SixSixOne Evo (2012) Knee Guards

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These are what I consider the "standard" set to knee-only knee pads. 661 created a lasting, comfortable, and protective set of guards that really just tick every box. Basically.

Knee pads should be comfortable. The Evo knee guards match the silhouette of the aggressively bent knee, only feeling present where it matters; the elastic. That isn't to say your knees will feel vulnerable beneath these pads. There is really a lot of smart material up front in charge, and your knees will take notice.

Knee pads should have good protection. Of course the Evo's deliver. With a dense inner padding (visible on the inside, it kinda looks like circus peanut candy, gross) and a purposefully coarse outer fabric, 661 has got you covered on the two kinds of damage your knees have nightmares about. First is the heavy impact. A solid blow to those nobbly leg joints, whether it be from a tree strike (if you're bowlegged like my dad) or a full-blown yard sale. This is what most of us get knee pads for. Heavy hits are no laughing matter to vulnerable bone-y bits. The Evo's inner padding knows how badly designed knees are. I had a crash while wearing these that involved a stump and a low bottom bracket, and I can report no bruises, no aches, and no creaks. That orange stuff just works. Secondly, trails are often abrasive. Rocks are also a threat to your knees. I've experienced both while... "violently dismounting" my bike and I can also report that there are no scrapes or tears on my knees or the guards themselves. The side protection has proven durable as well.

Knee pads should be flexible. I've had these things for two years. Being a downhill rider means that not all of your gear gets taken care of. Sitting in the back of my oft-damp car after laborious rides has not been kind to these pads, and they have since lost their proper flexibility. In the beginning though these guards were not at all restrictive on the descents. The flex loss is mostly my fault. Take care of your gear.

Knee pads should stay on your damn knees. And the Evo's do. Don't worry about it.

Well made comfortable pads that work really well.

I lusted after these for quite some time before shelling out the big bucks for these knee pads, they come at a hefty price tag (for just a knee pad) but I think they are well worth it. In my opinion the best feature about these pads is the versatility, meaning that they can be worn from DH races to XC rides. Since they are compact, light and breathable they can be used for all day trail rides but at the same time they offer tons of knee protection and can be used as a DH/freeride pad.

I’ve read some other reviews about these pads saying that they don’t offer full knee protection, especially on the sides but I don’t find this to be the case. Although the sides and back don’t have the full protection the whole kneecap is protected by the 3do compound providing confidence when the trails get rocky and rough.

Like all other knee or knee/shin pads these do get a bit hot and sweaty but not to the point where they get uncomfortable or noticeable. I just recently rode 2 full days at the Panorama bike park in scorching +32 Celsius weather and did not notice the pads. Even in the heat the pads stay put and remain comfy throughout the whole day.

These pads use two straps to stay firmly on the knee and the nice thing about these pads is that you can simply slide the pads on and off. I know this is just a minor convenience but it’s nice when you are doing DH runs and you can simply slide the pads down to your feet when taking the lift back up or hiking back up without having to undo and redo any straps.

So although these only offer knee protection and your shin is still vulnerable to pedal bite, they do have a high price tag, in the end I think the comfort and flexibility of these pads make it a great buy that will allow for multiple uses for different types of riding.