I just recently did a knee pad comparision, and concluded that there are some pretty neat options out there. I cant say the same however for full knee-shin protectors. Ive had 4 as of yet, and none of them have been particularly good. Infact, im utterly disappointed. Take a look at some of those knee-shin protectors ive been using so far:
The problem with the 661 Comp Knee is a lack of knee protection, the front has good cover, but the sides are exposed, definitely a no-go when riding DH or FR. I also noticed that they would slide in different
directions, everytime I had a crash.
Granted the RaceFace Rally FR is best of the 3 mentioned in this post. But this RaceFace product fails on the comfort. Lower leg, and upper knee are badly irritated after some hours (4+) of use. The Rally FR rubs your skin, making it red and sore. And its not just me, other riders with this product are reporting similar problems.
The problem with the FOX Launch Pro Knee/Shin guard is lack of side protection at the knee. Its basically non existent. This really comes as a surprise, as the Fox Launch Pad Pro had left me with such a positive impression. What where they thinking?
All I want is a good knee-shin protector for bikeparks. Im looking for something comfortable, as well as something that covers a good deal of the knee, and stays in place. Am I really asking for too much? Im currently considering the 2012 POC VPD 2.0 Knee/Shin guard, or the more burly FOX Titan Knee Guard. Got a suggestion for me to try out? Or something to stay away from? Write me a comment, and I might just check it out (or keep away from). Comments does not require a sign-in.
In previous post you indicate purchase of Superstar direct mount stem... Any thoughts on qual or performance?? I need a cheap stem for proj using Boxxer and thinking of SStar... Cheers, Roy
ReplyDeleteHi there Roy, the Superstar direct mount stem is just fine, great quality for value.
ReplyDeleteI just totally agree with you. Finally I don't think no more my legs are weird. I never found a decent ones (with plastic knee shell) that fit o.k. on the upper side of the leg. When i bend and stretch my leg they get out of the place and i always wonder what will happen when I crash...
ReplyDeleteI own the Fox Launch Pro knee/shin guard and wore it once, and now it collects dust. It moves around and offers no padding either. I also own the Fox Launch knee/shin plastic guards. These are lot better, but they tend to move around a bit on jumps or while pedaling although they protected me during falls so I'm somewhat satisfied with them. The X shape strapping system on the back is lot better than the Fox Titan knee/shin pads. I had to return those, cause they were unbelievably uncomfortable so I wouldn't recommend those. I heard good things about the POC as far as staying in place but are really expensive. But might be worth it since all other knee/shin guards offer poor performance? I also tried on KALI AAZIS™ PLUS 180 SOFT KNEE-SHIN pads at the local bike park and they felt like they would stay on really good, but they didn't have the small size available so I didn't get a chance to try them on while riding. Good luck finding good knee/shin guards, I hope someone makes them!
ReplyDeleteMatej
Also check out IXS protection, www.ixs.com. Never heard of them though, just saw an add in my bike magazine.
ReplyDeleteMatej
@Jv
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not the only one. Have you looked into some POC products?
@Matej
Thanks for the heads up regarding the FOX Titan pads, ill stay away. Would like to try some POC products, but have to agree that they are silly expensive, especially their new VPD 2.0 products. Been looking at both KALI and IXS products, but I don't really see anything new or different, so im worried that those pads would end up in the "poor" category as well.
I would give the KALI soft pads another look, cause they looked pretty good. But the IXS pads look exactly like all other poor pads. Just doesn't seem like the regular straps would keep pads in place. POC uses compression sleeve with straps, so it might work better. The POC soft flexible pads look goo too. Definitely would like to hear how they fit if you decide to get any of them!
ReplyDeleteMatej
I think ill try the 2012 POC VPD 2.0 Knee/Shin guard, when it becomes available. Well unless I stumble upon something more interesting : )
ReplyDeleteI have both the Fox Launch knee/shin guard as the POC VPD Knee pad. Can't say I like either of them. The Fox Launch Knee/Shin offers plenty of protection from the front but none from the side and also can rub on long rides. The POC VPD knee protector is great except it slips like a mo fo! I have larger than average quads and average calves and they slip down like crazy. Even in the more recent fall rides where it's been 55 or 60 degrees they have slipped with the least amount of sweat. I do like their construction and impact material but if the knee/shin combo works anything like the knee protection keep clear.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up Matt. Looks like this review agrees with you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/protection/knee-pads/product/review-poc-joint-vpd-knee-pads-10-39874/
I'm sure you want the knee/shin pads for downhill only? This review praises the POC pads, hopefully the 2.O will be even better?
ReplyDeleteMatej
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/protection/shin-pads/product/review-poc-bone-vpd-leg-armour-35125
Im actually curios as to how these pads end up, with the 2012 VPD (2.0)
ReplyDelete(Present version):
http://www2.pocsports.com/products/showproduct.asp?category=20-Bike&id=20400
Btw, CRC allready has the 2012 Bone VPD listed: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=73278
ReplyDeleteFrom the pictures there don't seem to be any difference between the 2011 and 2012 POC Bone pads. Do you know if there are any? Maybe there won't be any differences between the 2011 and 2012 POC Joint pads? Seems like CRC already has the price up for the 2012 Joint pads, but no picture:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=73277
Matej
Good question, the POC website still doesnt have any 2012 info, there are however some sparse info from different bike expos about the 2012 stuff, but nothing really informative. Guess ill have to wait and see.
ReplyDeleteI have been riding my poc for over a year now. And they are worth every penny!! Although they slip a bit (very little but still enough to mention) to the side they have safed my legs more than ones!!
ReplyDeleteYou know how I drive, and my legs havent had a skracth yet
They are definitely high on my list. Shame you wont ride with us tomorrow, I wanted to check them out.
ReplyDeleteYeah yeah, the leg protection... riding a long DH section and watching your blank knees showing up under the slipping protector... Or finally stopping at the trail, totally annoyed of the itchy feeling beneath yout protector.
ReplyDeleteRight now, for me the 'RaceFace Rally DH' leg protectors work best. Very comfortable, not slipping, good protection.
Nice, whats the difference between the FR and DH version of the Rally leg protection?
ReplyDeleteSince I do not have any experience with the FR version, I cant really tell.
ReplyDeleteBut searching the INet, I found out that the DH version has a better lower leg protection (esp. the backside - pedal bites), and an overall 2mm thicker padding (DH 15mm / FR 13mm).
At the RF HP 2011 product description, the main difference (the feature the FR version does not have) is a
"Knee stabilization pad centers the knee and ensures stay-put fit".
But as I said, since I dont own the FR version myself, I cannot tell if there is any 'real' difference.
Anyway, hope that helps.
Thanks man, I appreciate it.
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