The DBO Elbow Pads from SixSixOne offer a lot of protection in a fairly slim package. A removable D3O insert makes them easy to clean, and they fit securely. However they’re a bit restrictive and not particularly breathable, so they’re probably best left for uplift days.
- 661 DBO knee pad review
- Endura MT500 Hard Shell knee pad review
- 10 pieces of essential mountain bike clothing for beginners
Packed into a neoprene sleeve, the D3O insert provides most of the protection on the DBO pads. Because of D3O's harden-on-impact properties, they’re flexible the whole time you're not crashing, but unfortunately not flexible enough to leave you feeling competely free.
At the top of the pad is a single Velcro strap, which does a great job of keeping the pad in place. I never had an issue with them shifting. Smaller secondary pads around the forearm and upper elbow add bonus protection, and overall they’re rated to EN 1621:1 standards – plenty for when things go (too) sideways.
They're relatively slim and fit nicely under jackets, but still a bit too bulky for all but the most voluminous jerseys.
Even with the large ventilation holes across the inner, airflow is weak, and they can get hot on warm days. Realistically though, it's a fair trade for their level of protection.
If you’re doing uplift days and don't want to go all-out on rigid armour, or you're hitting the trails hard (sometimes literally) and don’t mind a touch of restriction, the 661 DBO is a high quality pad for a good price. For long days in the saddle and general trail protection, though, it's probably too much.