G-Form knee and elbow pads

[Irulan]

This is good info. Anyone have any suggestions for something soft shell and low profile (readily stashed in a Camelbak) that uses straps, rather than pulling on? Or will that just lead to increased chafing? I'm overwhelmed with the number of choices out there!

On a related note, DH thinks I'm being silly by shopping for knee pads and doesn't think they'll give me any more confidence with my skills work (I'm paraphrasing and interpreting here- he didn't actually say those words!). Can anyone share their firsthand experience? Thanks!

Your DH is being silly. Certainly pads can helps with confidence while building skills. The penalty for failure can be so much less, whether it's hitting some gravel, grazing off a tree trunk, or sliding off a rocks. Whenever I work beginners on anything remotely technical, I always offer them knee and elbow pads. When I am working on high level skills (I'm an advanced rider), I put my pads on. Nothing like blowing one move and sliding off whatever, instead of tearing your skin off in the the process.

There's definitely an attitude that only downhillers wear pads which is unfortunate. It's also an American thing, cross country riders don't wear pads. Whenever I go to Canada to ride or to coach, everyone wears pads,it's just a given. And really I have to underscore how much it can make a difference.

I cant make any suggestions- mine are older 661s.

[Becky]

Thanks for the feedback. He is generally very supportive of me and my riding, so I'm willing to chalk this up to a "Mars vs. Venus" thought process.

I intend to buy something once I get out of the "paralysis by analysis" loop that I'm currently stuck in. Currently, I'm looking at the G-forms, some Troy Lee pads, and some discontinued Rockgardn pads. There is simply no local store that stocks this kind of stuff, so I'm forced to order online and hope for the best.