Wanted to love them

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

I had high expectations of these pads given the glowing reviews. I was looking to replace a set of Fox enduro pads which I'd worn for a couple seasons, and which were beginning to stretch out. These POCs look decent and have good protection (they are much more protective than my old Fox pads, and while you wouldn't want to use them for DH, they are perfectly adequate for most enduro or trail style riding). I do find the fit a bit funky while riding. They slide on very well and fit fine when standing, but while I'm pedaling I find them to be a bit abrasive and "pinchy." As a result, they are less comfortable for medium to long term rides than my old Fox pads, and in fact I can't wear them for multiple days in a row without getting abrasions that I have to let heal before riding again. Hopefully this will change after a few more rides and washes.

Chris J.

Lightweight, Comfortable knee pads

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

These are my first set of knee pads, so I can't say much about breathability, but I can agree with everyone who says they don't notice them on when riding! I think they breath pretty well except for the top and bottom grippy parts that prevent the pads from sliding down your leg. As far as size goes, I'm 5'5" and 110lbs and I have super skinny legs so I thought I was going to need an XS, but the XS ended up being to tight, and the Small felt just right, so I would say these run a little on the small side. I haven't fallen on them yet, and while I'm sure it will still hurt when I fall, I'm very sure it will prevent major damage, puncture wounds, and gnarly trail rash! I'm very happy I bought these and I would definitely buy them again!

Jeff Guest

great lightweight pads

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

medium

Height

5` 9"

Weight

165 lbs

These pads are light and comfortable. They become near invisible when you are wearing them. Don't do the banzai run with these but for everyday trail riding they have become my favorite. Quality of materials and fit is top notch.

Dave Siccardi

Comfortable piece of mind

I love my POC Joint VPD Air Knee Pads. For 'light' downhill biking here in Park City and Dear Valley they provide a comfortable layer of protection. They're light, easy to get on and off, and provide just the right amount of protection to make me feel more comfortable on the downhill trails.

Chris Shields

Allows you to focus on the trail!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

medium

I picked these up before a recent trip to Moab to test my mettle on the Whole Enchilada trail, 22+ miles of downhill, slick-rocky wonder. The POC kneepads are incredibly comfortable, allowing me to focus on the trail and not the pads. I found them light, breathable, more so than I had even hoped through the ride's 80* day. They didn't slip down or sag once, remained in exactly the same spot. I am a pretty true lady medium, and took a medium in these pads, the smalls almost fit, but were a bit snug round my calf.

Hannah Dhonau

Light, Breathable

I've been riding with the VPD 2.0s for a few years now and they're great. When these came out, I knew I had to try them. I've been particularly impressed with how light and breathable they are. Well done POC!

Than Volk

Good knee pads but not the right fit.

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I bought these knee pads and had to return them because I didn't feel like I had enough mobility pedaling in them. Otherwise they seem like a great knee pad, and they seem true to size, just a little too hard to move in.

Lily Krass

everything you want in a knee pad...

Familiarity:

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

First impressions: Before pulling the trigger on the POC , I tried on the Dainese trail skin 2 and Fox Enduro to compare. I ended up with these because they felt like the highest quality. The padding felt sturdiest and has great coverage while remaining light, comfortable and flexible. The fabric and construction just give the impression of great durability. Trail experience: I've ridden with them a couple times now, and I love them! I hardly notice them, and usually end up forgetting to take them off before I get back in the car. I've only spilled once since the purchase, and they held up perfectly. No complains, and I highly recommend them.

Dane Price

Perfect Low Profile Pads!

Familiarity:

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

I love the lower profile of these pads. They stay in position the whole ride. Sizing, however, is smaller than you’d expect. I generally wear medium sizes but the Large fit me best. I haven’t wrecked with them yet so I can’t say how they’ll protect or stay put.

Cheryl K.

Good low profile trail pad

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

These pads are a good lightweight, low-profile knee pad. They don't offer as much protection as some of the other choices out there but they are comfortable enough to pedal around in all day. These are great trail bike knee pads though I've been wearing them for everything including park and DH. If you are concerned these won't be enough protection go with the Joint VPD 2.0. They run pretty true to size. The material is really durable it resists abrasion well. I'm able to slide these over my shoes and even with snagging on cleats and buckles many times the material has not ripped. Had a few slide outs in these and my knees are pretty happy still.

Brock Price

Great until they slip off!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

They are comfortable and lightweight for pedaling, but depending on how I wreck, these pads have a tendency to slip down off my knees! I had a pretty good wreck yesterday and my shin guards were what kept the knee pads from slipping completely down my legs. The tops of my knees are bruised, scrapped and swollen. The sizing is so weird - I can't even get the medium on and obviously the large failed me. The matching elbow pads also have a tendency to slip off just while riding around. I bought the smallest size I could get on my arm and they still slip. POC pads look good, super stylish, but none of that matters if they don't do their job!

Melanie G.

Great 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.

Charles Zachau

Wish 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

Height

5` 10"

Weight

150 lbs

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.

Light Weight Protection

Familiarity:

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

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 4"

Weight

165 lbs

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!

Cheryl K.

Protection 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.

Chasen Fairfield

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.

Lena W.

RIDE 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.

Emily Noll

Runs 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

Tripp

Comfy 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

Joe Bolton

Light 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.

George Pointon