Need Info On Knee Pads!!!!

make it feel like a knee warmer in comfort, weight and ventilation but have CE level 2 knee impact protection, side protection inward and outward and zero chafing = you will be the number one brand overnight.
Best of luck.

Kinda what he says, but instead of good luck I say good skills.

Your girlfriend is probably wearing the miracle material to make the sleeve out of. Add a thin layer of that D3 hardens on impact material to the front and sides. And my favorite has always been a good old hard, thin, light weight shell to head butt those sharp rocks. Carbon fibre could be stylish. My boss has been experimenting with 3D printable plastics with lots of carbon in the mix. It's way tougher to deal with than the standard stuff, but way harder.

I have more or less hated the last 2 pairs I bought (G-form and Specialized), so ended up going back to some older IXS pads that are quite comfortable.

From my point of view the main issue is that most kneepads these days are going for over 100$ and many get shredded after a few falls.

I personally feel like there is way more room for innovation in the jersey space. I have bought about 3-4 pairs of elbow pads, and have almost never worn any of them more than once, all utter garbage. Now I sometimes run a padded undershirt that I have cut up in a specific manner, which keeps everything in the right place and offers a bit of protection from friction burns to my forearms and shoulders.

Ideally, I would love a long-sleeve jersey with some very slight padding along the outside of the forearm up to the elbow and shoulders, reasonably tight along the waist with a pocket on the back for a waterbottle.

I use the Race Face Ambush series knee guards and absolutely LOVE them! Scored mine on the 'Bay in as new condition for $28.00.

Straight from the Race Face website (because I can't say it better):

"Open-back construction means no awkward shoe removal on the trail.
D30™ high performance shock absorbing foam.
Perforated Neoprene for enhanced venting and moisture control.
Terry lined for wicking and comfort.
Foam padded side walls offer additional coverage.
Branded rubber grab tabs."

I wear these EVERY time I ride. Very easy to take on and off, great protection level and super comfortable.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I’ve used many different knee pads over the years. They always end up doing one thing really well and then average the rest.

I’m tall and lanky with a 32 waist but closer to a 34 leg length so I suffer from the dreaded ‘twat gap’ (gap of skin between top of pad and start of shorts for those that don’t know)

Tried options from ION and IXS which were fairly similar, both their enduro style pad. Both ample protection, went for them cause they had a Velcro strap. Both had issues with them being too short on the top and hated having the twat gap.
Also had issues with getting a rash behind the knee

Then tried the Specialized Atlas knee pad which I loved as it came up very high with like a skins material and I could tuck it under the chammy. They did slip down from time to time and didn’t have a Velcro strap. A simple strap at the top would have helped them a ton.
They also were completely open at the back which I loved, so no issues with a rash behind the knee.
They offered less protection then others but they were super light and could pedal all day in them.

Currently running the Fox Pro Enduro Knee. Perfect amount of protection and come up high enough to not have a twat gap, really comfy when wearing.
BUT
They are giving me a horrible rash behind the knee, maybe from the material being on the thicker side? I’ve been rubbing chamy cream on the back of my knee to counter this issue and that has been working well but the issue is still there. If these knee pads were open behind the knee they’d be perfect for me. Don’t feel like they need a Velcro strap at the top, haven’t had them fall down yet.

My 2c

https://www.foxracing.com/launch-knee%2Fshin-guard/29027.html

These are the best. 2 pairs have lasted me 12 + seasons. They don't slide when you crash or when pedaling / riding. Massive amount of coverage to boot. I rock them in the winter on fat bike rides to stay warm.

I want knee protection I will wear and protects, stays where I put it and last/quality build and materials!
Cost is part of the equation.
The less hot the better these days. There are plenty of choices for non breathing hot pads.
I have had 5-6 different brands. My favorite now is the PEARL IZUMI Elevate due to the triangle shaped holes that allow air exchange. I ride cross country and trail mostly.