Power Kite Forum

Another question on body armor

B-Roc - 16-9-2009 at 09:21 AM

I want to get some knee and elbow protection and I know 661 is a popular brand but does anyone have any comments on the pad sets sold in the bike and skate section of sporting goods stores. I was looking at two sets ranging in price from 25 - 35 bucks for a combo knee and elbow pad set. They were the turtle shell type with bungee fasteners.

They seemed OK but the ones that fit me were for kids 12 and older. Techinically I guess I qualify but my question is are they likely just meant to protect small / light kids taking minor falls or are pads pads and they will work OK for adults like me (primarily trying to prevent road rash type burns if sliding on sand during falls).

PHREERIDER - 16-9-2009 at 01:09 PM

i 've used the rollerblade pack set form 1995. they all work . in fact i got a free set with a pair some skate 10 yrs ago still in the bag .

small and tight, like elbows pads for the knees. comfortable and out of the way . firmly in place

the hand and knee are just essential (helemet as well)the wrist gaurds don't work with kiting . sailing gloves or neoprene2mm are my favs

motocross stuff is worth a look($$)

no padded area will help bone limits in a seriuos impact, really just saves the skin and flesh paddng , ie road rash and bruising kinda things , HUGE knee pads and elbow pads may give some protection against impact bone breakage but the clummsy factor will only make you impact prone .

spend a little , get the habit , when they wear out get the next level

sp4cem0nkey - 16-9-2009 at 02:20 PM

I recommend Hillbilly brand impact shorts and impact shirt. I only seem to fall when I'm not wearing mine ;-)

WELDNGOD - 16-9-2009 at 02:42 PM

B-roc, I posted this find the other day ,check them out
http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=10782

Kamikuza - 16-9-2009 at 04:08 PM

I ordered 661 pads from the UK ... so it was expensive. And they're too small for me :ticking: I ended up spending a bigger wad of cash at a moto-x store, buying EVS pads which are much better and fit. I'd go with WG's link if you're in the US or try on a whole bunch and see what you like ;)

lad - 16-9-2009 at 05:12 PM

I found most of my gear cheap and used, but in great cond., on dat dere famus aukshun site! :bouncing:

indigo_wolf - 16-9-2009 at 09:38 PM

The only bike/skate pads I have been leery about have been a pair of knee pads with an very pronounced indent right at the knee. I think it was meant to provide a more secure fit/less slippage. However, it was more like it produced more pressure right on the patella.... ouch. Most hold up well to some serious ashphalt/gravel mishaps, so unless you are practicing free falls, I don't think they would be a problem.

On a whim, I got a pair of the Black Diamond Telekneesis based on reviews posted here. One size fits most. Very thin (although very comfortable), dicey hardware/findings. Lower strap is webbing, upper strap is elastic. Product literture says SNOW USE ONLY. Jury is still out.

I got some more spendy pads a few weeks ago, but it was due to late night pizza and a all night Star Wars film festival. Definitely some Storm Trooper flashbacks involved.

Hill Billy shorts should hit the office tomorrow. Will try to refrain from trying them on when they get there :o

Hmmmm.... just read all of this and realized shopping for pads is a lot like dating. ZOINKS almost up for 48 hours.... I am definitely losing it.

ATB,
Sam

Kamikuza - 17-9-2009 at 06:27 PM

The knee donut is supposed to take pressure of the patela in a prang ... worked good on the old ER pads I had way back in my skater days, but then I was younger, skinnier and the pads fitted properly :D Now I take whatever fits :shocked2:

I got the EVS Bartrams for the legs, and although the top big flaps don't reach around, the strap does and they're quite snug. Not tested yet either :lol:

FloRider - 17-9-2009 at 06:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by indigo_wolf
The only bike/skate pads I have been leery about have been a pair of knee pads with an very pronounced indent right at the knee. I think it was meant to provide a more secure fit/less slippage. However, it was more like it produced more pressure right on the patella.... ouch. Most hold up well to some serious ashphalt/gravel mishaps, so unless you are practicing free falls, I don't think they would be a problem.

On a whim, I got a pair of the Black Diamond Telekneesis based on reviews posted here. One size fits most. Very thin (although very comfortable), dicey hardware/findings. Lower strap is webbing, upper strap is elastic. Product literture says SNOW USE ONLY. Jury is still out.

I got some more spendy pads a few weeks ago, but it was due to late night pizza and a all night Star Wars film festival. Definitely some Storm Trooper flashbacks involved.

Hill Billy shorts should hit the office tomorrow. Will try to refrain from trying them on when they get there :o

Hmmmm.... just read all of this and realized shopping for pads is a lot like dating. ZOINKS almost up for 48 hours.... I am definitely losing it.

ATB,
Sam

That's funny Sam, I have seen a lot of armor that reminds me of stormtrooper gear too. Most if it caters to motocross, but seems like it would work great for our sport.

Kamikuza - 17-9-2009 at 08:16 PM

The knee braces could be good for the jumpers but I bet they weigh a ton ... and cost a pretty penny too!

indigo_wolf - 18-9-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Kamikuza
The knee braces could be good for the jumpers but I bet they weigh a ton ... and cost a pretty penny too!


Not all of them weigh a ton, but the pennies involved are quite lovely. It all kind of relative though.

ATB,
Sam

indigo_wolf - 18-9-2009 at 12:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by live2hover
That's funny Sam, I have seen a lot of armor that reminds me of stormtrooper gear too. Most if it caters to motocross, but seems like it would work great for our sport.


I am not averse...actually a bit of a soft spot for stormtrooper gear.

Spent 3 seasons for several years pretty much living in a Hein Gericke V-Pilot jacket (perhaps a bit more Colonial Viper Pilot than Storm Trooper) and several winters body sledding in a pair of Gen 1 Scott motocross boots (kind of strange what you will do you amuse yourself in the winter months in upstate New York).

There's a lot to be said for clothes/gear that that come with their own set of unique scents and sounds.

:thumbup: :thumbup: for the Hill Billy Shorts.

Wonderfully comfortable and not much in the way of heat buildup (granted the summer heat has abated for now).

Walking around you barely notice them, except for a slight movement of the lower elastic along then back of the bottom hem... not in any way that causes discomfort.

Even sitting bolt upright there is just the slight bit of bunching at the juncture of the upper thigh/hip/torso.... again, not uncomfortable just a slight indicator that you have them on.

Brian (at HB) was really good in helping to sort out sizing (especially on the gloves) and why certain sizes weren't showing up on any of the vendor sites.

ATB,
Sam