We’re big fans of Scott’s Grenade pads, and the Soldier 2s shift the balance from full-on, heavy-hitting protection more towards all-day comfort, but look set to be just as highly revered.
Impact absorption is taken care of by that clever stuff D3O, which is soft and flexible until you hit the floor, when it hardens in order to protect. The padding’s pre-curved construction means it fits snugly around the knee and it also extends a little way down the shin to provide decent coverage.
It’s pretty thick too, especially compared to the amount used on some lightweight pads, and there are EVA foam inserts on the inside of the knee to bolster protection further.
To keep them securely in place, the Soldier 2s rely on a tight-fitting mesh sleeve and elasticated cuffs at the top and bottom. The upper cuff also gets some silicone print inside to help stop it sliding down.
Although we had initial concerns that the pads might not stay up, after several months of use we haven’t had any issues with them slipping. There’s also been no chafing, and they breathe well enough to keep you from overheating. Even after a few washes they’re holding up well.
The lack of adjustability does mean it’s important to get the right size though — so, if you can, try before you buy to make sure you get it right.