[bagtagley]

Got a question. I ordered the Rally DH pads from my lbs, but he screwed up the order and got the FR instead. He's more than willing to send them back and get the right pads, but I'm not sure it's necessary. I tried them on in the shop and they seem bomber. Nice coverage, light weight and good ventilation. The only thing is that I got these for DH racing...I already have some Fox 911 that I use for freeriding.

Does anybody have the DH, or can anybody compare the DH to the FR? Is the level of protection enough to warrant sending these back for the heavier duty ones? The FR seem to have as good or better coverage than many companies DH pads.

 

[tenderfoot]

The big difference between the DH and the FR is the thickness of the foam behind the actual pads and the mesh covering the back of the legs. The DH is a little thicker and has the mesh and are hot. I had the DH and had some problems with the top of the knee pads rubbing away the skin above my knee, but I doubt everyone has had that problem.
I swapped out the DH for the FR and have had zero problems with them. They're so light you don't even feel them, except when you need to, and they do the trick as far as protection is concerned. Hope this was helpful.

 

[gmac]

Got the FR. No problems.

Seem beefy enough. Cooler too I bet

 

[SpaZwEll]

I had the DH pads and I hated them. Way too big for me (medium). So, I got the FR in medium also, and they fit perfect!! I like the FR better. They don't move on me, good side knee protection, grip calves better. My DH never seemed to fit and the mesh backing might make you feel better about your calf protection, but I would rather have better ventilation over bulkiness.

 

[Zark]

I got the DH at first and they didn't fit (medium) They were huge with tons of back of the calf protection. So I ordered the FR and it was exactly what I was looking for. Killer fit and protection and thhey stay in place and don't overheat me too bad. Sweet pads.

Donate the 911's to a needy grommet, the Rally FR's are alll you'll need

 

[bagtagley]

Exxcceelllent.

Thanks folks, guess I'll be keeping them. Gotta say, this is the first time an LBS screw-up has worked in my favor.

Zark, that's not a bad idea. I got a buddy in desperate need, but if he declines I'll post something on here.

 

[MikeD]

I agree about the FR v. the DH pads.

I still don't understand why heavier products end up labeled DH and lighter ones FR (it's a trend in all componentry and clothing.) Actually, I do understand...I guess FR implies pedalling around whereas DH implies lifts and shuttles. But in practice, it's not usually the case, is it? The racers all want light stuff and the self-described freeriders all want heavy/strong/cheap stuff.

 

[jon-boy]

I chose the FR over DH version, mainly because I have a friend who was having some chafing issues with his DH versions. They are quite a bit stiffer and don't bend too well. The FR version has LOADS of coverage and are perfect for DH duties.