POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads
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POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads $79.95
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REVIEWS
Charles ZachauGreat for Tele skiing
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
So after getting sick of the typical tele ski kneepads (which are a pad with straps around the back) coming unbuckled, loosening on their own, and falling to my shin I decided to give these a try. Tele pads typically are hard plastic instead of the VPD in these, which was an initial concern of mine when first trying these out. I skied half a season, ~25 days on these, they are awesome. A lot more comfortable than tele knee pads, additionally they stay in place, and are barley noticeable when I am touring. They absorb impacts of my knees to skies on bumps great, as well as hard plastic pads. The only downside is that you can't take them off without removing boots first, which isn't a deal breaker for me.
I haven't brought them out for their intended purpose of mountain biking as of yet, but I'm sure they are just as good as they are for skiing.
I would definitely recommend these to any tele skier out there who is looking for a change from their old kneepads.
Cheryl K.EmployeeHeight:5'10"Weight:150lbsWish I would have had these on last week
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit: Runs small
- Size Bought: Medium
Well, I thought I was invincible but ended up with stitches a few too many times in a row. Now I won't hit the trail without these. I just don't want to wear pads but these are super thin and light weight. These run snug and only have a strap on top. They seem like they will work great. I also got the POC gloves and elbow pads. Get them before you ride!
Cheryl K.EmployeeHeight:6'4"Weight:165lbsLight Weight Protection
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Fit: Runs small
- Size Bought: Medium
These are great pads. Super low profile. I don't want to wear pads but I have seen what happens if you wreck and don't have some extra protection. I like the high tech concept of the VPD staying soft until impact. There are some cool youtube videos about how it works. Almost like it has AI built in. I would highly recommend all POC products and this is the place to get it! Be safe, use protection!
Chasen FairfieldGearheadProtection and comfort
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These pads are the perfect balance of protection and comfort for me. They aren't too bulky and are fairly easy to walk in. They allow for easy adjustment to ensure a precise fit. I've taken some fairly nasty falls (none of them my fault OF COURSE!) and these have protected me well.
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 BoltonComfy 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 PointonLight 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.
Craig O.Light 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.
Thanks for contributing to the community, Rick. Cheers!