Probably one of the comfiest burly set of pads on test recently, the Troy Lee Designs Raids have substantial D3O padding that covers the knee and extends down the shin.
Foam adds protection at both sides, as well as above the kneecap, making them feel reassuringly secure on dicey terrain. Watch out for the sizing, though — my medium/large set fitted me perfectly, but others had to size down.
They’re extremely comfy, even when pedalling for hours at a time, and stay up exceptionally well too, thanks to a slightly pre-curved knee cup and an elasticated strap that sits above the widest part of the calf.
The Velcro thigh strap lets you tailor the fit, but doesn’t need to be done up tight to hold the pad steady. They can get a bit sweaty in hot weather, but given the level of protection on offer, this is easy to forgive.
If you’re after big-terrain security with no pedalling penalty, the Raids have the versatility to justify the hefty price tag.
