Review: SixSixOne DBO Knee Pads

Oct 24, 2019
by Daniel Sapp  
661 DBO Knee


SixSixOne have been in the game of making protective apparel for as long as most of us can remember. Their new DBO knee pad is billed as a more 'budget friendly, full-coverage" pad based on their Evo pad line. The pads are designed for a variety of riding from downhill to aggressive trail and tie into the brand's other protection products with their Padlock Connection System.

The DBO knee pads are available in sizes ranging from youth to extra large and sell for $74.99 USD.
DBO Knee Pad Details
• D3O T5 Evo X padding
• Adjustable upper strap
• Padlock connectivity
• Stiffness index - 6/14
• Sizes: Youth - XL
• Colors: black
• 178g (pair, size medium)
• $74.99 USD
• www.sixsixone.com


661 DBO Knee
The pads use an adjustable strap and neoprene sleeve to stay secure.
661 DBO Knee
Supplemental padding on the inside and outside of the knee.


Construction

The DBO Knee pads use a D3O T5 Evo impact insert that meets EN 1621:1 level 1 protection standards to absorb impacts. The D3O material has high impact absorption properties but stays flexible until impact giving riders mobility. There is additional padding on the inside and outside of the center D3O pad as well.

The pad is secured using an adjustable single top hook loop and strap closure. The bottom of the pad uses a neoprene sleeve to keep the pad secure while in motion. 661 also incorporated snap connectors for their Padlock system, which allows riders to snap the pads into 661's protective shorts, and then snap those shorts into 661's compression jacket, creating a complete system that won't fall down while riding.


661 DBO Knee
A snap so the pads can interface with 661's Padlock system.
661 DBO Knee
Simple and solid fit.


Performance

I've been riding the 661 DBO knee pads for a couple of months now, and in that time they've been with me everywhere from the bike park to long trail rides.The 661 DBO knee pads fit me well - I typically wear a size medium, and that was the correct size in this case. They are comfortable and easily adjusted with the strap up top, although I wouldn't mind seeing a strap on the bottom for a little more adjustability. It'd also be nice if the top cuff was a little longer, but to be fair, I didn't have any issues with the pads slipping down or shifting out of place.

The pads breathe relatively well, and they don't feel any hotter than other pads with similar amounts of coverage. I was able to leave them in place while climbing on trail rides, and rarely felt the need to make any adjustments, even on hot days. The pads stay comfortable even after a few hours of riding and don't feel overly bulky. The D3O pad is much more noticeable when standing up with your knees locked and walking, but it isn't uncomfortable and doesn't limit range of motion.


661 DBO Knee


Pros
+ Comfortable
+ Secure fit
Cons
- Some riders may want a little more adjustability on the bottom
- Upper cuff could be even longer



Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesThe 661 DBO knee pads are a great choice for a day in the bike park or on the trail. The pads are comfortable and stay put no matter the ride length, with no spots of irritation to be found. There's not much adjustability other than the one upper strap, but for many riders, the excellent fit will negate the need for another strap.—Daniel Sapp




Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Kneepads Sixsixone


Author Info:
danielsapp avatar

Member since Jan 18, 2007
476 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
56908 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
43052 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42236 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
39648 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
35292 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
28467 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
27100 views
Industry Digest: Crowd Funding 36" eBikes, Canfield Bikes' Relocation, Recalls & More
26853 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

25 Comments
  • 14 0
 Will661 ever release knee pads as comfy and practical as the Kyle Straits ever again? All their later offerings just didn't seem as good.
  • 6 0
 Yes bring the Straights or the Rage Hard back.
  • 1 1
 It’s all a personal thing. I had Kyle Straits. They moved around and caused chafing on long rides. Also, they weren’t very sturdy compared to the knee pads I have now. They just kind of fell apart.
  • 11 0
 Wait, aren't those just the "old" 661 Evo knees rebadged?
  • 2 0
 They're the same shape/fit/design and feature the same D3O insert but $25 cheaper Smile
  • 4 1
 You have to have body builder calves for these things to stay out. The bottom is so loose they slide down your leg as soon as you put them on and walk around. The tighter you strap the top, the further they squeeze down your thigh. I want to like them, but they're useless.
  • 4 0
 My calves are the only part of me that comes close this description - sold!
  • 3 0
 Try the ixs pads, they have the strap on the calf where it makes sense. I haven’t used them, I like my Sam Hill knee pads, but people swear by the ixs.
  • 1 0
 These look very similar to the TLD Raid Knee D3O pads except these have an open back. I got along well with the TLD pads this year, and they saved my knees probably a dozen times. They're not that hot compared to the fox launch pros I had before, and I like the "slip-on" design, but having an open back like these 661 pads couldn't hurt.
  • 8 8
 I rarely wear knee pads now as they irritate my kneecaps and leave them sore for several days if I do use them. I'm sure I'm not the only one. It would be good to see a design that ensured that the pad didn't 'tap' kneecap on every pedal stroke.
  • 6 0
 THIS. exactly this, I've never had a knee pad feel comfortable since the 661 Kyle Straight pads. Not sure if it's to do with the introduction of things like D30.........
  • 10 0
 @nojzilla:
Weird. Never had this sensation.

So many good options out there too.
  • 3 1
 Is it going up or down?

When going up: Just slide the knee pad down to your shin when youre going to pedal uphill.
  • 3 2
 Must be a UK thing .. I stopped wearing knee pads just over a year ago .. they are uncomfortable and restrictive .. have tried loads and never found one that didn't make my knees sweaty and itchy
  • 3 0
 I know its a personal thing, but did you try the IXS Flows? I've been wearing them for whole days of riding, including pedaling and tend to forget I have them on.
  • 2 0
 @stuartd: Not wearing knee pads is definitely not a 'UK thing' !
  • 2 0
 I have a similar issue and can't wear knee pads that put pressure on my knee cap. I use RF Ambush pads. They're bulky but that also creates a space between my knee cap and the pad.
  • 3 0
 Amen!! the fronts are fine for me but that horrible elastic material they use for the straps make the back of my knees go red raw almost instantly, and even worse the edges roll up too and cause a lot of irritation
  • 7 0
 A light smear of chamois cream on my knee stops any friction and soreness
  • 2 0
 @NotNamed: that only works if you live somewhere that there's a defined climb and descent. I'd literally be stopping and adjusting my knee pads every 30 seconds if I did that on my local trails
  • 1 0
 I've had this issue with elbow pads (Fox Rentals) which left my elbows feeling bruised for days. I bought some POC which were a huge improvement. On my knees I use Specialized pads and while very good on the kneecap, they rub my skin bloody after a long ride haha. If I'm riding rougher trails I'll take it, though, cause a broken knee cap will have you dreaming of a little bruise.
  • 1 0
 Try the ION knee pads! I used them in long rides and don´t had irritate issues
  • 1 0
 I had similar experience with my knee pads. For couple of years they were great and could ride in them whole day. And half a year ago I've noticed that after every time I use them I get this incredibly ichy irritation just above kneecaps. I thought that maybe some material from the inner side of the pads was spent and it became more abrasive, but couldn't really feel it with my hands. I've tried using that anti-friction paste, but not improvement. Bought then pretty much the same pads, and the after ride ichiness never reared its ugly head again. Shame about the old pair though. Don't know if anything can be done with them.
  • 2 0
 Can you wash them easily? Can the D3O liner be removed or replaced?
  • 1 0
 I am happy to pay any dollar to buy another 661 as long as it is not D30. I read in the D30 care instructions, you can only wash it with water, no detergent.

:-(

still using gen1 661 Kyle Strait knee pads, it is loose, it is ugly but it is the most comfy!







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.052425
Mobile Version of Website