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If you've been riding mountain bikes for a few years, chances are you would have used a pair of 661 Kyle Strait knee pads at some point. Despite being almost ubiquitous at one point, the range of protection from 661 was in dire need of an overhaul, and that is just what the company has done for 2016.

Starting with the replacement for the iconic Kyle Strait pad, the new Rage gets a larger pad area and more side protection. It features a flexible impact cap covered by Kevlar. It uses stretch mesh for comfort, and silicone grippers to ensure it stays in place. Like the rest of the new range, the Rage will be available in September, and will retail for EUR 79.90.

The Rage is also available as a Hard knee-only pad (EUR 84.90), or a Hard knee/shin combo (EUR 92.90).

Sixsixone has also put fresh thoughts into its body armor solutions. Exit the bulky "pressure suits" of the past, in favor of slimmer and more modular offerings.

The EVO LS jacket features removable D3O pads in the shoulder, elbow, and back. The rear pad compartment can also double as a hydration bladder pocket, with a specific hose-routing port available. There is a laminated EVA pad over the chest and hip areas, and back pockets to help store nutrition and/or spares for those who prefer riding packless. The EVO LS jacket retails for EUR 214.90.

To help keep your armor from moving around as you ride, Sixsixone has created the "Padlock" system. From the upper body armor to the kneepads, all your protection can clip together which makes it less likely that any one item would slip during movement or falls.