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Looking for a set of elbow+forearm pads that tick all these features:
- softshell, but protective (e.g. d3o)
- good coverage
- comfortable and rugged enough to wear on every ride
- has straps above and below the elbow (as close to the elbow as possible)
- does not have straps on the bicep or forearm (big no-no--DO NOT put elastic straps on tapered body parts, as they will slip down to where it's narrower)
- okay if it has a strap by the armpit and wrist
- straps aren't too stretchy
- no silicone grippers (the desensitization process with rashes is no fun, and it still pulls hairs and causes hair to become in-grown)
- doesn't turn me into a walking advertisement
- no sharp edges (e.g. contoured pad edge that digs into arm when fully straightened)
- not too bulky, minimal parts to catch on other objects
- can be worn over close fitting long sleeved tops
I'd be willing to put $120 up for such a cutting edge piece of protective gear. I wear a RaceFace Flank knee/shin guard for every ride, if any need a reference. I've tried TLD EG5550, G-Form, 661 Evo, Roach/RaceFace (hard shell), and some bargain bin ones and didn't like any of 'em.
Protection #1. Stays in place #2. Comfort #3. Compromising comfort for the other two isn't a deal breaker. I can get used to pads that get a bit toasty. A pad that I can wear on any ride, whether it be a 5 hour epic, a road ride, and isn't too bad off the bike like in the car or post-ride refreshments, that acts as insurance is what I'm after. If I can fall and laugh it off, and get up without readjusting everything, that's already a pretty big win, but it has to be comfortable just enough for me to actually not be dissuaded from putting it on.
That or how about something like the 661 evo pressure suit that can be worn for every ride?
- softshell, but protective (e.g. d3o)
- good coverage
- comfortable and rugged enough to wear on every ride
- has straps above and below the elbow (as close to the elbow as possible)
- does not have straps on the bicep or forearm (big no-no--DO NOT put elastic straps on tapered body parts, as they will slip down to where it's narrower)
- okay if it has a strap by the armpit and wrist
- straps aren't too stretchy
- no silicone grippers (the desensitization process with rashes is no fun, and it still pulls hairs and causes hair to become in-grown)
- doesn't turn me into a walking advertisement
- no sharp edges (e.g. contoured pad edge that digs into arm when fully straightened)
- not too bulky, minimal parts to catch on other objects
- can be worn over close fitting long sleeved tops
I'd be willing to put $120 up for such a cutting edge piece of protective gear. I wear a RaceFace Flank knee/shin guard for every ride, if any need a reference. I've tried TLD EG5550, G-Form, 661 Evo, Roach/RaceFace (hard shell), and some bargain bin ones and didn't like any of 'em.
Protection #1. Stays in place #2. Comfort #3. Compromising comfort for the other two isn't a deal breaker. I can get used to pads that get a bit toasty. A pad that I can wear on any ride, whether it be a 5 hour epic, a road ride, and isn't too bad off the bike like in the car or post-ride refreshments, that acts as insurance is what I'm after. If I can fall and laugh it off, and get up without readjusting everything, that's already a pretty big win, but it has to be comfortable just enough for me to actually not be dissuaded from putting it on.
That or how about something like the 661 evo pressure suit that can be worn for every ride?