The 7iDP Project Knee pads bridge the gap between big, bulky downhill pads and slimline pads aimed primarily at pedalling. They're well made and mostly very comfortable, though the rear vents and upper straps don't work at well as they should for every shape of rider.
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Built to be light for racing or just riding hard, the 7iDP (also known as 7 Protection) Project Knee is designed to perform well when pedalling or descending. Held on with a compression sleeve, the pads have a flexible knee pad that's topped with a hardshell outer layer.
That sleeve is made from something called ProKnit. It's pretty flexible, stretchy and soft too.
The sleeve is super long, and features a hole behind your knee for ventilation. I'm not too taken by this gap, as it sits a little wide and gapes slighty. I'd rather have a complete but thinner mesh panel there to encase the leg.
The upper sleeve is secured with silicone and two thick velcro straps – one on either side – which are a little bulky. Despite them, I had issues with the pads slipping when I was sweaty, which is disappointing – especially as 7iDP's similar Sam Hill knee pads proved perfectly secure.
I have a feeling these pads come up a little large. I'm inside the measurements for size Small, but these aren't as snug as the Sam Hills, and other riders (bigger and wearing Large) had no problems with these moving – or with the wide rear vents, come to that.
Even for me, the bottom of the sleeve stays put, though, and as such the knee cup stays in place during normal riding.
The front of the pad is flexible (at least once it's warmed up), while pedalling is comfortable. These never rubbed or chafed at all, despite their potential for moving.
The harder outer shell is hardwearing and good at fending off knocks, and not just from your knee cap– it extends down the shin too. There could be more padding around the sides, but as a predominantly trail or enduro pad, it's sufficient.
At £110, these pads aren't cheap, but the build quality is excellent and – assuming your thighs are thicker, perhaps, than mine – you'll be happy pedalling in them all day long.
If you are on the small end of the spectrum though, the Project Knee pads might not fit securely enough to quite stay put.