awesome

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

XL

Height

5` 5"

Weight

150 lbs

These knee pads were not my first choice, I originally wanted to go with the Leatt Airflex Pro since they got great reviews on outdoorgearlab. Unfortunately, when I ordered them on backcountry, they ended up being on back order. One of the gear heads suggested these VPD Pros as an alternative to the Leatts, so I took a shot. These pads are very light and after having them on for about 2 minutes, I totally forget I'm wearing pads. They provide nice coverage for the whole knee area and don't get hot in the summer. I've not had a fall directly on my knees with them, but I have had a couple of crashes with them on and they provided good rash protection for that portion of my legs and evinced no wear or tear. Also easy to clean. Only knock and it's minor is that they attach with one upper strap and it's a little easy for them to slip down because they really don't have much material that extends above the knee. I think if POC added like 2 inches of material at the top these would be perfect.

nolasox

awesome

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

XL

Height

5` 5"

Weight

150 lbs

These knee pads were not my first choice, I originally wanted to go with the Leatt Airflex Pro since they got great reviews on outdoorgearlab. Unfortunately, when I ordered them on backcountry, they ended up being on back order. One of the gear heads suggested these VPD Pros as an alternative to the Leatts, so I took a shot. These pads are very light and after having them on for about 2 minutes, I totally forget I'm wearing pads. They provide nice coverage for the whole knee area and don't get hot in the summer. I've not had a fall directly on my knees with them, but I have had a couple of crashes with them on and they provided good rash protection for that portion of my legs and evinced no wear or tear. Also easy to clean. Only knock and it's minor is that they attach with one upper strap and it's a little easy for them to slip down because they really don't have much material that extends above the knee. I think if POC added like 2 inches of material at the top these would be perfect.

nolasox

POC Air Kneepads

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Great pads!! Living in the desert where we've set records this year for consecutive days over 115, it's nice to have knee protection that doesn't make me feel as though I'm wearing winter layers. Gives me peace of mind that I won't rack my over 60 knees:-)

Maureen B.

Hardly Notice They're There

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

M

Height

5` 11"

Weight

170 lbs

A great pad for everything form the bike park to trail riding. I've done a few trail rides with these and at times I forget that they are even on! The pads are flexible for when you are riding but firm/strong when you need them to and can take a pretty good impact.

Max Brennan

I bought these for mountain biking. All the reviews seem to be for biking, but the package says they are developed for skiers and snowboarders. Are they for both?

yourDisplayName

Small fit

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 6"

Weight

170 lbs

Bought the pads for a trip. Left them in the truck because I'm not used to wearing pads. I almost immediately regretted it because I ended up with some sick trial souvenirs very early in my first ride. The following day, I didn't forget the pads and took a few spills in rock gardens and some jumps. The pads worked great, even sparing my already hurt knee with no new scrapes or bruises. They do fit kind of small. I'm a medium dude in all aspects except my thighs. I think I'm safe to assume that most mountain bikers wield larger thighs due to the nature of our sport. I ordered the large based on other reviews that they fit small, and the large fit my otherwise medium stature very well. They don't squeeze, but they contour to the knee very well and don't flop around or slide in a crash. Just remember, they only work if you. wear them.

Ethan Pettigrew

Just got them and already love em

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

XL

Height

5` 10"

Weight

230 lbs

Got them on Saturday, went riding Sunday. I fell on my bike and slid on the ground. My knee pads didn’t slide at all! So glad I got these! Super comfy, lightweight and breathable. Definitely worth the purchase for those who are new to riding like me!

Tyler Spillman

Confidence for all-day trail riding

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

L

Height

6` 4"

Weight

185 lbs

Fantastic knee pad for trail riding. I was a little skeptical to purchase them due to some of the reviews, but they are the slickest looking and relatively low-profile compared to what else is out there. I also have chicken-leg calves so I was nervous they would slip without another strap below. I wanted a pad that I could wear on any ride no matter what that didn't feel bulky or like I was carrying an extra weight, but still gave me confidence to ride a little harder. I have never had these slip on me. I have taken lots of big crashes in rock gardens that would have destroyed my knees without these and they take the impact like a champ. After long sweaty days in Southern Utah heat, they still feel very comfortable and I don't get that pasty wet feeling in my leg pit by the end of the ride that a bigger pad would give me. After 2 years of year round riding, they are still in awesome shape. If I am hitting the bike park or some rowdy downhill, I would use a bigger pad with more shin coverage, but for trail riding these are perfect.

Nathan

Almost perfect

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 1"

Weight

180 lbs

I'm really pleased with these knee pads. They feel good on most of the time, they're easy to ride in, and they stay put. I've only had one spill in them, but they protected my knee perfectly. I used the actual knee pad size chart at POCsports and was able to get my correct size from Backcountry on the first try. My only gripes are that they sometimes pinch the back of the leg, which isn't painful just a little annoying, and the extra large POC logos on both pads. I like POC gear, but if I wear anything else that is POC I feel like a billboard.

Brian E.

Comfortable and not too hot

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is my first experience with knee pads but as I’m getting older it seemed like a smart idea. I did a lot of research before choosing the POC Joint VPD Airs and I made a good choice. These strike the right balance between comfort, protection and breathability. I live in SW Florida where it’s almost always hot and humid so the coolness and comfort factor were at the top of my list. I figured if I don’t want to wear the pads then it doesn’t matter how protective they are. I did a 15 mile loop on singletrack wearing these on sunny, hot and humid day where it got up to 90 and I did not overheat under the pads. Of course I got sweaty but nothing unbearable. Wearing them takes some getting used to and I always could always feel that I was wearing them but it wasn’t distracting and didn’t affect my riding. I’m to the point now where I barely even think about them. Getting them on and off is easy and they stay in place. I never had to adjust them. I’m 5’9” and 148 pounds with very skinny legs and the size medium is perfect. I haven’t cashed in these yet so I can’t attest to how protective they are but I thought I’d do a review to comment on the other traits.

pcmountain

Pretty solid

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

4 stars for lacking certification but they are pretty beefy and I wouldn't be afraid to wear them on almost every type of riding excepts true SENDING. I do not have any issues with overheating or pinching but I know others have.

Kyle

Top notch

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Great protection and flexibility of the pads. The padding is light weight but, protective across the knees. I keep the straps a little loose for better movement but they stay in place through the entire duration of rides.

Nick

Breath

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Very love it the first few times. Protect my knee from bruises as I rock climb. I am prone to injury. Yesterday I notice the knee pads slight off and loose a little midway through my climbing in the gym. I still love it. Perhaps it’s just the sweating as it’s pretty hot and humid in Los Angeles the last week.

Nick L.

POC VPD Air - OK, not recommended

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

The fit is the main issue; have size large and the circumference is fine but the pad, top to bottom is too short so is not comfortable and requires constant adjustment. Not recommended for MTB and would not wear for even the intended purpose - snow sports.

Lawrence L.

Pinches in the back of the knee

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 3"

Weight

180 lbs

I did a few rides with the POC Joint VPD Air. I was very excited when I got them, and I wanted to like them. The problem I had is that the pads pinch and chaff in the back of the knee. The problem is that the strap to tighten the pads will sit right in the back of the knee, which causing pinching. I think if the knee pads went higher up the thigh, the problem would be resolved. Anyway, I think the protection of the pad is good. Even though I didn't fall on it, but the protection appears to be very good. I also didn't feel any hot spots with the knee pads.

Manuel P.

Me encantan

Fit:

True to size

Son super comodas!

Rene B.

Very light weight! Love them!!!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have been debating getting a pair of these for a while and I'm SO glad I did! I have a pair of FOX Launch Enduro knee pads and I was looking to get a second pair as a back up, but I can only find them in red. :-( I didn't want anything too big and bulky. The POC Joint VPD AirKnee Pads are perfect. I rode today in the S. Florida heat and forgot I was even wearing them. They stayed in place and didn't slip at all. Highly recomended! My thigh measurement is 18" and calf is 14". Size Medium fit perfectly!

CHRISTINA A.

Finally!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 6"

Weight

135 lbs

I have literally tried almost EVERY knee pad under the Sun. All others were either too bulky or beyond uncomfortable. These are near perfect. Construction and comfort blow all competition out the water. Quality. I think they run small. I am 5'6 and 135lbs, chicken legs; and the smalls we're waaay to tight. I returned for size Medium and they fit so great without cinching them down at all. I'm stoked I've finally found my favorite pair of knee pads!

Brian C.

Open box, slap em on, ride all day

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

If you're looking for a straight forward knee guard that will let you pedal hard and flow with peace of mind i think it'll be hard to beat these. The day i got these i slapped them on and went out for a 20 mile pedal fest. Very little flow or sustained down hills , because i know they'll be good for that. I wanted to know how uncomfortable they would get with lots of leg pump and steady RPM. The strap on the top have enough give that you doing need to reef on it to get a little more compression and ensure a

Alex Weldum

Ultimate air flow and protection

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

If you are a mountain biker that loves technical climbing and demanding descents but not really interested in high speed downhill biking, these pads are for you. They are amazing. Put them on and you forget you're even wearing them. They made their presence obvious when I slipped off a 4ft boulder..that could not have possibly been good for my knee. They are light too! I wash them every once in a while on the gentle cold cycle and they hold up fine. Amazing closure system and no slippage!

George B.