The Bluegrass Eagle Solid knee pad is essentially the same as the Skinny pad we reviewed previously, but with added side protection and an extra velcro strap. It secures to the thigh better than its cheaper sibling, but is still bulky, stiff and potentially uncomfortable.
- Bluegrass Eagle Skinny knee pad review
- 661 DBO knee pad review
- Buyer’s guide to mountain bike knee pads
The Solid knee offers identical measurements and design to the Skinny, but with a little more protection at the side of the knee plus an elastic strap to secure the pad at the top.
The main padded part is pretty stiff and doesn't mould well around your leg, though the upper strap works to stop the silicon from lifting above your knee – it's a useful improvement over the Skinny version.
The side-padding is thinner stuff than at the front, and doesn't impinge on pedalling or movement.
The rear is breathable mesh, bar an extra elastic strap low down. In my recommended size the Solid is extremely tight around the calf – and a little uncomfortable in that respect – though I suspect this is the reason it stays in place so well.
If the top of the sleeve was longer, and the Velcro strap wider, the pad would be more secure at the thigh and perhaps wouldn't need to be so firm at the calf.
The Bluegrass Solid is better than its Skinny counterpart, but still can't compete with the likes of 661's DBO knee pad at £70. Our Jon liked this pad, with its removable, flexible D3O insert as it's slim, solid and great value. You could also look at something like RaceFace's D3O Indy Knee Guard for £70, which admittedly lacks side protection but is otherwise impressive, comfy and secure.
The Bluegrass Eagle Solid Knee can get a bit too warm across the front, and while it feels well up to fending off knocks and scrapes in a crash, it's bulky, intrusively stiff, and frankly a little disappointing given the £69 asking price.