Can anyone speak well of 661?? These look legit, but I would like some input before the by. (SixSixOne Evo Knee Soft Shell Pad)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...1&s=automotive

I can. I've been using 661 guards and armor for years. I have the EVO knee pads and have been VERY pleased with them. I got them this season to run under my race pants (since there is no shin protection) but have also used them with my shorts since. They aren't bulky-feeling; they fit nicely inside the articulated knee of pants; and, even though they only have one (top) strap, they stay in place better than almost any other guard I've ever worn. They aren't cheap (as you've found out) because of having the spendy d30 space-age razzmatazz shock-absorbing stuff but IMO they are worth it. I also like the the cutaway at the back of the knee, so that sweat can't get trapped there. I've had my share of guards that create sweat rash and chafing on the insides of my knees, so that feature is welcome.

I have the prior generation Evos with the lower strap, and although they're nice, most of the time I prefer to wear the Straits (I think they're called Rage now), which seem to stay in place better, at least on my legs. If I were doing a lot of pedaling I would probably favor the Evos. Both have proven satisfactorily durable.

I have two sets of knee pads, the 661 Evo which is knee only, and Fox Launch Pro which has knee and shin.

The 661 is way better. It comes in more sizes, stays in place better, and is less restrictive when pedaling. I use size large with big quads and average calves. If you have big calves you might want to consider XL because the current model has an elastic sleeve for your calf and a strap for the thigh.

The 661 Evo large is bigger than (and fits me better than) the Fox Launch Pro L/XL.