MTB knee pads for trail bikers: Test winner - the Seven IDP Sam Hill Knee in the test
Stefan Frey
· 06.02.2024
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Seven IDP Sam Hill Knee MTB knee pads - Features
The Sam Hill has several special features: Firstly, its heavily pre-shaped protector is the only one in the comparison to be certified to the higher Level 2. It also covers a larger area of the knee with category B than most other protectors. Additionally placed Seven IDP Protective EVA material around the knee.
The thin and flexible sock is slightly longer at the thigh, which should improve the fit. Silicone strips on the upper and lower cuffs are designed to increase the hold. The back is equipped with a 4-way stretch mesh throughout and is therefore well ventilated. The protector can be removed for washing and is labelled in accordance with the regulations, the only thing missing is a side indication.
Top values on the test bench
As expected, the Sam Hill delivers very good residual force values. It easily undercuts the Level 2 standard with an average of 12.82 kN. In the centre above the knee, it still transfers 11.51 kN to the wearer. This makes the 7IDP knee pad one of the best lightweight pads on the market in terms of pure protection.
Want to know how we tested the knee pads? Read more about this in our "This is how BIKE tests" article.
Snug fit, but a little sweaty in places
With its generous EVA padding, the Sam Hill almost looks like a bike park protector. Even though the cushioning effect of the foam is almost zero, together with the very large type B protector it gives the wearer an extremely secure feeling. The wearing comfort is equally impressive: the long sock reaches loosely over the top of the bib shorts and sits there securely for a long time, even without an excessively wide silicone band. Nothing slips when pedalling.
The very thin and airy mesh on the back is seamless and doesn't pinch the back of the knee even on the uphill. The fact that the Sam Hill is still not one of the best ventilated protectors is due to the thick padding on the front and the somewhat more robust material over the protector.
Conclusion on the Seven IDP Sam Hill Knee:
The Sam Hill Knee Pad cleverly combines two features: outstanding protection and a comfortable fit. Thanks to the extremely long sock, the knee pad sits securely on the leg, while the large protector covers a large area. A seamless mesh insert on the back provides some cooling and prevents friction when pedalling. The generous padding on the front means it quickly gets sweaty. - Stefan Frey, BIKE editor
Seven IDP Sam Hill Knee Pads - Details and Price
- Price 99,95 Euro >> available here
- Weight¹ / Sizes 326 gram / S-XL
- Country of manufacture China
- Equipment extensively padded; very long sleeve; seamless mesh back; silicone cuffs
- Protector / protection level² Sas-Tec / EN 1621-1, Level 2
- Protector removable Yes
- Residual force (centre / bottom / side)¹ 11,51 / 14,9 / 12,05
Valuation
¹ BIKE measured values. ² The protection level refers to the manufacturer's official specification. The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.
Stefan Frey
Editor
