SixSixOne’s range-topping kneepad, the Recon Advance, truly balances protection with comfort. The coverage on offer is nothing short of comprehensive, and it’s delivered in a very secure and comfy package. However, its build quality raises questions, and it’s a shame that the hard shells come as an extra spend.

The Recon Advance is 661’s freshest kneepad designed to offer tonnes of protection in a pedal-friendly package. To get that job done, they have a D3O cap (the orange stuff that hardens on impact) on each knee that complies with EN1621-1 Level 1 certification. Those are joined by a collection of strategically placed, thermo-formed EVA inserts, making sure that every bony bit of the knee is covered.

661 recon advance kneepad detail.jpg
661 recon advance kneepad detail (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Home to all of that D3O and EVA is a pretty lengthy one-piece slip-on sleeve that gets a pair of silicone grippers at either end. The pads are also kitted with SixSixOne’s Padlock connectors, allowing them to be physically joined with the brand’s protective shorts.

The protection on offer can be boosted with optional hard plastic caps, ideal if your riding often strays through rock gardens or trails littered with pointy things. The caps are £15 extra, though and to be honest, it’s a bit of a shame not to see them included in the pack. As such, they weren’t included in this test.

We’ve had a medium-size pad in for testing, designed to fit a mid-thigh circumference of 40-48cm. My mid-thigh measures exactly 48cm, and the Recon Advance pads are pretty snug, although far from uncomfortable. However, upon slipping them on the first time, the mesh that makes up the back panel has torn in a few small areas, where it meets the front panels of the pad.

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661 recon advance kneepad rear (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

During my three months with the pads, a couple more areas show some tears, but the pads have shrugged off a number of tumbles and journeys through the wash. So, while the tears in the mesh are cause for concern, durability doesn’t seem to be a debilitating issue just yet.

Going back to the good stuff, the Recon Advance pads are seriously comfortable, especially considering the protection on offer and the number of EVA inserts. Full days in the saddle have proven that the pads are forgettable until they’re needed where the D3O gets to work, dissipating any impact forces.

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661 recon advance kneepad length (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Their length is welcome too. The pads reach right up to the mid-thigh, where bib shorts can be put over the tops, making them even more secure than they already are without. Then, there’s plenty of pad and protective elements to keep the lower shin covered towards the bottom.

I’ve ridden with the Recon Advances both under riding trousers and with shorts. Understandably they can get a little toasty under trousers, but ventilation is nothing to be sniffed at when running shorts. Although, they’ve not been used through sweltering weather just yet.

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661 recon advance kneepad hero 2 (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Moving onto the pad’s value, this is where things get a little interesting. At £100, they’re pretty pricy at face value, especially when you remember that the hard plastic caps are an extra £15 on top. A cheaper set of pads that come with plastic caps built-in is the Endura MT500 Hard Shell kneepads, priced at £80. The MT500s are slightly more substantial and warmer, but they offer more protection and relative comfort for £20 less.

 

SixSixOne’s own DBO kneepads come built with a D3O T5 EVO insert that brings them to the same certification as the Recon Advance. Still, they’re slightly bulkier, and ventilation isn’t as impressive. With those at just £70, the Recon Advance pads look really tough to justify unless you really want those plastic caps.

 

Regardless of the slightly concerning splits in the rear mesh, the SixSixOne Recon Advance kneepad’s blend of performance and comfort has and will continue to keep me perfectly happy on any ride. However, with the plastic caps only available at an extra cost and with many pads that are arguably as good at lower prices, these pads begin to look a little overpriced. 

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Test report SixSixOne Recon Advance kneepad review £100.00

Body armour

Product purpose: 

661 says, “Taking its cues from the Recon pad, the Recon Advance pads combine lightweight pedalling performance and comfort with DH spec safety and protection. Add in the optional removable hard caps and you have a pad that is ready for anything – all day pedal friendly but tough enough to give the confidence and protection needed on even the gnarliest DH tracks.” The blend of pedal friendliness and protection is very impressive.

Build extra: 

D3O main cap with EVA inserts dotted around the one-piece slip on design with Padlock connectors to attach the pads to 661’s shorts.

Product construction 


Product construction extra: 

Construction isn’t bad but the mesh has torn a little where it’s stitched to the main body.

Product performance 


Product performance extra: 

They’re mega comfy and the protection on offer is very comprehensive.

Product durability 


Product durability extra: 

They’ve been through multiple washes and a number of crashes but the torn mesh raises questions.

Product comfort 


Product comfort extra: 

Comfort is perfectly fine for long days on the saddle.

product value 


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Product value extra: 

They seem a little overpriced when there are pads that perform as well for less money. Especially considering the hard caps come at an extra cost.

Overall performance: 

They’re super comfy with plenty of protection, they do their job very well and will continue to do so as long as they hold up.

Product likes: 

Comfort, protection and security.

Product dislikes: 

Durability is questionable.

Enjoy: 

Yes

Buy: 

No

Recommend: 

Maybe

Conclusion: 

661 has designed a comfortable and protective pad but I think the pricing is a bit off when the same brand offers a very similar pad (although with its own caveats) for less money.