- Options
Item # POC0182
Item # POC0182Light enough for XC, tough enough for DH.
The POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard is a comfortable, sleeve-style knee guard that's light and comfortable enough to wear on every ride. POC"s revolutionary VPD material conforms to the shape of your knee for incredible comfort, then stiffens upon impact to provide the protection of a hard shell.
Generally speaking, there are two types of body armor: soft, flexible
armor that's designed to be comfortable and hard-shell armor that's
designed to absorb huge impacts. As logic would dictate, the soft stuff
doesn't protect as well and the hard stuff isn't as comfortable. Well,
now there's a third kind of armor–POC VPD. As far as we can tell, it's
magic. VPD is a soft, flexible foam material that conforms to the
contours of your body. However, in the event of an impact, it hardens
instantly to provide the protection of a hard shell. It truly is the
best of both worlds. Not only that, but VPD is a true multi-impact
armor, so the protection level during your 20th crash is the same as it
was during your first. This is especially important because a fall can
often involve several impacts. You don't want your protection level to
drop off over the course of a fall, because that last hit might be the
hardest.
VPD is lightweight, soft, and flexible, so it's some of
the most comfortable armor that we've tried. Another reason that VPD is
so comfortable is efficient airflow. POC riddles its VPD material with
vents so air flows freely in and out to keep your skin dry and cool, so
you don't roast in the heat of the summer and get that nasty, clammy
feeling under your pads. The main body of the knee guard is
abrasion-resistant Kevlar-reinforced stretch fabric. POC also uses a
static Crash Retention Strap to keep the guard from slipping out of
place.
The POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard comes in Black and is available in Small, Medium, and Large.
- 3D-molded VPD foam protection
- Perforated design
- Elasticized hook-and-loop strap
View more Knee & Shin Pads
Reviews & Community
REVIEWS
Anjali GarrettEmployeeSize Up
These are pretty burly, and feel very protective. The material is comfortable and obviously technical. But size up.
Jennifer CGreat for DH days
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
These pads are super sturdy and awesome for the downhill days at bike parks. They have a nice snug fit, allow for decent knee movement, and feel like they'll really protect your knees in a bad crash. Not my favorite pad for longer pedal days, but fine for a 60-90 min uphill pedal. I mostly use these for park days though.
KendallEmployeeVersatile pad
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
These pads are great all around riding pads. They are not too bulky to pedal around in, and provide great protection. Maybe not the ideal choice for true downhill and bikepark riding because there is no hard plastic over the knee cap, but for most riding demands these pads from poc will do the trick. I often forget I'm wearing them when I have them on, and they fit great under pants, even tight denim.
Harrison BurnsNecessary Knee Pads
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
These are pretty sweet and paired with the elbow pads I sometimes feel a bit ridiculous but it helps build confidence for those who are learning or improving on already being awesome. Pedaling can be a little funky initially so I usually only wear these when I'm doing a specific downhill section. Downside to the pads is that they have to go over your shoes or you have to take your shoes off to remove them. This can be a little tedious if you're doing a long day on trail and don't want them on the whole time. Other than that, I love these.
Pierre LemireEmployeeKnee pads that will actually protect
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Great pair of knee pads. Something I would wear while riding lifts all day or taking a shuttle ride, but I might grab something lighter weight if I was going to be peddling instead. Quality stitching and quality product
Laura MascariGearheadArm yourself... or knee
- Familiarity: I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share
Perfect downhill and trail riding knee pad. You can get away with not having shin guards with these pads because they extend a bit below the knee. The soft knee pad allows you to peddle great but protects you when it needs to. The sleeve your leg goes through paired with the straps keep this pad in place better than most.
Jimmy DavisGood balance of protection and comfort
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I've ridden these pads for a whole season and for my intents and purposes (mainly enduro, but also DH and dirt bike) they have been amazing. As people seem to have noted, they do seem to run a bit small, but in my mind this is actually a good thing because they don't slide around at all. In fact part of me thinks maybe they don't run small and they are just meant to be tight. For a soft pad the level of protection is excellent. I've taken some hard falls and not even noticed my knees hitting despite bouncing on them.
As far as on trail use goes, they are definitely not breathable enough to leave on for longer climbs when its warm. I always throw them in a backpack, but I ride up for the down so that's good with me. If you want a pad for XC style rides this isn't for you, but it's not supposed to be either. For enduro races, bike park laps, or anything in between these are awesome and well worth it though.
They are also certified EN 1621-1, which is a set of standards for testing motorcycle protection... So I use them when riding my dirt bike sometimes. I have fallen riding the dirt bike through a boulder field and it pinned my lower leg to a rock and thanks to these pads and good boots all I got was a bruise. I wouldn't use these for racing or anything, but if you don't have other protection and they're laying around they'll do.
Diane K.Height:5'6"Weight:125lbsWay too small
- Fit: Runs small
- Size Bought: Small
Had to return for a medium (which would generally run way to big for me in unisex sizing)
Pierre LemireEmployeeThe right pad for me!
Bought these to give me some more protection while riding more aggressive terrain while still being able to peddle. They certainly give me the added protection I was looking for and while I can still peddle in them, I do not think I will be doing any all day rides with them. In that instance, I will opt for my lighter weight pads. Overal they are a perfect fit for what I was looking for, more protection without the bulk of a hardshell knee pad
JB GrahamGearheadPerfect Fit
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I recently got back into mountain biking, and thought I didn't need knee pads until my first wipe out back on the bike. Needless to say, I immediately snagged these and couldn't be happier. They fit extremely well to your leg/knee, do not slide, and breathe surprisingly well!
Charles HGearheadSimple, stylish protection
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Protect those knees before you scrape them to bits! These look great and I have gotten plenty of compliments how fresh they look.
gregory mogleExcellent protection w/o bulky feeling
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Bought these knee pads after buying and loving the vpd 2.0 elbow pads. Excellent protection w/o bulky feeling. No slipping or discomfort while peddling or on the downhill. Conforms to the body and almost forget I have them on. They are a bit warm for the up but usually just put em on for the downhill anyway. Washable and durable. Would definitely highly recommend these pads to a friend. I am 6'1" 160# and mediums fit perfect.
Kyle LaudenslagerGearheadThe Swedes got it right!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Simplicity and cleanliness matched with a great fit and design make these pads a win win for everyone! Can't go wrong here, fit is great for me and love the look, style and comfort. Grabbed the elbow pads to match as well.
BeefCakeBest knee pad I've put on!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
You know gear is working when you completely forget about it. After strapping these on it felt like they were going to be too big and a little loose, that was hardly the case super comfortable forgot they were on and stay right where you left em.
Riding at Canyons, Deer Valley, Draper, I-Street, Ogden Bike Park.
Garrett T.Ideal for DH, Hot & Heavy for hard XC
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Pros:
-Warmth for winter MTB riding (I've also gotten into the habit of using them while snowboarding if I know I'll be kneeling and waiting for people)
-I've crashed a few times with these and they haven't torn up at all (through rock gardens and roots sections)
-They don't smell too bad, haven't needed to deodorize after riding in the deserts of Utah
-Don't notice them while pedaling comfort wise, aside from heat and bulkiness
-look great
Cons:
-Straps are about twice as long as necessary, I end up wrapping them all the way around my leg before attaching
-When packing these for uphills, they take up loads of room in my bag, I often have to strap them to the outside
-If you're looking for all day all mountain pads, I'd go for their "air" versions or styles because these are super hot and bulky, but not uncomfortable like other pads are (not scratchy or pokey).
Take away: Good to have for winter and park riding and snowboarding, I'd go for something else if riding in the summer or for extended periods of time when climbing is necessary (or you can just plan to pack them, but they're bulky)
Jeremy CollettGearheadBest Knee Pads
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Knee pads are a must have for any mountain biker and these are some of the best ones out there. I got them last spring and after a spring, summer and fall of riding hard, they are still holding up great! You'll hardly notice you're wearing them when your riding, but you'll definitely be happy you were when you fall and you're knees aren't destroyed. They provide great protection and don't slip around when riding. I highly recommend these to all mountain bikers!
Andreas M.Great pads, until they aren't anymore
I loved these for the first few months - but then they just stretched out to the point where they won't stay in place anymore. So they went from perfect fit and me telling everyone how awesome they were to basically useless. Unless the Dakine Slayers that replaced them, these don't seem to regain their shape after a wash.
John KutcherLOVE!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
Just picked these up last week after I had a few crashes ending up with scraped up knees. I was pretty skeptical about being comfortable pedaling in them but I gave it a shot. I was delightfully surprised at how little I noticed them. Obviously you are going to get some extra warmth and sweat with them on but that is to be expected.
Cody RobinsonLight and Comfortable!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I've now ridden with these about 15 times or so. I find them to be super comfortable and lightweight when you are spending the day descending. I would not ride these as my "everyday" knee pad, more so for a day at the bike park or riding shuttle laps. I'd go with the lightweight version if you are looking for that! They are a bit uncomfortable for the uphill, but they stay put for the day!
xmtbxCertainly not light compared to the 661 Rage Hard Knee, which was a great pad (Hey, 661 you are exceedingly dumb for completely changing that pad!) And I use the POC's for long all mountain rides (3+ hours), and for me they are *not* uncomfortable pedaling uphill--quite the opposite: they are super comfortable pedaling uphill. I've done two hour climbs while wearing them without issue. Great pad. Heavier and warmer than the 661 Rage Hard Knee, which I use on alternate days. Both stay in place and do not slip down. I've crashed many times with the Rage Hard Knee, and I've walked away unscathed. The first day I wore the POC's I went down hard in the rocks in Moab, and even though there was a stripe up the middle of the knee pad(presumably from impacting a rock), I didn't feel a thing. Durability is the best I've seen in any knee pad. My POC's are on their third season, and the elastic is just now starting to lose its stretch. No rips or tears in the material, and the stitching is holding up fine.
Joe BoltonProtection is key
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Protect yourself before you wreck yourself. These pads are great and I have already taken some spills with them and they have held up exactly as intended. I went down pretty hard and I didnt feel my knees hit at all but they are still plenty flexible to pedal in and wont bug you too much on longer rides. Highly recommend any of the POC Joint VPD line.
5"7 and 140 here, usually 8/10 pants... think a medium would still work or should I go large? I'm in between with the measurements. :(