661 Rage Knee Shin Pad

661 is still one of the largest players and most easily recognised protection products on the market. The rage kneepad is the new incarnation of the old “Kyle Strait” kneepad 661 previously produced. Along with team riders, 661 set to cut the weight down of the old design, as well as create a knee shin pad with more breathability for the public. I am a big fan of a lot of protection on the knees, after suffering a broken knee cap, I’m of the opinion of “the safer the better”. A knee shin design really does offer more coverage and aids with greater protection. With most riders opting for just a kneepad, is there a point in running a knee-shin? I think so.

The pads on test were a medium, medium tends to be my size of choice for bike products and these pads were the same. The pad is a full leg wrap, there are no tightening straps that go behind the calf or knee. Putting the Rage pad on the first thing I noticed was that the fit was snug, there is nothing worse than having a pad fall down mid ride, the tight fit with a 2 way stretch material was perfect to allow for a full range of movement, whilst simultaneously combat the pads ability to move around.

There are multiple pads covering the knee giving you a huge amount of movement but at the same time everything is thoroughly covered. The shin protection as well is the same, there is a main pad with secondary pads on either side to allow movement, but also give more protection. I had 3 off the bike experiences when these pads were on test and every time I felt more then protected in these pads and saving my knee is something that I worry about. The coverage really has to be applauded on these pads.

One Velcro strap at the top of the pad is all that was needed to secure them on, which meant less opportunities of loosening while riding, and less Velcro parts to get clogged up with loose threads. I did find however that the pre set straps on the middle and lower parts of the pad did start to eat into my leg a little bit, but this was after a few solid hours of push runs. Usually I would remove my pads every hour or two when I’m having a break.

As these pads do offer a lot of coverage around your whole leg they are something I would think about washing more regularly than your standard kneepads. Some of the foam used is quite absorbent as well, again adding to my opinion that these would require regular washing.

661 has created a pad that offers superior coverage to your knee and shin, while cutting some weight away from older designs. These embody the rebirth of the knee shin pad as there is a lot more safety for little weight gain, and absolutely no loss in movement. 661 has really refined a great design.

Hits:

• Thorough protection
• Stable fit

Misses:

• Strap system might not suit everyone

RRP: About $149.95

From: JetBlack products

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