My 2 pence on kneepad purchasing...
I was in the same position a couple of years ago. Everyone told me to get the Send pad, but it was £70. I bought the Red Chilli pad instead for £35 and it was crap. A couple of months later I was looking to upgrade, saw the Sportiva one for around £50 and bought it thinking that Sportiva are a good brand, so it must be fine. Wrong. I now have 3 kneepads and only wear the Send. The difference is as big as it is between good and bad shoes.