Test: At the beginning of the season we (Thomas and Simon) started looking for a suitable knee pad that would reliably protect us both on the tour and in the park. It should be as light and comfortable as possible. Both the 7iDP Transition Knee and the 7iDP Transition Wrap promise exactly that. Well-known faces from the scene such as Sam Hill or Josh Bryceland also wear 7iDP knee pads. Thomas opted for the lightweight 7iDP Transition Knee Pads, Simon for the removable 7iDP Transition Wrap. On both Transition models, 7iDP uses the same Sastech™ foam. Warmed by body heat, the foam molds to the contours of the body and is designed to remain comfortable all day long.
7iDP Transition Knee - convinces with its pleasant wearing comfort
The first fitting was a complete success. Although the saver is just a stocking to put on and does not require any straps, it fits like a glove. This is made of a breathable stretch mesh and should therefore prevent sweating. The thin material is comfortable to wear on the skin and does not cut into the hollow of the knee. Internal silicone straps at the top and bottom of the protector provide additional support. The flexible foam of the protector adapts very well to the knee even when moving and completely encloses the critical areas. The anticipation of the first trail use was aroused.
In use, the Seven iDP Transition can really score. Whether on long enduro day tours or in the bike park, the Transition stays in place. Once you've put them on, you forget about the pads and can fully concentrate on biking. Even in the event of a fall, the protector does not slip down due to the stocking, which extends generously over the knee. The sock does not cut into the hollow of the knee, which is a very common problem with knee pads and, especially on enduro tours, tends to tempt the pad to be pulled down when going uphill. Even in tropical temperatures like the one we had in this summer of the century, the knee pads are comfortable to wear and probably not the reason why biking has sometimes become torture. With only 262g per protector and an extremely small pack size, the protector can be stowed away quickly in a backpack and takes up hardly any space.
I used the washing machine to wash after each use. So far I haven't noticed any negative influences. The schooner still fits like it was on the first day and hasn't worn out from wearing it so far. Only the mesh insert in the back area of the protector is a bit sensitive and has to complain about a few small holes after contact with the pedal pins.
7iDP Transition Wrap – Easily removable without having to take off your shoes
The Transition Wrap uses the same Sastech™ foam as the popular Transition Knee. Warmed by body heat, the foam molds to the contours of the body and stays comfortable all day long. The wrap design allows Transition Knee Pads to be removed quickly and easily during breaks. Working in two parts, the upper and lower wrap-around sections are finished with Velcro on the outside of the leg. On top, a wide stretch strap keeps everything in place and a narrow lower calf strap seals the closure. As with other pads in the Seven Protection Series, the Transition Wrap uses an overhanging calf strap to keep the pads from slipping without over-tightening.
Because the Transition Wrap has two Velcro fasteners at the top and bottom, it always sits in the same place while driving. Even in the event of a fall, the 7iDP knee pad stayed in place. The Sastech ™ foam flexes into the body contours as promised and stays comfortable all day long. However, when I wore the 7iDP Transition Wrap all day, it got a bit uncomfortable at the back of my knees. The open section between the straps rubs minimally at the back of the knee when the knee is bent. Of course, that shouldn't be the case, but it's manageable, since I have to take off the pad very quickly without taking off my shoes. The fit, the quick removal and the light weight of the Transition Wrap convinced me very much.
I used the washing machine to wash after each use. After almost a year of use, however, you can see slight signs of wear and tear due to the Velcro fasteners, which tended to stick to the mesh insert.
In the end we were of the same opinion: Both Transition models are very light, have a good fit and offer good protection. If you are looking for a knee pad that is easy to remove without having to take off your shoes, you should take a closer look at the 7iDP Transition Wrap. However, if you want even more comfort, then the Transition Knee could be the right choice. Both models were able to convince us and are still the first choice when it comes to the right knee pad.
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