Hi Chaps,
Haven't posted much but I actually have some insight this time!
I've just bought the 2012 version of the K1000 gloves and they are fantastic. I usually use split finger gloves so I was expecting a little inflexibility - turns out my fears were unfounded and they are lovely. They're so comfortable I'm wearing them now (actually I'm not). Basically, I love them like they were my children.
I've also got the Blade Strike pads from the '07 season (I think...could be '08...). They only cost me £35 so I wasn't expecting much, fortunately my expectations were about right. They're not horrible, they're pretty light and protect me enough for the level I play at. I like the fact that they wrap quite far around the leg but I *really* don't like that the straps are long enough to tie in a double knot. They're just a bit nothing really.
Having said all that about the pads, I'm loath to get rid of them as they've held together brilliantly (as is always the way with kit you can't wait to replace) and they have moulded to my legs beautifully now... read into that what you will.
Anyway, hope that helps!