Knee/shin guards or just knee?
 

Hi everybody,

I'm new here, and basicallynew to mountain biking, about 4 months now.
I'm now looking to buy knee pads, and I found some options I liked:
1. Raceface - ambush 3DO knee pads
2. ALPINESTARS A-LINE KNEE/SHIN GUARDS

Already tried the raceface from a friend - worked great, didn't notice they were even there.
Didn't get the chance to try the Alpinestars, but I read really good reviews, and they are in my price range (55-65$).
My questions is - how important is it to get shin guards for mountain biking? because I did notice that most people just use knee pads, and I didn't hurt my shin (yet).
And also, It looks like the ambush knee pad has a bit more protection on both sides of the knee.
Most of the trails I ride at are pretty rocky, let's say around 30-50% of the trail , and I don't think I get over 20km/h.

How funny, I hurt my shins ALL.THE.TIME. I never hurt my knees. I usually bang them off my pedals when I am in a rough spot trying to restart after falling off.

If you're using flat pedals, then I would go with the knee/shin combo guards. If you're clipped in, then the knee would be just fine.

I wear these Fox Racing Launch Knee/Shin Guards | Backcountry.com once you get them adjusted, you can take them off and on by unclipping the front.