Review: 7iDP Project Knee Pads
The 7iDP Project Knee Pads are lightweight, breathable and offer top-level protection for e-MTB, trail and Enduro riding.
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | IMAGES: Gary Perkin | LOCATION: Tokai MTB |
Details
Established in 2011 in Colorado, the 7iDP product range is developed and refined through an intensive R&D program involving some of the best riders in the business, like Sam Hill. ‘Project Knee’ is their most innovative knee pad to date and is focused on providing riders with a high level of comfort, flexibility, and protection in a lightweight and breathable package.
7iDP Project Knee
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 425g per pair
- Flexible hard shell outer
- Sas-Tec main pad
- More: capecycles.co.za
- +/- R1900
A flexible hard cap covers the front and lower area of the knee which is where the bulk of force and impact would occur. This hard surfacing helps slide the knee over obstacles and down the trail during an impact – which in turn is said to reduce the severity of injuries. A removable Sas-Tec foam pad that toughens on impact to absorb impact forces.
Additional foam padding along the side of the knee pads expands the protection zone and a ‘ProKnit’ fabric works like a compression sock to prevent the pads from sliding around. The lower cuff is elasticated with a full-length silicone gripper, as is the upper cuff. The double fastening strap wraps around the upper cuff and secures on the front of the thigh.
RIDE IMPRESSIONS
FIT & COMFORT | The Project Knee is a very tall pad with a snug feel to them. The compression sock design aids fit and help secure them. Two velcro straps are perfectly positioned, – they don’t rub or interfere with clothing or skin around the knee. With all the anti-slip features I found it unnecessary to run the straps very tight. They are not very bulky and fit well with either short or long trail pants. The longest ride I did with them was a 7-hour day whilst coaching and saying they are impressively comfortable feels like a wholesale understatement. Whether shuttling about on an eMTB or riding a trail bike, I never felt the need to readjust the straps or position of the pads either. They don’t slide down, or move around, at all.
PERFORMANCE & PROTECTION | The snug fit and compression sock feel had me a little worried about overall comfort when the temperature creeps up. A concern that was quickly quelled, when, on a sweltering 46-degree day in January, I wore them for four hours of downhill shuttles without any major discomfort. I haven’t had any [major] crashes with them – *touching wood – apart from a small car park ‘tip over’ that is, landing on the side of my knee, which hurt a little but no real injury was sustained. The extra padding around the side of the knee likely saved me there. After almost six months of use, there is a tiny bit of scuffing on some of the material on the inside of the knee but considering the high usage during this period it’s nothing I wouldn’t expect or be grumpy about. The standout performance trait (other than comfort) has to be their pedaling flexibility. Whether standing or seated, with the saddle high or low, the comfort is exceptional. I haven’t noticed any pinching, scratching, or similar irritations when pedaling.
VERDICT | The 7iDP Project Knee Pads are easy to wear all day and offer great protection and styling. They are suitable for riders exploring anything from mildly technical terrain to full Enduro or local Downhill racing. They easily get a 5-star rating from me.
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