The 7iDP Sam Hill Lite knee pads offer trail-focused, lightweight protection that passes a CE level. They’re a great fit with a well-designed shape and good construction with the ripstop fabric to minimise damage. The longer length helps them stay put, and they remain comfortable on long rides – an excellent choice for when you want pads on all day.
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7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads | construction & materials
Built around Ripstop compression fabric, the 7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads are like knee warmers with a built-in pad and silicone grippers to aid the non-slip qualities.
The multi-panel shape of the compression Ripstop makes for a comfortable feel when riding. Flatlock seams minimise any chaffing around the knee, and there are loops to connect the knee pads with shorts, if compatible.
The pads are CE EN 1621-1:2012 certified and claim to be the thinnest pad on the market at 6mm thick; they are barely there. They use a SAS-TEC pad, a ‘highly flexible visco-elastic soft foam protector with very good damping performance. The pad is removable, so the outers can be washed.
There is a tougher material on the impact area of the pad, which seems more abrasion-resistant. Coupled with the Ripstop fabric, the pads are more hard-wearing than other mesh style ones I have used.
7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads | How they ride
I really liked the 7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads. They are comfortable for long rides, easy to get on and off – but won’t go over shoes – they are meant for being put on and left on. The longer style meant they stayed in place better. The silicone grippers enhanced this well, as they overlapped undershorts or had more thigh to grip to.
Temperature-wise, they were breathable and rarely felt very sweaty, either under trousers or with shorts. The Ripstop material felt cool, and it flexed well with riding movements. The actual knee pad becomes more pliable as it warms and flexes with your riding.
I had one slight ‘real-world’ tumble when they came into their own and offered decent protection against what would have been a noticable clout. As they are minimal, they obviously don’t carry as much protection, but they are a really good set of pads for their weight, comfort, and fit.
7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads | Verdict
At £80, the 7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads are priced at the upper end compared to similar pads, but they don’t have any other downsides in performance. If you want a more solid knee pad with a bulkier design, then the Amplifi Havok Knee Zip guards were found to offer great fit and durability, with a handy accessible zip. However, the £90 price tag was difficult for Liam to justify. With a similar sleeve-like style and low-profile protection, the highly-rated Fox Enduro D30 Knee Guards are £75, just £5 cheaper than the 7iDP guards on test.
As pads that you put on and forget, the 7iDP Sam Hill Lite Knee Pads are definitely worth considering. If you want lightweight and minimal protection, these are a very good choice. Performance-wise, I can’t find anything to not recommend – they are durable, barely there, and the fabric is a good choice for reducing rips; plus, they feel comfortable. Just the higher price tag makes them a more considered purchase.
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