Review: 7iDP Sam Hill & Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads
Sam Hill is arguably one of the most recognizable names in all of mountain biking, as well as one of the most enduring stars. Being held in the high regard that he is by the community, he's often had his own lines or colorways of components. His list of signature parts has included helmets and componentry over the years, and it now extends to knee pads from 7iDP. Two of them, in fact.
Here, we're going to look at the Sam Hill knee pad, which offers plenty of protection while also being comfortable enough to pedal in, and the Sam Hill Lite knee pads, which are lighter weight but with less coverage.
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As most of us will know, crashing a mountain bike can be quite an unraveling experience, and while a pad might protect us from the first impact, if it shifts under load it can leave us vulnerable to the second or indeed third. This extra support in the sleeve of the pad helps its stability, and hopefully the chance of it rotating away.
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The pad has silicone grippers on the top and bottom, as well as a silicone logo that fits on the outside of the upper sleeve to help get extra purchase on your shorts. The pads are comfortable, too. The sleeve has an element of stretch, but I would say there are more flexible and elastic-feeling materials used in other pads on the market.
What this pad does offer, though, is security and the assurance that your kneecap is safely cocooned and held inside. The pads are rated EN1621-1:2012 LEVEL 2, Type B certified. What does this mean? Well, as quoted from 7iDP's website "There are two levels of protection that can be certified Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 allows for ≤35KN to be transmitted to the rider whilst level 2 allows a max of ≤20 KN to be transmitted to the rider. Type A or B refers to the area of protection, Type B giving greater coverage than Type A."
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Ride Impressions
The Sam Hill pads have a fairly substantial profile due to the generous coverage, which means there are more streamlined pads out there. That said, they fit well under riding pants, and don't give the feel of being oversized or cumbersome. They pedal well, too. On my initial ride they slightly pinched behind my knees, but since then have become my go-to.
Considering the protection and coverage I think they're perfectly reasonable in terms of how they retain heat. I also like how far along past the knee they extend. The area of coverage is far bigger than many other pedal-ready pads. The supplementary side padding is a welcome appendage, even if it isn't as burly as the main insert. There is around 10 mm of shared overlapped coverage before the padding in the sleeve extends 15 mm further than the outer edge of the harder and stiffer insert.
The pad does extend quite a way up your thigh, and it's worth consulting their sizing chart, which was accurate for me. The grippers do a thorough job without leaving any marks or soreness on the skin.
I've ridden in these pads for most rides over the last three months, and I can confidently say they're suitable for pedaling. I also think they're substantial enough for downhill runs, and I'll be using them in the bike park without hesitation.
+ Comfortable & secure
+ Lots of coverage
+ Reasonable value
- Some might prefer a hardshell
- Bulkier than some other kneepads
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And yes, 6mm really isn't much. The insert in these pads is thin. Very thin. While that's something I quite enjoy when going for an evening cruise, I'd be lying if I said I would use them for little more than protecting my skin from cuts, grazes, and light bruising. Which is of course no bad thing - it just depends on one your intention and what your priorities are. It might not be as bad as a broken bone, but taking the skin off your knee isn't exactly pleasant.
The makeup of the Lite pad is very similar to the enduro pad but with some key differences. The material of the sleeve is thinner and stretchier. Again though, it does have the same silicone grippers that sit quite the way up your leg. Unlike the other pad, the Lite model also have a finger loop on the back to make getting them on or off even easier.
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Ride Impressions
This low-weight pad rides just like it with exceptional comfort and flexibility. While the insert doesn't have the same anchored feeling derived from a concave insert, it does offer a lot of freedom as the fit lets your knee move uninhibited. The other pads aren't restrictive, but the lighter model does feel distinctly freer.
The side protection on the Lite pads is almost non-existent around the lower part of the knee. I understand that everything is a compromise whilst trying to shed weight, but I do wonder if this is taking it a little too far. I feel similar about other pads in the category such as the Rapha Trail knee pads. Again, fantastic pads, but I would like a bit more coverage on the lower sides for when I slide out on rocks.
Where I would wholeheartedly say the Sam Hill enduro pad is genuinely a class-leading product in its own niche, I probably wouldn't say the same of the Lite model. It's a good pad, but it's another good pad in a field of many and doesn't do that much to separate itself from the bunch. That said, I'm not totally sold on the concept of pads being just this light and thin, so maybe it was a thankless task trying to make a converter of me. Unless weight is your absolute priority, I would probably spend a little bit more and get something that offers a better compromise between weight, coverage, and pad thickness.
+ Light and breathable
+ Great alternative to wearing no pads at all
+ Very comfortable
- Perhaps a little too light for anything aggressive
- Lack of side protection
Here, we're going to look at the Sam Hill knee pad, which offers plenty of protection while also being comfortable enough to pedal in, and the Sam Hill Lite knee pads, which are lighter weight but with less coverage.
Starting with the burlier of the two pads, the standard Sam Hill knee is a versatile pad that offers a strong blend of comfort and protection. The pad itself sits within a reasonably breathable and slightly stretchy sleeve. The removable insert is rounded and flexible, and holds the shape on your knee well. Around its pocket in the sleeve is a ring of extra padding that surrounds the knee cap area to provide more side impact protection.
And that's not all. A combination of the rounded insert and this extra padding means that the pad is incredibly stable on your knee.
And that's not all. A combination of the rounded insert and this extra padding means that the pad is incredibly stable on your knee.
7iDP Sam Hill Knee Pads
• Breathable sleeve with secondary ring of protection
• Removable pad insert for easy washing
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• EN1621-1:2012 LEVEL 2, Type B
• MSRP: $94.99 USD
• www.7idp.com
• Breathable sleeve with secondary ring of protection
• Removable pad insert for easy washing
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• EN1621-1:2012 LEVEL 2, Type B
• MSRP: $94.99 USD
• www.7idp.com
As most of us will know, crashing a mountain bike can be quite an unraveling experience, and while a pad might protect us from the first impact, if it shifts under load it can leave us vulnerable to the second or indeed third. This extra support in the sleeve of the pad helps its stability, and hopefully the chance of it rotating away.
The material has a certain amount of give to it but isn't as elastic as the Lite pads.
The pad has silicone grippers on the top and bottom, as well as a silicone logo that fits on the outside of the upper sleeve to help get extra purchase on your shorts. The pads are comfortable, too. The sleeve has an element of stretch, but I would say there are more flexible and elastic-feeling materials used in other pads on the market.
What this pad does offer, though, is security and the assurance that your kneecap is safely cocooned and held inside. The pads are rated EN1621-1:2012 LEVEL 2, Type B certified. What does this mean? Well, as quoted from 7iDP's website "There are two levels of protection that can be certified Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 allows for ≤35KN to be transmitted to the rider whilst level 2 allows a max of ≤20 KN to be transmitted to the rider. Type A or B refers to the area of protection, Type B giving greater coverage than Type A."
The security and fit of the Sam Hill Knee pads is very impressive.
On the left is the firmer and thicker pad from the enduro pad, with the 6mm thick Lite pad on the right.
The surrounding padding, which isn't removable, does a great job and locating and retaining the main pad.
Ride Impressions
The Sam Hill pads have a fairly substantial profile due to the generous coverage, which means there are more streamlined pads out there. That said, they fit well under riding pants, and don't give the feel of being oversized or cumbersome. They pedal well, too. On my initial ride they slightly pinched behind my knees, but since then have become my go-to.
Considering the protection and coverage I think they're perfectly reasonable in terms of how they retain heat. I also like how far along past the knee they extend. The area of coverage is far bigger than many other pedal-ready pads. The supplementary side padding is a welcome appendage, even if it isn't as burly as the main insert. There is around 10 mm of shared overlapped coverage before the padding in the sleeve extends 15 mm further than the outer edge of the harder and stiffer insert.
The pad does extend quite a way up your thigh, and it's worth consulting their sizing chart, which was accurate for me. The grippers do a thorough job without leaving any marks or soreness on the skin.
I've ridden in these pads for most rides over the last three months, and I can confidently say they're suitable for pedaling. I also think they're substantial enough for downhill runs, and I'll be using them in the bike park without hesitation.
Pros
+ Comfortable & secure
+ Lots of coverage
+ Reasonable value
Cons
- Some might prefer a hardshell
- Bulkier than some other kneepads
The trail riding Lite pads.
When 7iDP says "lite" they certainly mean it. The pads are the kind of pad that you'd wear as opposed to wearing nothing at all. This is something that is great for slipping on for trail rides or those XC spins that might even infringe on the realm of downcountryism.
7iDP claims that "At just 6mm the Sam Hill Lite Pads are the thinnest CE EN 1621-1:2012 certified pads on the market". I'm not going to get my verniers on 100s of different pads, but it's not hard to imagine their claim is probably about right.
7iDP claims that "At just 6mm the Sam Hill Lite Pads are the thinnest CE EN 1621-1:2012 certified pads on the market". I'm not going to get my verniers on 100s of different pads, but it's not hard to imagine their claim is probably about right.
7iDP Sam Hill Knee Lite
• Lightweight and stretchy sock that breathes well
• Thin removable insert
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• CE EN 1621-1:2012
• MSRP: $$84.99 USD
• www.7idp.com
• Lightweight and stretchy sock that breathes well
• Thin removable insert
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• CE EN 1621-1:2012
• MSRP: $$84.99 USD
• www.7idp.com
The makeup of the Lite pad is very similar to the enduro pad but with some key differences. The material of the sleeve is thinner and stretchier. Again though, it does have the same silicone grippers that sit quite the way up your leg. Unlike the other pad, the Lite model also have a finger loop on the back to make getting them on or off even easier.
The pads cover the kneecap but not too much else.
The flexible padding is great for comfort, but may be a bit too minimalist for some.
Ride Impressions
This low-weight pad rides just like it with exceptional comfort and flexibility. While the insert doesn't have the same anchored feeling derived from a concave insert, it does offer a lot of freedom as the fit lets your knee move uninhibited. The other pads aren't restrictive, but the lighter model does feel distinctly freer.
The side protection on the Lite pads is almost non-existent around the lower part of the knee. I understand that everything is a compromise whilst trying to shed weight, but I do wonder if this is taking it a little too far. I feel similar about other pads in the category such as the Rapha Trail knee pads. Again, fantastic pads, but I would like a bit more coverage on the lower sides for when I slide out on rocks.
Where I would wholeheartedly say the Sam Hill enduro pad is genuinely a class-leading product in its own niche, I probably wouldn't say the same of the Lite model. It's a good pad, but it's another good pad in a field of many and doesn't do that much to separate itself from the bunch. That said, I'm not totally sold on the concept of pads being just this light and thin, so maybe it was a thankless task trying to make a converter of me. Unless weight is your absolute priority, I would probably spend a little bit more and get something that offers a better compromise between weight, coverage, and pad thickness.
Pros
+ Light and breathable
+ Great alternative to wearing no pads at all
+ Very comfortable
Cons
- Perhaps a little too light for anything aggressive
- Lack of side protection
 | For a great blend of fit and function, the heavier Sam Hill Knee pads should surely be on your list if you're looking for an option that's well suited to pedaling, aggressive trail riding, enduro, and dabbling in downhill. The pad offers security, protection, and comfort at a reasonable price. The Lite Knee models do offer a lot, but I feel their targetted crowd is very specific. People who want pads, but only the absolute bare minimum, and for some reason won't tolerate 50 or 100 extra grams for what could add up to more protection. For aggressive XC riders or light trail use, they are good, although they're not standouts in the same way that the enduro pad is. |
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For me it's a disappointment.
When they did work they were awesome, saved my knees and shins several times.
I put them on at the beginning of the ride and forget about them after 2 minutes. Even after 3+ hours on the bike they are still comfortable.
I am between sizes and bought the smaller ones.
Here are my thoughts:
I love the long upper sleeve, since you can put it under the bottom edge of my chamois, and the pad is pretty much locked in place. I also really like that it has inner knee padding, and that the bottom foam padding covers much of the upper shin area, which means that I have yet to have a shinner with these pads (I'm riding on flats).
My one interaction with 7IDP was great. I somehow tore through one of the removeable pads (it was cracked right through the center... maybe from being shoved in a bag while traveling? I honestly have no idea how it happened). I explained the situation, and sent a photo, and asked if I could buy a replacement. Instead, they sent me a new pad free of charge (again, just the insert).
My only complaint, is that for me and my bodyshape/type, the pads can start to rub/irritate the outer edge of the knee a touch on longer pedaling days (15-20mi+, with 2000 - 3000ft of climbing). Usually thats not a problem for me, and in the rare instance that it has happened, I've just pulled the pad down around my knees for the rest of the climb. But it is worth noting.
Oh, and they may not fit the best under all pairs of pants. That rubbing the knee feeling, I get earlier when its winter and I'm wearing my Endura Spray pants.
I am considering trying a different lighter pad for the more pedally days (Chromag Rift, or Raphas new pad?), but haven't bought anything yet. I really am quite happy with them.
Both tops of each model expanded/loosened after many many washer/dryer cycles-as expected but still do the job as the foam doesnt move around.
I'm getting a second pair since I ride 5 times a week a need to wash them sometimes
When I started riding Demo (2200 feet first lap, 1600? feet second lap) I started to get rubbing on the outside of my right knee as well. Stung pretty bad when sweaty. I lost faith in them and stopped wearing.
I currently am loving Fasthouse Hoopers and POC VPD Air. Hoopers have better grippers, Level 2 cert, but no perimeter padding. VPD air have great side padding but are a little shorter on the shin. Both work well under riding pants.
One downside they didn't mention: the reason they breathe so well is that the entire backside of the pad is a very thin elastic mesh, which is very susceptible to tearing. If you ever snag the back of your calf on the pedal pins (and it doesn't take much force at all) you'll put a hole in them. I've had mine for a little over a year now and the back is covered in holes. So far it's not impacted the fit or performance of the pads, but I wonder if eventually they'll tear to the point of not being usable.
That said, the thin mesh is what makes these so comfortable so maybe there's no way around it. And maybe I'm just a klutz and this won't be a problem for most people.
They're overdesigned for abrasive purposes, and under-designed for large impacts.
The G-Form Elite also has additional thickness without too much extra bulk. OTOH I'm very doubtful about the efficacy of these Sam Hill Lites - 6mm doesn't seem like near enough
The fit for me is really good, I put them on and forget about them, even on long rides, even on 90+ degree days. That's not to say they don't get hot, but I feel it's tolerable. And they do not slide down at all for me, which is key. I think the extra tall sleeve is the biggest reason for this.
The protection has been good but sliding crashes have not been good, that's what killed my first set, I slid on a gravelly trail and it pulled the pad down and ripped the upper cuff to shreds. Had a pretty good scrape from that, but I'm sure it would have been a lot worse without them. Had a couple other big crashes and was very thankful I was wearing them.
Durability-wise, it's a mixed bag I feel like, first set were decent until that crash killed one, so I ordered another set and the upper cuff pretty much immediately had the stitching come undone on one. So now I'm running one sleeve from 2018 and one pretty new, but some of the outer foam padding stitching is coming undone on the old one. My recommendation is to always fold over the upper elastic strip and be very gentle pulling them on, that upper cuff is too fragile. Also the mesh backing will pretty much be full of holes instantaneously if you run flats, but it hasn't seemed to affect the pads too much.
Overall good, but I'm going to try the Hooper pads that also have level 2 protection before buying another set of these.
Also, at some point I bought the lite version and pretty much never use them, they're not very good. They don't stay in place because the sleeve is too short for me at least, and they feel just as hot as the regular version which has waaay better protection. I wear them under pants for dirt jumps and that's it.
They warm up and get malleable again after being worn, but the literally turn to hard plastic in colder temps, and when first put on. I’ve had them turn into rock after chilling at the top of a cold climb.
Other wise excellent pads for being so slim. Easy to fit under pants or jeans, and comfortable in hot temps.
The pins on my pedals will easily gouge to the bone but it seems like I am the only rider that wears full length shin guards
If I was buying again today a mid-weight pad like these, I'd likely give the Fast House Hooper pads a try:
www.fasthouse.com/products/hooper-knee-pad-black
I've worn the TLD Stage pads and they are nice but the material isn't as protective and they aren't any less warm than the these. HOWEVER they do wrap around your knee nicely unlike these.
Similar design but better I think.
Oh we've also got the Chromag Rifts. Comfy pads, very cool, not super long. They don't have a pad that goes wider around your knee and use a secondary padding, which is a bit lacking. I think they are also only level 1 protection.
A better 7iDP pad is the Transition which provides upgraded knee protection and costs $10 less.
Maybe a special edition?