Mountain Biking - good value protective gear?

I went downhill (at sol vista, co) for the first time in a while today, and realized that I need to invest in some pads and a full face helmet. Wondering what a good setup is for the money. I'll be going several times a year, no racing. If further info is needed for a recommendation, let me know. thanks!

Budget? I have POC Bone armor and their VPD knee pads. Awesome stuff but a bit pricey. However, i tried about 5 pairs of knee protection that I didn't like before i stumbled upon POC.

661 or kali make great stuff. POC is pretty awesome, and expensive.

+1 for Kali. Have some of their knee pads and they are awesome. Lightweight, comfortable, good protection, and best of all they stay put. Stay away from 661 for anything other than helmets. They have crappy stitching and my buddy has the kyle straight knee pads which are supposed to be their best i do believe and he has had nothing but issues. They always slide down and the stitching was coming undone after like 3 rides.

Budget? I have POC Bone armor and their VPD knee pads. Awesome stuff but a bit pricey. However, i tried about 5 pairs of knee protection that I didn't like before i stumbled upon POC.

Trying to stay pretty reasonable, not sure how little I can get away with. They will only be used a couple times a year, but after my recent hard landing I'm thinking it might be worth it..

I've heard good things about THE Storm. I have the 2 piece on the way.

http://www.the-industries.com/product/T2PC-0-6.html

Allows use of shin/knee combo, or just shin or knee. Also can be put on without taking shoes off. They are supposedly comfortable (straps have a neoprene backing), have good ventilation, and won't slip during a fall. I hope they are what I am looking for. I only need moderate protection, and will be clipping them to my camelbak on the way up. The second strap from the top is not supposed to be worn when shin/knee are on at the same time. I will let you all know how they work when I get them.

CRC is having a good sale on the RaceFace Rally FR guards right now. Costs like $50.

Might I suggest trying a couple on? I have Dainese Freestyle knee guards because out of the ones I tried (Fox, 661, Rockgardn, Race Face), they were the only ones that fit me right. They weren't super cheap, but they're comfortable. Same with the full face. I have a Fox Rampage because the 661, Giro, Fly, and Specialized didn't fit as well (and the TLD was way out of my price range). I bought a pair of cheap-o Fox elbow pads without trying them on, and I never use them because they're terrible.



Stay away from 661 for anything other than helmets. They have crappy stitching and my buddy has the kyle straight knee pads which are supposed to be their best i do believe and he has had nothing but issues. They always slide down and the stitching was coming undone after like 3 rides.
For what it's worth, I've never had a problem with 661 stitching coming apart. I have a pair of 661 DJ knee pads that I use for snowboarding that have held up fine. I also have a 661 Core Saver that's been holding up well thus far, but I don't have enough use on that one to really vouch for its durability.