661's DBO knee pads offer a lot of comfort and protection for not a lot of cash, combining a flexible D3O insert to ward off bumps in a slimline neoprene outer with reinforced nylon cap. They're good for all-day pedalling but still provide enough protection for the bike park.
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Like most mountain bike kneepads, the DBOs uses a protective pad made from a flexible foam that hardens on impact, in this case, D3O's T5 Evo insert. It's rated to the lower motorbike EN protection standard but that's common with mountain bike specific kit and should do you right in all but the lairiest of crashes. The D3O insert is also removable for when you need to wash the pad and there's some additional foam padding around the sides to fend off small bumps and bangs.
The neoprene body is secured with a single, broad velcro strap at the top with reinforced nylon fabric on the kneecap to help fend off damage. That does mean you'll need to take your shoes off to put the pads on or off, but it minimises overall bulk which means they sit under trousers and shorts nicely.
Despite only having one strap, they stay in place really well and sat nicely over my calf, with little movement when pedalling and good all-day comfort. Breathability is alright if not outstanding too and I've had a few tumbles in them with no ill effects, though some stitching on the nylon cap did get slightly pulled after one crash, which is fair enough really.
All in all, there's a lot to like here, with a comfortable, low profile fit and decent protection for a good price. There's also an expansive range of sizes from S-XL, including youth versions.
