Tag: reviews

Reviewed – 7 IDP Flex Knee Pads

by Airtym, posted in #review

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.

DSCF0547IMG_0437

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.

DSCF0548

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.

Reviewed – Incipio Switchback iPhone Case

by Airtym, posted in #review

I have never been a wallet guy, at the same time I don’t like the design flip over style wallet cases for iPhone that look like little notepads. I like aesthetically pleasing designs that still look like a simple iPhone case. This case solves my lack of wallet and the need to pay for items and flash an ID now and again.

Installing the case is very simple, the iPhone slides into the case very easily. But has never fell or popped out. Opening the switchback in also very easy. With the spec’d 3 credit cards there is room for them to slightly rattle around which would slowly drive me nuts. Which is where my drivers license comes in. With the 3 credit cards and ID I can access everything easily and quickly and not have to worry about anything falling out. The case is very slim and while in a pocket it feels very minimal. Access to the volume switch and controls are easy and straight forward and the same goes for the power switch. Protection, the leading edge around the glass good along with surprising corner cushioning.

Over all a well designed iPhone case with very good protection and high function with the hidden wallet.

Pros –

  • Easily fits 3 credit cards and an ID.
  • Slim, compact simple design.
  • Good corner protection.

Cons –

  • Everyday use has worn the soft touch finish off the corners.

Price – $39.99

Features and Tech Specs from Incipio.com

  1. Stealth rear compartment holds up to 3 credit cards or IDs and allows for easy docking
  2. Rugged co-molded design offers reliable drop protection in a sleek and slim profile
  3. Sturdy living hinge technology allows for long-lasting use of the rear compartment
  4. Include a thin, applicable protector for the rear of your device to shield against scuffing
  5. Drop tested 7 ft.

Measurements:

  • Length 5.6 inches (142.24 mm)
  • Width 2.75 inches (69.85 mm)
  • Weight 0.09 lb (1.44 oz)
  • Depth 0.54 inches (13.72 mm)

Reviewed – Topeak iPhone 6 RideCase Weatherproof Cover

by Airtym, posted in Tech

Topeak_Case_DSCF0565

Topeak in the past has produced many great well thought out products for us bikers so this was exciting to try something that wasn’t a tool.

First impression, out of the packaging and in my hands this feels substantial. Like if needed it could take a hit and leave the iPhone safe as intended. It is a little on the big side of the case world and I would rule out this as an everyday case if you don’t have an outside dangerous smart phone environment type job.

The bicycle mount is smart. It has two types of mounts, one that replaces the headset top cap which will be my choice of mount and a strap style that is very adjustable and could adapt to most bars.

Topeak_Case_DSCF0556Topeak_Case_DSCF0555

The side buttons are convenient and well placed. But are clearly missing the sound switch. In order to turn your sound on or off you will need to plan ahead before closing the case and decide what setting you need. Don’t be that guy in the woods with you phone blowing up, you won’t be able to turn it off quick.

Topeak_Case_DSCF0561

Getting in and out of the case is very simple. On the top, slide the “Open” to the left and due to the weatherproofing seal you will need a finger nail to motivate the tab underneath to pop open the back cover.

Topeak_Case_DSCF0558Topeak_Case_DSCF0557

On the bottom are the access ports for the audio cable and lighting cable. These are well designed and very tight keeping out weather and dirt. One thing here is the audio cable opening is designed for the Apple headphone jack only, so a conventional audio cable for you car might not fit here.

Topeak_Case_DSCF0562Topeak_Case_DSCF0563

Topeak_Case_DSCF0564

Mounted to bicycle using the headset cap mount is very clean. The bracket is very adjustable with its pivot hinge, here I have it roughly set at 90 degrees or parallel to the ground. Also, the clip that connects to case can rotate 90 degrees. This way if you are using an app that can utilize a horizontal position it is very simple to change from one to the other. Check out the video below for how it works mounted.

Topeak_Case_DSCF0567

 

Overall I like this case very much. There is no rattling when riding and is very easy to mount and remove . The home button works very well, even using your biometric thumb will work most of time. The screen is very sensitive and seems to work with riding glove very well. For a bicycle mounted GPS mapping tool mounted to my handlebars its the best I have seen and used with out being a dedicated GPS device.

Pros –

  • Good strong case
  • Screen has great touch
  • Biometric Home works well
  • Mount is very strong and doesn’t rattle.
  • Portrait or landscape easy to change.

Cons –

  • Audio port is very small if not using Apple headphone they might not work.
  • No sound switch to turn off/on the sound without removing iPhone from case.

Price –

  • $44 on Amazon.com

Topeak’s site with more specs.

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/weatherproof-ridecase-series/756-weatherproof-ridecase