It's true that nothing builds confidence like practice and skills training. I have done a couple of skills sessions and definitely want to do more. The reality is that I'm taking up this sport a little late (I'm 57) and already have osteoporosis, so a little extra protection is probably prudent.

I try to analyze what happens on my falls, but sometimes it seems to be boom! I'm down! So far no severe damage, just lots of hematomas. I love riding single track, though, and while I would love it if all the trails were smooth, buff, swoopy, with the occasional ramped boulder, that's not always the case. I still walk a lot of loose twisty downhill stuff, but I know that much of it I could roll down. Just looking for a bit of insurance as I let myself do it.

I have not had much luck in finding guards locally to try on. I tried some 661 knee and knee-shin guards, but they were still too big, even in a small. At one shop I picked up a set of kids scooter pads! They look like they might give some decent knee protection and they even came with elbow guards. For $12.95 for the set I figure I'll give them a try!

The Skinz look interesting. SK, do you use the ones with the hard shell in them or just the nylon and neoprene? Has anyone tried Rockgardn guards? Rockgardn
They seem to have some different size options.

Once again, thanks for all the suggestions.

Linda