POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads
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POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads $79.95
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REVIEWS
Lena W.Runs slightly small but great product
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
Recently purchased these and have used them on one ride. Spent 4 hours pedaling in hot weather, and they were incredibly comfortable, felt like I wasn't wearing knee pads! I had originally ordered the small, but they were too small despite having measured everything beforehand. The medium fits me perfectly. It seems like they run a bit small.
Emily NollGearheadRIDE ON!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
After trying on quite a few knee pads, I went with these ones and wasn't sorry! They are sleek and have a minimalist design with maximum strength and protection. The other knee pads I tried were just too much material and felt claustrophobic. When I got these on the trail, I felt confident and my skin was still breathable. they are easy to get on and off and stay put. i didn't have to adjust them whatsoever once they were on. love them! got the elbow pads to match.
TrippRuns Large in Size But Not Protection
- Familiarity: I returned this product before using it
If you are convinced that a little protection is better than no protection, and desire a well-made lightweight pad that will eliminate potential trail rash and help you avoid making your best impersonation of a snake as you suck air between your grit teeth for a few breaths after an unscheduled dismount, then this pad is probably hard to beat.
However, if only strap on knee pads when getting out of your comfort zone, whether that be on a carriage road, doing park laps, or attempting Moore Fun in Fruita, CO after a double scoop of Tailwind and no front brake, then I’d consider upgrading to more substantial protection like the POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Guard.
The solid piece of VPD padding on these Air pads didn’t breathe or shape to my knee as comfortably as the molded and perforated 2.0 Knee Guard. Furthermore, the slim and malleable padding on the Air felt like it would protect against scrapes and minor bumps, but nothing beyond the kind of injury a shot of whiskey or an ice-cream cone couldn’t fix (depending on age and/or preference).
These Air pads are light, but without a rear strap over the back of the knee, proper sizing is critical. My legs measured to fit the lower range of the large, which fit comfortably, but I found the medium to be a more secure fit. Ultimately, I opted to upgrade to the VPD 2.0 Knee Guard which I also choose in medium despite my legs measuring large.
Other than weight, I did not feel as though the reduced protection of these Air pads offered any pedaling or comfort benefits over a more substantial pad or guard. For reference, please note I do not strap on knee pads every time I ride. I reserve them for when I anticipate my meager skills on gnarly terrain make unexpected and awkward ejections imminent. For those days, I recommend going with something that offers better protection.
For more information on MTB Gear, this rad girl has shredded some of the gnarliest terrain UT and CO has to offer, and knows her stuff:
egiebler@backcountry.com
801.619.7481
Joe BoltonGearheadComfy Protection
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
- Fit: True to size
I bought these for my girlfriend and this is what she had to say: Should have bought a small instead of medium because the pads did eventually start to migrate away from the elbows, but only in the roughest conditions. Other than that, they were great! Felt much more protected riding with these elbow pads! Thin enough to fit underneath a three-quarter length sleeve jersey, and I didn’t overheat or feel burdened by a heavy pad while riding
George PointonEmployeeLight pads/careful however on sizing
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These are great pads but I found myself to be too in between on sizing. They will work flawlessly for some but others might have my same issue with sizing.
Carlos A.Comfortable and Not Bulky Protection
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
These pads reasonably protect the front and sides of the knee without being bulky. They are flexible and do not restrict movement. VPD padding is somewhat similar to the D3O material used by other brands, which claims to be flexible under normal movement but hardens upon impact. I haven't crash-tested them but I believe its enough for aggressive trail riding in terms of abrasion and impact protection. If you're riding more aggressive downhill I'd recommend heavier pads with thicker padding and larger coverage. I use them for every ride on technical trails. I wouldn't say you'll not feel the pads while riding because that'd only be true if you go bare knees... I feel them comfortable enough for my normal 1-1/2 to 2 hour trail rides. The pad is "pre-shaped" to a slightly bent knee so they are comfortable on the riding position while helping pad to stay in place during pedalling and/or crash. After two or three rides they were "broken-in" and felt better than on first ride. I was on the lower side of the Large size range and they were spot on for my taste... maybe a size down would have felt good as well, but I don't like things too-tight.
Connor Johnson assisted me with the purchase < cojohnson@backcountry.com >... his advise was good!
Michael RothGreat Pads
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I like these pads. I am 5'6 and 130 and a medium fits me the best. Small was WAY too tight even though I'm pretty sure I measured correctly! These are comfy for about 3 or 4 hours of XC riding and after that as I imagine any pad would, start to rub a bit. I have fallen a few times and they have protected my knee cap well. The side of the pad doesn't have as much padding perhaps to make them more flexible. I would recommend buying these. They are my first pair of knee pads, though, so better pads could exist. I certainly will try a different pair in the future with a bit more padding.
Darrell C.Great pads, very comfortable
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I used these pads on a 25-mile trail race on a unicycle. They are extremely comfortable, more than any other pads that I've used. Upon trying them on, I felt they might be just a little bit too small so I immediately ordered a size Large which I then felt were a tad too large. I decided that it's more likely they would stretch a bit rather than shrink, so I chose to keep the Medium. After wearing them for 3 hours solid on a 25-mile unicycle trail ride, I barely even knew they were on. With other pads, I feel like I have to constantly adjust them and pull them up after pedaling, mounting, and dismounting. I don't remember having to adjust these a single time. I didn't have any major falls on this ride, but all other reviews seem to attest to the protection these pads offer. I was extremely pleased with the comfort factor.
Also, the breathe-ability was incredible. This was a 70° day and low humidity, but my knees didn't sweat at all during the long ride.
cra109146962Light and comfortable
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I ordered the mediums but returned them for the large, I have put 20 miles of rugged trail on them and found no complaints. They hold up well no adjusting and I forgot they were on. My wife also has a pair and she likes them. she also had to exchange her smalls for mediums. the sizing chart runs small, but Backcountry was very easy to deal with.
Rick BarbeeGreat gear!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I ordered these according to sizing chart. They fit a little big, the Velcro strap is nice but securing the strap, there's only about 1/2" of Velcro attached. That's the only con I have. Now for the good stuff..... Amazing pads!!! Even with only 1/2" of Velcro securing the top side, these pads stayed put, did not shift or slide during multiple 18 mile rides. Did not feel bulky or intrusive in any way. Very breathable and light. A couple spills and they paid for themselves, did exactly what they were made for. Super impressed. They not only protected the top of my knee but also the sides. Definitely recommend if you're in the market.
Kayla WeiserGearheadLow Profile Protection!
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I can't express how stoked I am on these. I've taken a few too many spills without protection, and I'm getting a little sick of the bruising and blood... Feeling way better now! I LOVE the design- not bulky and easy to fit under shorts, the padding is awesome and easy to mold- I'm not a fan of the hard plastic. The neoprene anti-slip padding actually WORKS too, so long as you get the sizing right! These bad boys stay in place for a full day of riding. They're OK for pedaling, if you're on a ride that has a mix of up n' down.
As far as sizing goes, I strongly recommend checking the sizing chart- I found that to be very accurate (I just used a string to measure and put it up against a ruler). I was in between a S and M, and went with the smaller size so I didn't have any issues of slip.
All in all, if you need some pads- look no further! Ladies or gents, these are the bomb dot com.
SheilaEmployeeSizing is difficult to get right
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I like these knee pads a lot, I feel very protected and they don't move (if you buy the right size). Pedaling in them isn't horrible, however I bought them to use during the descent.
Overall, if you grab the correct size I don't think you can go wrong with these!
Christopher P.I crashed in these and my knee was A-OK.
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I ride single track and I wanted something with knee protection that I wouldn't mind climbing and pedaling all day in. I crashed around a berm at a decent speed and landed onto compacted dirt with small rocks. My right knee took a pretty good side impact. These knee pads worked great and helped me walk away like nothing happened. I'm committed to wearing these from here on out.
If you are riding anything with larger rocks or downhill definitely get a more substantial pad though. Don't forget the intended use case.
Amy L.EmployeeLooks great.
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I haven't taken these out yet but were comfortable when I tried them one. I am small in most protective gear but I bought a medium this time and they fit perfectly.
Robert S.Might be a good idea to actually take them out and use them before a review.
cda105265617-0Hey Amy, I'm trying to figure out which size to buy, I'm 5'5" and about 130- do you have a recommendation?
Michael M.Is this a pair for the price? Plus are these good for a beginner just getting into the mountain bike/trail thing, not trying to do anything crazy get.??
Kevin M.Like 'em
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I like these knee pads for cross country and trail riding. I'll still use the heavier duty VPD2 for where there's a bit more more fast downhill riding. Hardly noticed these climbing on and off for a couple of hours. Design and quality is great and they didn't move around or down.
Sverre L.These fit women!
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I've bought Kali, Demon Snow, and Six Six One and returned all but the POC VPD air. Always sz small. POC runs smaller than the other brands and fits my stick arms! I don't have stick arms by any stretch of the imagination, but my god I was just swimming in the Six Six One pads. The others were a little loose and caused hot spots. I haven't wrecked with these POC pads yet, but they are comfy and stay put while riding.
cda105265617-0Hey, thanks for info that these work for women! I'm trying to figure out which size to buy (I'm 5'5" and ~130), do you mind sharing what size you bought and what size you normally wear? Thanks!
steve D.Whats the difference between these air and the non air VPD's other then the pads on the side? I noticed a $10 price difference, but is the front pad the same on both.
Virginia DickinsonThe air version is ideal for someone who wants protection, but still plans on doing a lot of pedaling (geared for the cross country rider). The non-air offers more protection, but is stiffer so less ideal for all that pedaling (geared for the freeride/downhill rider).
Darick NaceEmployeeNo Complaints
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I have these in addition to the VPD Air Elbow Pads. When I first purchased these, I was worried they would be a hindrance while climbing. Coming from PA, where most riding is XC, I enjoy climbing. I don't ride bike parks or downhill, and never use the chair lift. I bought these with the thinking that pads are cheaper than a medical bill. Thankfully I have yet to experience any chafing. The only time I had slight discomfort was due to some bunching in the sleeve material while climbing to the Wasatch Crest trail in Park City. But, this was a 2-hour, 3,000 foot climb. Otherwise, it has been smooth sailing.
p.s. I should mention I have yet to fall in these. So, I can't comment on their durability or protection.
natcho_ho100073306I Just received mine, are they Right, Left specific?
natcho_ho100073306I just got confirmation from POC. They are Right, Left specific. It's "faintly" labeled on the small tag in very small print. When worn the large POC logo on the Pad is outward facing. On some other web-sites and on-line reviews they have the pads on incorrectly......
Thanks for contributing to the community, Rick. Cheers!