Seven Intelligent Design Protection, known as 7 Protection or 7 IDP. I have been wearing the Flex Knee pads for three months. I have done a downhill race with a full day of practice, a few days at Highland bike park which included a demo day which included some pedaling on a Capra and a few hike – a – bike shuttle runs. They have their own style to their product line and the color scheme is decent.

For the fit, using their website for fit recommendation and measurements were perfect and I bought an XL. I am medium/large build 6 feet tall,  215lbs. On the inside of the top and bottom edge of the knee protection there is this clear grippy strip that does a great job of securing to thigh and calf keeping the protection where it should be. The adjustment straps do a good job of customizing the fit on the calf and thigh, the best fit found them to be slight snug anything more was uncomfortable. The one at the top of the calf was the most sensitive to being over tightened. The only time they moved was after the initial knee bend. I noticed their secure fit mostly while pedaling around the YT Capra, I will admit though I would want them on a long XC pedal though.

For the protection, I only had one notable crash that included knee contact with anything. It was a strange exit from my bike going through a high berm and speed. The backend washed out going though the berm ejecting me high side over and across the bike. My inside knee hit the frame and then bars as I grew apart from my bike. The protection didn’t move off my knee and the side protection which may be they I would want to pedal around with these to long was the nice surprise here. The inside of my knee should have been wrecked but was spared nicely.

 

Pros –

• Stays in place on leg even with moisture(rain, sweat)
• Price
• Customizable fit, easy to adjust.

Cons –

• Warm, they do feel like they lack venting.
• Calf strap can feel like it might irritate when new, needs time to break in.

 

7IDP info from website

https://7protection.com/us/product/flex-knee/

Price – $69.99

DOUBLE PROTECTION

Two layers of protection covered by a tough outer fabric make for a flexible and hardwearing pad. Shaped to fit the knee in a riding position you will forget the pads are there.

CENTRE + UPPER CALF STRAP

Our centre strap system means even pressure around the lower thigh and a second strap sitting above the calf muscle means everything stays where it should.

OPEN BACK DESIGN

Maintaining airflow and reducing any sweat build up is a key feature for kneepads. The Flex pads have an open back section to allow sweat to evaporate away.