I'm contemplating getting some knee and elbow armour. I'll soon be a student so it might have to wait until a birthday or something, but thought I'd do my research and see if anyone here uses any? Are there any you would reccomend or wouldnt reccomend?

I ride natural trails and am starting to ride Follow the dog sometimes so would like something comfortable to ride in for a couple or hours or so. Maybe longer. I've only briefly tried on some 661 knee's with the D3O (I think its called) technology.

Any experiences appreciated.

I've just got some for the alps - the hard shell ones were recommended over soft shell as it gives more protection (one of my friends had a gruesome case study on how the soft ones didn't work because they moved, apparently). I've got the Fox Shorty knee/shin pads which are a bit shorter that their standard ones - good for those of us that are only 5'5''.... They seem to do the job although the straps rub a bit. I've also got the Dainese Performance Elbow Pads - haven't used them yet but really like how they feel - instead of a big cup for your elbow there's a smaller cup and an extra piece of plastic above it, same amount of protection and feels like it doesn't restrict your movement as much. I got the smallest size and had to shorten the straps/move the velcro.

I think it depends on whether you're going to be wearing them for a whole ride or carry them up and wear for the downhills... Soft shells will be more comfortable for all day I guess.

I use Brand X which are hard shell knee/shin and elbow pads. They are as comfy as any others I have tried (they all take a bit of getting used to). Best of all, they are well priced - see http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=221

If you get the opportunity try borrowing different ones so you can try them out on a ride. They always feel different when you have had them on for a few hours. I also find that on the knee/shin pads, the bit that goes around the back of the knee is always the most uncomfortable bit so - loosening the strap a bit on long climbs can help (just make sure you tighten it up again before you hit the fast stuff).

I still have a habit of "not bothering" with mine. Experience has shown that leaving it behind in the car doesn't offer as much protection!