Paul Bas, Blackrock And The Boa System

by Dainese 
 
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Paul has been using the new gear for a while earlier this winter, spending extensive time filming in UT, AZ and training for the upcoming season. So we decided to head to the Black Rock trails in Oregon to spend some time riding and gather some of his thoughts on the new knee pads.

Paul Basagoitia - Black Rock Oregon

Bass is using the first knee guard that combine an industry-first Boa lacing system with a powerful impact protection. These new pads don't have buckles, velcro straps or zippers. Just a simple dial to fine-tune the fit. With these knee guard Dainese aim to solve the problem of kneepads that don't stay in place. We all know this bad routine, pedal and stop to adjust the kneepads over and over during your ride. With the Boa system you adjust on the fly and you pull to release. That means more time for riding, less time fiddling around.

Paul Basagoitia - Black Rock Oregon

For Dainese working with athletes has always gone above and beyond merely sponsorship operations, it expresses a deeper collaboration linked to research and development for innovative solutions that protect riders while setting new standards. The collaboration with Paul sets new goals in this direction, compliments of Paul’s experience with pushing the limits of what is possible on a mountain bike.

Paul Basagoitia - Black Rock Oregon
Paul Basagoitia - Black Rock Oregon

Images: Tim Zimmerman

85 Comments

  • + 70
flag badbadleroybrown (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:12)
 $200 knee pads... yeah, no thanks.
  • - 5
flag G-I-O (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:16) (Below Threshold) show comment
 ...the one he's using is around 149$
  • + 14
flag Lehel-NS (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:22)
 That's a BIG difference! lol
  • + 14
flag badbadleroybrown (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:33)
 No... MSRP is $199 USD. Cheapest I've seen them for was online for $180 plus tax and shipping which took it to roughly $210. Absurd for knee pads...
  • + 12
flag G-I-O (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:35)
 1/4 of the price is quite a difference yes
  • + 12
flag badbadleroybrown (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:35)
 Even if they were $149... that's still too much for some knee pads. Dainese taxes way too hard for their gear.
  • + 0
flag G-I-O (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:39)
 The one that runs at 199 has an aluminum knee cap, looks like he's using the full soft version
  • + 6
flag Lehel-NS (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:40)
 Well even 149$ is an absurd price, I don't know what's the big problem with regular, lets say 661 knee pads? They don't slip down every 2 seconds, so what's the drama for?
  • + 11
flag Rolas (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:55)
 even if they last you 3 seasons (full of stink, sweat and distresed from washing) it's a huge price to pay. You could have 4 fresh new sets for 200$.
  • + 10
flag redrook (Apr 18, 2012 at 3:42)
 Its nothing new, that tightening system has been used on snowboard boots for years. And for that price I could get new snowboard boots instead and keep my kyle straits which have never slipped and retailed at about £30. $200 is a joke.
  • + 1
flag scott-townes (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:03)
 ^ Yeah it's kind of surprising how long it took them to adapt the BOA system to other products... I guess it isn't easy. But yeah I thought they solved the whole sliding down your leg problem 3-5 years ago.... maybe even longer than that.
  • + 7
flag dirtworks911 (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:46)
 Dainese is still around? I'll forever have the scars on my knees for when my overpriced Dainese pads failed me back 5 years ago.. In short, Dainese products are mediocre quality at elite pricing.
  • + 1
flag crash21 (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:23)
 yes an no - their upper armor and helmets, at least for skiing and back in the day for biking were quite durable, protective and... if i remember correctly, the padding could bbreatthe. yes, extremely expensive, and though i didnt even own a pair... the few times i've used the upper, and even farther back in the day, lower, padding worked quite well. still, there is a reason i never got em - my very first pad, 661 race knew / shin protectors (idk year) lasted me an insane long time. they are gnarly now, but were trusty, yes.
  • + 4
flag mnshreder (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:10)
 G-I-O is right...
www.dainese.com/us_en/multisport-summer/oak-pro-knee-guard.html?destinazione_uso=37
  • + 2
flag konakid1993 (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:36)
 Sick video! Very overpriced pads though, I'll agree
  • + 13
flag minotro (Apr 18, 2012 at 10:16)
 I don't think you guys are looking at this right. I'm cheap when it comes to some things, but for comfort and lack of hassle I'll drop some coin if I have to. Many folks may have zero issue with other pads, but If' I'm doing alot of pedaling and still want knee pads I think these would fit the bill. so low profile! Probably good for the Enduro/ Super D market, not DJ or recreational lift assisted DH.

150$ isn't much compared to a doctors visit, or prolonged pain and being put out of riding if you can't find pads that allow you to have fun and ride uninhibited.

I'd seriously consider the knee pads.
  • + 1
flag tailwiptrinder007 (Apr 18, 2012 at 12:53)
 team rider get what you whant ! works for me
  • + 1
flag crash21 (Apr 20, 2012 at 8:04)
 no one can deny that (@minotro comment)... and, on the opposite side of enduro / super d, there are the pod mx knee pads. killer, but, the mercedes to dainese's cadillac to 661 + racefaces jeep. they are all nice, just, as you say, some are bit more plush, HD, functional, or, bang fo' yo' dolla'

what a diverse beauty - the wild world of sport[s consumerism!]
[Reply]
  • + 17
flag czarny360 (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:39)
 deamn that was fast O_O i love the sound of bike going down the trail !
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  • + 8
flag jamielee1 (Apr 18, 2012 at 11:14)
 This is a joke - all of you will happily pay say 3K for a bike yet you're all complaining about paying £125 for something that could easily save you from being off that bike for a year? Look at neck braces/back protectors - OK they are a far more vital part of the body but it's the same principle.
  • + 1
flag eggman (Apr 21, 2012 at 9:55)
 You will need a Dh bike if you are going to ride Sicktrer Gnar. We have made some changes to make it more DH freindly.
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  • + 12
flag Joschi88 (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:22)
 a little oil on the chain?????
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  • + 10
flag TrainingWheelz (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:40)
 Blackrock is rad whatever knee pads you're wearing!!
  • + 3
flag shrockie (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:59)
 Stoked for Black Rock!! Heading there for the first time in early July. can't wait.

I would like to hit more DH trails while I'm up there to make bringing the Big Bike more worth while.. suggestions?
Sandy ridge, Hood River? others? I would like to avoid bringing two bikes, although the Nomad would probably be better on most trails up there, except for black rock.. please help, if you have some ideas.. Thanks!
  • + 1
flag TimZim (Apr 18, 2012 at 10:14)
 Honestly, your Nomad would be the best bike for 90% of the trails you just mentioned, including Blackrock. You don't want to miss Sandy Ridge, it's the only place I ride that makes me insane with joy every single time.
  • + 3
flag tylerd73 (Apr 18, 2012 at 11:01)
 Post Canyon is in the Hood River area and they have some sweet jump lines and good trails. If you do go to Post, be sure to review the map and do some research because there are a bunch of XC trails mixed in and there is nothing worse than hitting an XC trail with a DH bike! You could spend days and days at Black Rock and still be stoked to ride. I love that place. The walk up is long, but totally worth it.
  • + 3
flag TrainingWheelz (Apr 18, 2012 at 14:27)
 I agree, Nomad will handle most of the stuff arounds here pretty well. There's a few dh trails but plenty of fast flowy trails too!
  • + 1
flag shrockie (Apr 18, 2012 at 21:34)
 Many thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like the Nomad is the right call for most locations up there. I'd love to hit the wood step-up to road gap at black rock, but I might crap myself if I wasn't on the v10! That line looks like a nice progression up from 'Fade to Black' in whistler..

Everything else the Nomad would would be a lot more sensible.. Looks like the nomad for sure.. still tempted to bring the DH 'security blanket' though... black rock looks scary! (scary fun, that is!) Thanks, Y'all!
  • + 1
flag Bleeder (Apr 19, 2012 at 16:34)
 You NEED to hit up Raven's Ridge, and Thrillium/Cold Creek trails as well! For a fun place to camp/session, Stubb Stewart State Park's freeride area will have 2 trails open by then as well. But Raveen's(Timber, Or) and Thrillium(just north of Camas Wa.) are big bike HEAVEN!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag norcal77 (Apr 18, 2012 at 12:16)
 you know half of you guys posting have tons of over priced gear on your bike, but when it comes to protecting your body and riding in comfort you would rarther cheap out. Your helmet and protective gear should be the first place you spare no expense.
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag dominat0r (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:32)
 Black Rock goods...
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  • + 3
flag Megavalanche (Apr 18, 2012 at 2:34)
 Dont forget that Dainese is the Grandfather off protective ride gear, Mx Gp ,...........
i know look at the Chinese/Korean better be a good spy, rather then make something that does not work
The price is including Development,.......not a upgrade nylonpanty
  • + 2
flag redrook (Apr 18, 2012 at 3:43)
 Development...of something that is not new. Its been in snowboard boots for ages.
  • + 2
flag scott-townes (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:05)
 redrook- they can't just go and copy what they did, and they've got to be careful that it doesn't infringe on patent laws. They also have to figure out how to apply the system to knee pads which is vastly different than a boot. There's still plenty of development and research that goes into it.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag stillridin (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:32)
 $200 bucks! No way!!! I'm all about putting up $$$ for good protection for me and my kids, but those are for the fancy guys that dont ride hard enough to even end up on their knees... I'm with Megavalanche on this one! It's cool to hear the bike in this video hummmm down the trail...
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag Gruta (Apr 18, 2012 at 3:03)
 If you have the money, pay the price, if not... look somewhere else. Loved the raw sound of the video!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bubbaburger911 (Apr 18, 2012 at 13:55)
 mind=blown the riding is sick. the boa system is a great idea and Dainese is ahead of the game, but because it is a first gen product and it is one of a kind the price is going to be very high. the idea will become more popular as time goes on and the product cost will go down. the boa system provides very equal pressure throughout the entire area in which it is spread, this is why it works so god in boots. i think its a cool idea and if there are any bugs it will be worked out soon enough
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag holytrails (May 8, 2012 at 0:45)
 If they had the BOA and hard shell, I'd pay the price. But w/o a hard shell, it defeats the purpose of pads. I think any soft shell will dig hard into the dirt and tear/stress the joints with the sudden stopping forces. Dianese almost hit the bill but ran short w/o a hard shell. And no, the aluminum cup is not enough protection. Its not just the knee that needs the hard shell. BOA=winner. No hard shell=fail !!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mattsavage (Apr 18, 2012 at 14:47)
 Have fun cutting those things off when the Boa system fails... I ran a K2 snowboard demo program and I don't know how many pairs of boots I had to cut off kids cause the stupid boa would seize up. Pain in the ass to rewire too if a cable breaks or pulls out...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag akirizu Plus (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:52)
 I paid close to $180 for my dainese shins back in the day... I'm talking like almost 10 years ago and they still look brand new. I'm sure the new ones will last a loooooong time too. The $149 - $200 is a long term investment imo.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jumpmasterart (Apr 23, 2012 at 23:52)
 I don't care what all these nay sayers are saying about the new OAK pads costing to much by Dainses , I was just at Sea Otter and now that I saw them "SIGN ME UP!!" I'm getting a set these things "ROCK", they felt nice on the leg and the Boa system is bad ass plus the Dainese guys said you get a life time warranty on the BOA system and a one year warranty on the rest of the pads construction if it fails (Of coures not due to crash damage), also the OAK that comes with the knee slider is replacable.
If one company know's how to do things right its Dainese, I still have my knee pads from 05' and they have out lasted any other pad I have ever owned.

So all you guys who say their to much maybe you should all go do a sport where you only spend like $50 buck on the equitment.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag speedy06 (Apr 19, 2012 at 9:58)
 What hardtail is Paul running considering Kona are not currently selling a top-end dirt jumpers?

or more to the point, why would Kona still sponser a dirt jumper with no top-end dirt bikes?

They don't even sell the Kona Bass nor the Kona Cowan anymore, WTF?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag stevieGx33 (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:36)
 They might have a few years to get their mtb stuff right. My one-piece leather body suit has saved me twice on the sportbike track, I'm not so sure if I trust them off-road yet.
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag ali-chapple (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:37)
 until you crash and rip that dial thing straight off the pads and then cant use them anymore...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PhoS (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:59)
 Agreeing with the "over-engineered" statements. Kyle straights are pretty much as perfect as knee pads get , I just wish they had a hard knee cap on the outside so they would slide better.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag cydaps (Apr 18, 2012 at 6:30)
 Love the bike!!! Pads look cool but I'll stick with my iXS thanks. Wish someone would come up with a ball sack protector as every time I crash I always end up with a nut sack strike! :O
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag lennyspecv (Apr 18, 2012 at 6:03)
 I have the snowboard boots with that system. They are really nice, especially on boots. Not sure if it is $200 nice though, on a set of pads.
  • + 2
flag citizenlee (Apr 18, 2012 at 6:47)
 Yeah, the BOA system has been in use in snowboard boots for many, many years. Good system, but not flawless.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag sc213626 (Apr 18, 2012 at 11:42)
 you know why this video is good? because there is no stupid ass music in the back ground.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag dawids (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:53)
 150$ is a steep price, but because its dainese i think itll be quality. I love dainese, and its the only protection ill rock on my motorcycle.
  • + 2
flag conv3rt (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:26)
 yeah. I've got the dainese bib-style leg protection for moto and DH. slim, light-weight, high quality. the other brands I use don't compare. Been using the 661-kyle straits for AM and DJ and they're pretty good but maybe not the same level of protection. I would consider spending $150 solely based on my previous experience with dainese gear. you definitely get what you pay for.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag racelink4life (Apr 18, 2012 at 2:45)
 Wouldn't the wire going through the pad cut the circulation off to the rest of your leg?

awesome riding!
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Apr 18, 2012 at 3:50)
 No, it wont.
  • + 6
flag Lehel-NS (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:36)
 Why i got neg propped? If the wire would cut off the circulation, then these pads would not go into production...
  • + 4
flag epavichthesavage Plus (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:31)
 because pinkbikers are a fickle bunch and any form of criticism does not go unpunished
  • + 2
flag Lehel-NS (Apr 18, 2012 at 13:59)
 I guess I'm lucky that I survived lol
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bok-CZ (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:33)
 how often you strap the knee pads? once a riding day? for that I really dont need boa system, it is not snowboard boot Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag spunky888spanky (Apr 18, 2012 at 4:17)
 alpinestar moab are amazing pads and a 3rd of the price. and they protect shins. bonus!
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  • + 1
flag GauteL (Apr 18, 2012 at 12:17)
 His kneepads might not be slipping, but somthing realy seems wrong with his gogles at 0:31-33 ....
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag lenmerderdenfer (Apr 18, 2012 at 2:06)
 Paul's definitely on par in this video!
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  • + 1
flag jacobinmugatu (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:30)
 That dial could be painful if you fall on it. Vercro works and keeps the cost out of the $100+ range. Over engineered.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag kusa (Apr 18, 2012 at 5:34)
 I can imagine crashing and landing on those knobs on pads...ouch :S No one cared about that when designing?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dirtworks911 (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:39)
 Sounds like he's running 120 psi in his tires...
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  • + 3
flag lurchh (Apr 18, 2012 at 9:17)
 Manualing roots= STEEZY
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag LOSTMAYHEM (Apr 19, 2012 at 15:31)
 I have never had a knee pad fall off and yeah I would say how great they are if i was getting them for free. SELLOUT
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag tkmountainrider (Apr 18, 2012 at 15:53)
 what year kona bass is that
  • + 1
flag voltagerider Plus (Apr 18, 2012 at 20:09)
 2011
  • + 1
flag tkmountainrider (Apr 21, 2012 at 11:43)
 thanks
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Clarkeh (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:41)
 0:40... :O
  • + 1
flag bubbaburger911 (Apr 18, 2012 at 13:59)
 agreed...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BRSbiker (Apr 18, 2012 at 14:38)
 What do you do? Bolt them into your leg? haha
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  • + 1
flag SB123 (Apr 18, 2012 at 16:18)
 you could buy a new knee for that price!
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  • + 1
flag MikeBigHitTopperz (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:47)
 You'll always be known as the dick with $200 knee pads! My ixs never slip
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag RidersandSlidersNW (Apr 18, 2012 at 16:33)
 I was there for the Shoot
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  • + 2
flag RGUIGZ (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:51)
 COOL P-BASS IS BACK
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jyemen (Apr 18, 2012 at 10:27)
 deadly video anyways, probably won't be purchacing the pads
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  • + 1
flag ashdamash (Apr 18, 2012 at 7:47)
 My T bones will do the job.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag mtbike123 (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:25)
 Way sick! I'm digging the pads too!
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  • + 1
flag love2freeride (Apr 18, 2012 at 13:49)
 Loving the raw sound. click to pedals.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag OlSkoolJake (Apr 18, 2012 at 8:47)
 I dislike fancy ads.
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  • + 0
flag Doddsy2801 (Apr 18, 2012 at 4:41)
 POD?
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  • - 3
flag lenmerderdenfer (Apr 18, 2012 at 2:05)
 Should have put the dial on the back side of the thigh. You don't say?
  • + 3
flag Marlfox87 (Apr 18, 2012 at 11:08)
 back of the thigh would probably result in leg pinch while pedaling. I'd vote to on the side, but inside you'll have it catch on the bike, and outside it's still vulnerable to being ripped off. In all likelihood top of the thigh was probably the lesser of two evils. I mean.. how many times have you crashed and skinned the top of your thigh? In my experience it tends to be just below the knee/shin, or the hip area. If you're falling in such a way as to completely expose your thighs odds are you're falling headfirst, and spread eagle. At which point you're pretty much hosed anyway.
  • + 1
flag lenmerderdenfer (Apr 22, 2012 at 10:53)
 Say something constructive! Don't just "neg" comments! Well, back to the matter at hand, the backside could work just fine too if done right.
[Reply]
  • - 2
flag Wombferret (Apr 18, 2012 at 1:29)
 I though they were $148:95
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