for my level of cricket, here is the priority
1. fit - wrap around the leg especially the top hat
2. protection - preferably removable instep
3. weight - prefer as light as possible (HDF over cane rods to reduce weight as I don't need the added protection)
4. price - if i am buying in India, around Inr 2500
something like the SG Hilite is good enough and the price point is also great (usually get my gear from India).
having said that, i recently got some kit from SM and the pads (Players Pride) are quite light and offer very good protection which makes it slightly bulky as a result. they are also cheaper than the top Indian brands (SG, SS etc). but i feel that they would serve me fine even if i was to face 130 kmph bowling
http://smcricket.com/product-single-view.php?gid=13&cid=33&pid=193another pad which has been a favourite of cricketers for many years is the BAS Millennium 2000
http://bas-vampire.com/?h=product&id=60 something like in the link above but with 2 straps. it has been so popular that they haven't changed it for a long time.