At any rate, the type of riding I do is mostly technical cross-country, for lack of a better term. No 10' drops or anything too crazy, but a good fall is always painful. What I have found since I started using pads is that the 661's are great if you don't plan on doing a lot of long climbing. They stay put and provide excellent protection, as I learned during a recent fall that would have wrecked my right knee. When climbing, however, they do seem to inhibit performance a bit and get very hot. They also can scratch up the backs of your knees. I plan to use these for the nastier stuff, but will probably leave them at home for longer, less technical rides and when racing (which is rare). Overall, a good buy that will eventually pay for themselves. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Diamond
a Weekend Warrior
from ATL/GA/USA
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Downtown ATL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop in anaheim,ca | | Strengths: | BIG TIME padding! They fit really well but look bulkey. I like how the knee fits in w/the shin feels real solid!! | | Weaknesses: | takes a little time to put on but well worth it | | Similar Products Used: | wethepeople/no stitches | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Joker/raceface everthing/maguras/nokian(2.3 blues)etc.............. | | Bottom Line: | Awsome protection! these things can take alot of abuse and are rewarding the next day(NO BLOOD NO BRUSE) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Calgary downtown | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Durable, great looks, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | takes a while to get them done up just right, warm in hot weather but what do you expect | | Similar Products Used: | crappy old k-mart brands when I was a kid | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Wahoo/Manitou X-vert forks/Sun Mammoth Deore rims/Acera drive/Profile risers | | Bottom Line: | these pads are great - especially for the price
probably not quit as good as roach sh&t but much cheaper | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C
a Weekend Warrior
from Sale Creek, TN. usa
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$36.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | comfy, give plenty of protection for front and back of leg, look cool, fit great | | Weaknesses: | a bit warm under there | | Bike Setup: | 2001 mongoose hard luck w/ minor modifications | | Bottom Line: | great pads for the money...I know everybody screams Roach pads are great- and they are...however these should not be overlooked- especially for the price...they are built almost exactly like the Roaches | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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