7iDP Covert Knee Pads – Review
Everyone has a set of go-to kit, a set that gets pulled out for nearly every ride. The Coverts are part of that pile for me!
7iDP have been carving their way into the UK market over the last couple of years, and their gear is evolving year on year, becoming well crafted gear for all sorts of uses. I’ve had the Covert knee pads for about a year now, and by far they are the pads I have used most often, so it’s fair to say two things – I’m a big fan and that they need a wash!
The Covert sits in the middle of the 7iDP range, with the Transition being a bit lighter, while pads like the Index and Tactic offer more in the way of hard-shell protection.
The Covert’s main sleeve is a thin breathable and stretchy mesh, held in place by rubberised band top and bottom. Coverage over extends all over the knee-cap, the outer fabric is a tough material, and has shaken off all sorts of impacts including a few sharp rocks and trees. Within the knee is a couple of layers of vented microcell foam and a plastic cap.
It’s easy to remove both these layers, as 7 say, for washing. Obviously they can’t make a big deal about it, as with all the parts fitted the pads exceed a CE level 1 rating, but you can fine-tune your pads to suit your needs. Personally I elected to run the pads without the plastic cup for pedal heavy rides, and in full coverage for uplifts and really sharp slatey rides.Riding in the Coverts is great, they stay in place despite the lack of the straps. the size guide on the 7 website is spot on, I use a medium set, and am normally between medium and large, and have found them to be just right.
Crashing in the Coverts is also as good as falling off ever gets, and special mention has to go to them for keeping my leg free from big holes on a ride that got a bit jazzy two days before my wedding…. whoops! It’s super easy to swap between the different configurations and means you can get away with only one set of pads, saving money for pub lunches. If you are after a good set of pads for pedalling in, that you can beef up if the going gets jazzy, these are an ideal option.
RRP£69.99
