Review: POC vs FOX vs 661 vs SCOTT

The knee battle.

I have been on a lot of knee pads these last few years, and been doing some reviews as well, but not anything in such a "grand" scale as this review. 4 different pads. 4 very different pads, if I may add so. All tested for at least 6 months, because long term testing is where its at. 

There is a clear winner, and a clear looser, so sit back, and dig into this knee-pad shootout.

The contenders:

661 - Evo Knee Pad
Fox - Launch Pad Pro
POC - VPD2 Knee Guard
Scott - Grenade Pro II Knee Guards

661 - Evo Knee Pad
(click to enlarge)

Fox - Launch Pad Pro
(click to enlarge)

 POC - VPD2 Knee Guard
(click to enlarge)

Scott - Grenade Pro II Knee Guards
(click to enlarge)

Actual Weight. All size M.

661 - Evo Knee Pad - 526g
Fox - Launch Pad Pro - 387g
POC - VPD2 Knee Guard - 574g
Scott - Grenade Pro II Knee Guards - 602g

So what do these numbers tell? Well, the 661, POC, and Scott are not that far from each other when it comes to weight. The one that stands out is the Fox Launch Pad Pro, its about 40% lighter than the Scott Grenade  Pro II. But does weight matter for a knee pad, in this weight class? My short answer is NO. These pads do not feel heavy, and weight is definitely not the decisive factor, whether its a good or a bad knee pad.

(click to enlarge)

Each pad is scored by the level of comfort, protection, ventilation, durability, and value for money. Lets get to it.

Comfort:
661: 3/6
Fox: 5/6
POC: 6/6
Scott: 4/6

My initial thoughts on the 661 Evo Knee pad where very positive; they where very comfortable  and the bed-in time is at just a few hours. Ill forgive its bulkiness, because these really are pads you forget that you wear after 30 minutes of use, and there is no cloth chafing. They did develop issues after long term use, read about that below.
The Fox pad is very resistant to unwanted movement because of a silicone strap in the top, and it sits very nicely on the leg. Note that the Fox Launch Pad Pro takes considerable more time to "bed in" - expect 5-10 rides.
The Scott pad feels good, and even tho it doesn't have a elastic strap, it follows the knee very nicely, but note that they get uncomfortable in hot temperatures, and that detracts from overall comfort-score.
POC takes a few rides to bed in, and requires that you select the perfect size for you, don't scale up or down when choosing size. But what you get, is a pad wraps discreetly around your knee, in a comparably, very comfortable manner, with no cloth chafing. A thick line of rubber at the top and bottom is resting against your skin, elimination almost all unwanted movement. 

Long term testing notes regarding comfort:

661: 7 months into the testing, the elastic back sleeve is getting a bit loose, making the pads more prone to sliding down the knee. This detracts from overall comfort-score. 

Fox: After a year of use, the pad began to irritate my upper knee. That was after a year of intense use and therefor does not detract from overall comfort-score, a year is a long time for a knee pad that's been used extensively. In addition to that, I will add that the silicon strap doesn't do well after washing, it disintegrates. 

Scott: Nothing to note - pad is doing great. 

POC: Nothing to note - pad is doing great.

Protection:
661: 2/6
Fox: 4/6
POC: 5/6
Scott: 6/6

Fox has good protection in the upper and lower front, the padding on the sides is thick as well. The knee itself is protected by a semi-soft plastic shell, its not a pad I would use for DH/FR, but for everything else it definitely does the job.

The 661 Evo knee has its D3o material, and while it does cover a alot of the knee, even down the shin a bit, its just scary thin, and I don't see it absorbing impact from sharper objects like rocks or similar. Blunt force is where this pad is doing its job best - but its without a doubt the least protective pad of the bunch. If you ride in rocky conditions, then stay away from the 661 Evo Knee!

The Scott is just a tank; big and thick, and you get a feeling that it can take some heat - because it can. The padding is thick, and has multiple layers besides the D3o, the pad itself is long and offers great side-protection as well. Put it to use for FR/DH - and get away with it, these pads are tough. Can be expanded with a shin-protector.

POC has to be the biggest surprise, it doesn't really look like its heavy on the protection side, but once you get it on, you appreciate just how much it does protect. The entire knee is covered with a thick layer of the VPD2 material, and it has a smart "hinge" system that allows the pad to follow your knee movement. You feel protected while wearing this pad. VPD2 is a "dough" that transforms impacts to the entire pad, instead of just concentration it into the impact zone, it also gets more flexible when warm, allowing it to bend around the knee when you use it. Can be expanded with a shin-protector.

The Scott Grenade Pro II is a tank. Its big, and thick, just the way the ladies want it.

(click to enlarge)

Its a whole different story with the 661 Evo Knee Pad. Thin, and...well just don't hit a rock.

(click to enlarge)

Ventilation:
661: 3/6
Fox: 4/6
POC: 4/6
Scott: 2/6

Fox, 661, POC - I don't feel much difference between the three to be honest. I do however think that there is room for improvement, for all of these brands. They do get hot on the warmest days in the summer.

Scott is definitely the hottest pad, great for winter, fall and early spring, but as soon it gets much warmer, these pads get way too hot - I wouldn't put them on, on a summer day.

Durability:
661: 6/6
Fox: 5/6
POC:6/6
Scott: 6/6

All pads tested are pretty tough, even after months of use, crashes, and what not, there is barely any scratch or malfunction. Fox was the only pad that did show some signs of wear, but its also the pad that I have been using the longest time for this review.

Value for money:
661: 2/6
Fox: 6/6
POC: 5/6
Scott: 4/6

The Fox is the least expensive of the bunch, but is a very good kneepad, so it wins big time in this department.

The 661 Evo knee is one of the most expensive knee pads on the market, only beaten by POC to my knowledge, and considering that the elastic back began to get more and more loose after just 7 months of use, the value for money isn't particular high.

Scott fares better. The price is somewhat similar to the 661, but Scott offers way more value; better protection and better comfort - just keep in mind that they do very hot on warm days.

POC might be the most expensive pad in this review, but its a pad what does pretty much everything right. Outstanding comfort, surprisingly protective, durable, and a ventilation that's comparable to the rest. Yes you pay more, but you get more as well.

Overall best pad:
POC VPD2 Knee Guard.

The POC VPD2 Knee Guard is getting top marks in almost all categories, and for good reason. Its very comfortable, has a very good level of protection, a good durability, and that puts it in a high score regarding value for money - you get a great knee pad. Its not perfect, the ventilation could have been better, but its not beaten by any competitors in this test either.

POC has obviously given this knee pad some thought, and that tells. Go get this pad, if you are into a upgrade, or just want to try something different, you will most likely not be disappointed, just be sure to get the right size for you.

Got questions, or a comment? Shoot away in the comments section.

Oldie but Goldie #6

"Oldie but Goldie" series will be my tribute to the "old days". When 640mm bars where considered wide, carbon was fragile, and adjustable seatposts didn't exist. And I'm doing it, for the fun of it.

Afterhours was a 2008 film-project that Erik and I was working on, it never released however, due to other projects. But I did a trailer for Afterhours, and recently found the file on my old discarded pc by accident. I thought it would be fun to post it here.

I actually like the edit itself, it came out the way I wanted it to, but it sure took a lot of "cutting". I don't like the misspelling at the end tho' *facepalm*

Anyway, enjoy:

Watch in HD HERE

Review: Canfield Brothers Crampon Magnesium Pedal

Just concluded my review of the Canfield Brothers Crampon Magnesium Pedal. Its a pedal that builds on the successful original Crampon pedal. Canfield Brothers did some improvements, and this is the result, but how does it fare? Well, I have been testing it in and out of bikeparks these last few months, and here are my concluding thoughts. But first the basics:

106mm x 106mm, chromo axle, DU bushings, laser etched logos.

(click to enlarge)

Claimed 282 grams, actual weight is 285g, pretty close imo.

(click to enlarge)

Thin 6-10mm magnesium body. Its just crazy thin.

(click to enlarge)

Replaceable dual sided pins. Long, but a tiny bit more fat than the ones on my Podiums, and my experience tell me that thin pins are key to grip on FiveTen shoes .

(click to enlarge)

 Crampon Magnesium VS Point One Racing Podiums. Podiums are noticeably bigger, they feel bigger as well. My Twenty6 Predator are way bigger than both tho'.

(click to enlarge)

So while these pedals are thin and lightweight, they are on the small size, and the grip isn't that good to be honest - compared to the Twenty6 Predator pedal (review pending). What did surprise me however, is how tough these pedals are - didn't expect that from a magnesium compound. The pins are easy to swap even if you bend or break them, that's a huge plus.
I have to be honest and say that these pedals stand in the shadow of the Twenty6 Predator pedal, everything this pedal does, the Predator does better in some way. I wish the crampon pedal was at least 1cm larger in both directions, and had thinner pins, that would address my main issues. Its not a bad pedal, but there are better option out there.

The Good:
-Thin
-Lightweight
-Laser etched logos, and a tough finish
-Easy swappable pins
-Surprisingly tough

The Bad:
-Platform is a bit too small
-Grip is so-so

Score: 3/6

Bottoms up!

Its been a while since a did a single post on a single ride, last time I did that was on the hangovers ride here and here. Anyway, I joined up with Jan and Henning and had a 3 hour ride. We sessioned some jumps, had a good crash, and hucked - hard.  Check it out.

Henning going full throttle into the trail gap.

(click to enlarge) 

(click to enlarge)

Speaking of Henning, he a major spill while trying to whip a jump, he didn't succeed. What he did succeed however, was twisting his seat and stem in different directions.

(click to enlarge)

Post-ride beer is soooo 2012. Mid-ride beer is the new black. (followed by post-ride beer)

(click to enlarge)

While it might not look like it in this picture, this new drop is 2m+ (6.5 feet+). And the 2m barrier is finally broken in this particular forest. HOWEVER. The landing is not steep enough, and entry speed is a bit slow, this result in a furious bottom out. Here you see me barely having any travel left in the front and back, and my body is squashing in. Ough.

(click to enlarge)

Henning giving it a go. His poor trail bike blew through all the travel and he told me afterwards, that he felt that the frame itself flexed in different directions. : )

The biggest killer however, is that this was supposed to be a drop that boosted you into a jump, but so much force goes into the landing, that it actually has no boosting effect at all. I highly doubt that this drop continues to exist in its current form. Good times tho' :)

(click to enlarge)

Very Random Stuff

Seriously random stuff this time around! Check it out.

Well this sure was money well spent : / It just happened one day, while the bike was just standing there...over-tightened? Its a Renthal Integra stem by the way.

(click to enlarge)

The crash-dude from this post, landing a table. He didn't crash every time ; )

(click to enlarge)

Got a new pair of shoes for the fall and winter. Its the FiveTen - Diddie Schneider model. A heavy duty FiveTen shoe that tackles a good shower without problems, it has a hard toe cap, and actually has grip on moisty ground. The build quality and overall feel is very nice, its definitely a shoe that has a flagship model feel to them.  Fiveten calls it the trail-builders shoe, but I'm just happy to finally have a pair of Fiveten shoes that are almost waterproof, something I've been wanting for a while. Expect a review early 2014.

(click to enlarge)

Testing a new jump. It took you a bit higher than expected..

(click to enlarge)

My Casio hi-speed cam died a week ago (for the 5th time?). Probably the most fragile camera in existence - and I'm all out of warranty. A new improved version is on its way, stay tuned for some test-footage.

(click to enlarge)

Now it might look as if Karl is taking a dump(enlarge the pic, its priceless), but its much better than that. He slammed his balls into the top-tube on a flat section. So much so, that he had to take a timeout...a long one. Plenty of time for me to take out the camera. His voice was somewhat changed after this incident..

(click to enlarge)

Run...run...RUN LIKE THE WIND!! : D

(click to enlarge)

Some dude eating it in Schulenberg Bikepark

Schulenberg Bikepark, Harz, Germany.

Hitting a 4.7m(15 feet+) roadgap is one thing, tricking it, is a whole different ballgame.

This guy did it 3 times in a row, but third time he did it, he crashed - and I had my camera rolling at 240 fps...

240fps. Simple edit. No sound. 32 sec.

Mad props to this guy. Besides some scratches and bruises (and a twisted wheel) he was ok.

Seat in one direction, bar in an other, actual frame in a third : )

I only ride park!!

...well actually I don't. But its the title of a seriously funny song, that you check out here. 

Aaaanyway, had 3 days in 3 different bikeparks in the Harz mountains with Drea. 16 gigs of gopro-footage later (and a hell of alot editing time), and I present you my vid "3".

The parks them-selves represent very different quality levels. From Braunlage bikepark, which should be a text-book example of how not to design a park. To Hahnenklee, that's actually passable for a single good day of riding, to Schulenberg - a place by riders, for riders, and trail design reflects that -no "Joey's" in this park..

I hope you enjoy.

Watch the HD version HERE.

4m12sec. HD option available. Embedded version:

4 shots from the perhaps most overlooked riding place in Eastern Europe

Why am I the only one riding this place?? For AM riding, this place is fucking sick! Want lift assisted DH/FR as well, this place got you covered for that too.. 

I am talking about the Tatra Mountains. I went there a few weeks ago (again), and shot a few pics:

You can just barely see the trail if you enlarge

(click to enlarge)

This place boarders on the edge between Poland and Slovakia, its actually Poland on the left, and Slovakia on the right.

(click to enlarge)

Trails like this warm my heart : )

(click to enlarge)

See you next time.

(click to enlarge)

I wrote a whole lot more about this place, here, and here, and here! And a great video here! Check it out.

Tree-gap vid

Being the first person to hit something is always freaking me out a bit. I would sometimes prefer not to do it, to be honest, but hey, someone has to be the first one, right?

But luckily it always ends up with this: The definition of good times.

So the hard thing was to find the right speed. I obviously didn't want to undershoot it, and die, but I didn't want to overshoot it either. So some testing had to be done on a nearby jump to the right of the tree-gap. Anyway, just watch it:

Watch in HD HERE

2m 07sec

Random stuff

A couple of random shots, enjoy.

Lets start of with a bike. This is the 2013 Gt Force, and the lucky owner is my buddy Karl. A full carbon frame, with the I-drive system(150mm). Its got a Fox 32 150mm up front, a Fox Kashima RP3 out back, XTR gears, Easton EA70 hoops, R1 Brakes and a Raceface Next crank. Not a bad setup, but it needs a dropper post, if it wants to be taken seriously tho' ; )

(click to en large)

In action.

(click to enlarge)

Needs more bandages!!

(click to enlarge)

2 very different forest-rockets.

(click to enlarge)

Dear Fox. Your close competitor (RockShox), makes full use of travel on its forks, you should try that on your future lineup.

 (click to enlarge)

Gapping the tree-gap. You get 8-10 meters of air time, and you can actually see the tree below me in this shot. More on this jump soon.

 (click to enlarge)

Trying the line to the left...

...and failing doing so.

Simple edit. 60sec. HD option available HERE.

The Anatomy of Intelligent Trail Design

Is the best tool for trailbuilding an axe, or chainsaw? Or a shovel perhaps? Its neither, the best tool for trailbuilding is this:

But how does brain neurons translate into great trails? Well, keep on reading, as I respectfully shed some light on that, lets start with the most basic thing:

What do you want?

DO: Have a plan and a vision. What direction do you want the trail to take? Do you want flow? Or a tech section, something open and fast? Or perhaps something super tight? Be progressive, not conservative. Ambition doesn't hurt either. Determination is your friend.

DON'T: Have a great flow one second, going right into something awkward that destroys the experience or flow. Know what you want from the trail experience, don't wander in the dark.

Real life example: 2 of the most popular local xc-trails provide small drops - followed by a very tight left/right turn. What this means is, that the drops has to be taken at very slow speed, punishing experienced riders who rides fast over drops. Don't punish fast riders!

Plan 3 steps ahead.

DO: See a trail-section in parts. Its easy to understand, hard to master. There is a start (green), a middle (blue), and an end (black). This can be applied to a trail that's 50m long, or 500 meters long, and anything in between. The important thing is to connect these sections in the best possible way. One have to complement the other, like a synergy.

Real life example: Ever been to Whislter? Or some place where every part just made sense, where the green blue and black part where working together in perfect harmony? Then you know what I'm talking about.

DON'T: Be lured by something that might look attractive as a trail (green or blue or black) but it just doesn't match with the other colors.

Real life example: I remember when a friend of mine found a really nice drop, with a good run-in, and a nice transition, after the transition however, there was a natural ditch, rumply ending any possibility for any further advance. So to use the color codes again; He had his green (fun run-in) and blue section (good drop), but the black section was missing(end).

Think of a trail in longer segments, then divide these segments into parts.

Here you have a single segment of a trail, divided into 3 parts:

Make it worth while.

DO: Reward the rider. Make the rider forget that pain in the legs during the climb, the prospect and anticipation of that sweet rewarding descend is worth the entire climb, two fold!

DON'T: Punish the rider. Don't demotivate the rider, to take that climb to the top, where all that awaits is a dull descend. Its ok to let the rider work for his carrot, but let that carrot be as sweet as possible.

Real life example: We all been there: climbing a  hard mountain to the top, just to see that the entire descend afterwards, is a dual track gravel fireroad.

Build stuff that challenge you beyond your "safety box".

DO: Build jumps and drops that seems to be just a tad too big or high/steep. Make stuff difficult. Within a few weeks you WILL be riding it, and even hitting it hard.

Note: Sketchy does not necessary equal fun. Challenge, however, equals fun.

DON'T: Build stuff that you can ride full throttle the very moment its build. There is no progressive challenge in that, and you will most likely get bored with this feature within a very short time. There are exceptions to this rule, but they are rare.

Understanding kinematics.

This is probably some of hardest things to master. How a bike rolls, and how much energy it costs. But its also one of the most important things, as its a fundamental part if you want to achieve "flow". Some trail builders have a great understanding of kinematics - perhaps even without knowing it. Others, are completely oblivious about it, and build as if gravity didn't exist. It does however - and its all about taming it to an kinematic advantage. There is much more to be said about this subject, but I would probably run out of ink..

DO: Be smart, be clever, and use the kinematics to your advantage.

DON'T: Ignore the physics, ITS THE LAW.

Real life example: Too many to mention here, its a huge problem.

If it doesn't work, don't use it.
Sometimes, something just doesn't work. Its only human nature to fail once in a while, luckily its also human nature to learn from the mistakes.

DO: Have the ability to scrap a trail section, a drop, or a jump, if it isn't fun, or doesn't work. Its heart breaking at times, but its the right thing to do, and deep inside of you mtb heart, you know it.

Real life example: My (good) local trail builders told me of this 400m section they where building on for 3 months, cutting down trees, adjusting and test riding. But in the end it just wasn't fun. They took a deep breath, shed a tear, and abandoned it. 3 months of hard work down the drain. It sucks, but its for the greater good.

DON'T: Ignore what doesn't work. It will haunt you, and your fellow riders, and depress the overall joy on the trail.

Make the best use of the terrain.

DO: Take every advantage of the terrain possible. Squeeze the most out of it. Scope it not once, but twice, preferable three time, to make sure you take absolute best advantage of it.

DON'T: Ignore the terrain ,  THE MOST OBVIOUS LINE IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST.

One hill, two different lines, be smart about what line you decide to build.

Trail maintenance is not an option, its a MUST DO.

DO: Take care of your trails. Riding will be hard on your trail, and the trail will slowly die on you if don't groom you trail. Service it, and you will have a trail that works as intentioned. It might even get a bit better after some time.

DON'T: Ignore the importance of trail maintenance. The result will be a damaged trail, that will suck the fun out of it, and you can even risk permanent trail damage.
Real life example: Well, I bet you know a trail or two that hasn't been serviced for a while, and it tells.

Trail testing: (ADJUST or ABANDON)

DO: Test what you have build. Its simple actually; is it fun? Challenging? Does the flow work? If you can answer "No" to one of these points, then ADJUST or ABANDON.

DON'T: Underestimate the value of the test-riding and micro adjustments. Micro adjustments can make or break a line!

Build With Passion

Jack Nicklaus pretty much nailed it: "I'm a firm believer in the theory that people only do their best at things they truly enjoy. It is difficult to excel at something you don't enjoy."

DO: Build with passion, it will most likely reflect on the trail. Passion breeds quality.

DON'T: If you don't enjoy it - It will tell.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and my mad paint-skillz as well. This is my tribute to all the great trail builders out there, you guys rock. If you have a comment, something to add or critique, then don't be shy, bring it to the comments section, it doesn't require a sign-in.