POC products - used and abused!

Dec 31, 2009

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This is a review and report of the following POC products that I've used for last season; Spine VPD Tee, Hip VPD Shorts, Bone VPD Leg, Bone Arm, Joint Ankle, Cortex Flow, Index DH and Iris DH goggles.

I started riding downhill last summer and I ended up buying a full set of POC armor and an Orange 224 evolution DH-bike. Since then I've been riding any time that I've had free time. Basically I have tested all the equipment I bought by crashing with them on, so I thought it would be good to write a review. I've taken pictures of each product after one season and I've also included pictures of my injuries that I've had while wearing this armor. I've also put some of my ideas on how to develop the products further. By the way I'm from Finland so excuse my grammatical errors.

Here is a video where I'm using these products:

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About POC:
The thing I love about POC gear is that they have had a fresh start and have not copied anything. The design is unique and pure Scandinavian. All the products have been well made and they have taken lots of time to figure them out in an innovative way. I like their business idea. I have read a lot about their success and I've used their brand as an example to my customers how one should develop business through design.

Since I bought all my POC armor(6/2009), I've had three different, bigger crashes and a different kind injury from each of them: One dislocated/broken little finger, broken collar bone and many scratches/bumps to my knee.

Here is the new set of POC armor on me. The other pictures are taken after I've used them for one season:

POC manufacturers customer service:
Overview: I have tried to contact POC to ask where I can buy the products and have also e-mailed them about the same thing. I've tried to give some feedback about their products, but they have not answered me at all. This is the worst service I've ever had. Usually at least something is answered. I got the supplier info from the THE-supplier in Finland. The POC supplier's (JK-Shop) service is brilliant.

Suggestions on how to improve: Anything is better than the current service that they offer.

*Editor's Note: Cosaleo is from Finland and his customer service woes are very much the opposite to what we at Pinkbike have experienced in North America. Both the Canadian and US distribution centers have shown to be more than competent and knowledgeable of all their products. It's unfortunate that he's had such a bad experience as all of ours have been above par with both North American distribution centers.*

Points 1/10

Spine VPD Tee:

Overview: This is a brilliant product. The VPD backplate is really comfortable and the jacket stays on perfectly. I like to use it without the waist band because the back protector feels better that way. The VPD Tee feels well ventilated in warm weather and also under a jacket during winter. The only problem is that it stinks after you have been using it.

Injuries: I broke my collar bone when I crashed over the handlebars. I did a proper landing but still my collarbone broke. I have been training judo for over fifteen years (I know how to land when going over my head) and I'm not sure if the shoulder pad broke the bone during landing. When I lift my shoulder, the pad touches the very place the bone broke. Attached is also an x-ray of the injury. After I recovered from the injury, I have tried not to use my arm to guide my landing when going over the handlebar. I have had similar crashes since and I have had no problems so this product works well.

Suggestions on how to improve: They could make instructions of how to try crash properly and how to practice proper landing during crashes. Other safety tips would be great. I'm not sure if the collar bone can be protected in any way but if there is an option it would be great.

Points 9/10

Hip VPD Shorts

Overview: This is a comfortable and useful product. So far this product has been servicing me without any major complaints. The fabric has ripped a little bit during my crashes. It's also been taking on color from the other fabrics in the product during wash, which is awkward.

Injuries: The Hip VPD short protects well because I haven't got any big injuries for that area. I've only had some scratches from my handlebar and saddle etc.

Suggestions on how to improve: If there was a non-puncturable material as in gloves that the police use, then the scratches could be prevented. I have been getting bruises and scratches to the area a lot. From the picture you can see that when the saddle broke, the saddle bar went through the Oakley shorts and VPD Shorts.

Points 9.5/10

Bone VPD Leg:

Overview: These knee pads have been a good choice to protect my knees and shins. They look good. Although they are not as comfortable to wear as they could be. They try to slide down when riding and I need to correct them in place every now and then, because of that, I'm not sure if the size is correct for me. These knee pads are good when it comes to a direct hit but they don't protect the knee very well when sliding sideways during a crash. One bad thing about them is that POC logos are coming off from both of them. The same thing happens with Bone Arm.

Injuries: I've had several cuts and bruises where the pads have slid away when I have fallen off the bike and slide along the ground.

Suggestions on how to improve: I think there should be better bindings/straps on the upper leg like the joint VPD knee has. There could be some fabric around the knee that protects it. Also a size guide on the web page would be nice too, because sometimes you order these products from the net and can not try them on.

Points 8/10

Bone Arm:

Overview:the Bone arm is a hard shell elbow armor. It's been a good product for protecting arms and there have not been any troubles or injuries. I'm happy with this product because it gives good protection and it feels good. It's also cool to wear because of the ventilation.

Injuries: None.

Suggestions on how to improve: Keep it this way.

Points 10/10

Joint Ankle:

Overview: I have been using this product with Five Ten Impact shoes. It backfills the shoes' features by protecting the ankle bones from impacts. They are really comfortable and light so you don't notice them on. There is also a protection for the Achilles tendon.

Injuries: None.

Suggestions on how to improve: One of the Joint Ankles inside has been broken so it does not protect the tendon any more. It could be made of a stronger material I guess.

Points 9/10

I took the visor off to see how the finishing has been damaged under it.

Cortex Flow:

Overview: Very light helmet made of fiberglass and plastic. Weight of this helmet is one kilogram. The helmet feels comfortable in hot or cold weather (Tested +28C to -12C).

Injuries: None. I haven't had a single hit on the helmet during any of my crashes.

Suggestions on how to improve: The finishing varnish is now matte and it scratches really easily so the helmet looks really old after only one or two weeks of using it. The finishing should be better, yet still matte. This can be a challenge for the manufacturer in China.

Points 8.5/10

INDEX DH:

Overview:These gloves are really good. They have been properly done and the design is good. They fit my fingers well and protect my knuckles from damage when riding too close to trees. They also protect wrists well because there is some hard plastic at the palm side of the hand.

Injuries: I crashed after a small drop and dislocated my little finger on my left hand. My doctor thought it was also broken but not seriously.

Suggestions on how to improve: They could put the two smallest fingers together to prevent dislocation. Two fingers together are stronger than a separate one. Here is a solution I done to prevented more damage to my little fingers. FE: Alpinestars use this feature in one of their road racing gloves.

Points 9.5/10

Iris DH:

Overview:These goggles are basic stuff. Nothing really special about them. I managed to scratch the lens too easily from both sides. The white color in the strap is total bull because it was not white after one trip. The good thing is that there is some silicone on the other side so the goggles stay on the helmet really well. The tear-offs aren't good at all for many reasons. The tear-offs are too thick. If you put two or more on you can not see through them properly. The tear-offs are too long and they don't have a second holding point so they slap against your face if you turn your head. I've cut off the rest of the tear-off to prevent that from happening. These goggles are nice and comfortable to wear and they don't get fogged up too easily. I'll probably change to another brand if there are no changes made to these issues in 2010. POC have introduced new goggles at Interbike 2009. They look like skiing goggles but I'll give them a chance. Here is a picture of them.

Injuries: None. I think the frame material is good because it is soft. Probably helps it to prevent injuries.

Suggestions on how to improve: Better instructions on how to keep the lens clean and avoid scratching. The strap should be made of a more stain-proof material.

Points 5/10

Whole POC set:
Good: Comfort, protection, design
Bad: Service, instructions, lack of stain-proof, smell
Points 7.7/10 (Editor's Note: Due to Cosaleo's poor service in Finland, his overall rating is lower than what it would have been if he'd had any experiences similar to us in the North America. His rating of each protective piece is very well received so don't let the overall rating hinder you from checking out POC in 2010.)

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75 Comments

Score Time

squishbiker (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:30)

It looks like you can ride.

Nice review, not too many people actually provide solutions for improving the products tested.
Depending on how much you ride, the wear you experienced with your gear looks typical for a full season of crashes and use.

[Reply]

bikeytom (Dec 31, 2009 at 2:21)

I like the idea of making a DH glove with the last two fingers attached together/ in one sleeve. I cant really think of a situation where I would need to use them seperatly, however it would have to be a tight fit with strong material to give much benefit in protection from dislocation.

crazygeorge (Dec 31, 2009 at 3:22)

Thats tape he put on himself. Read the bit underneath:
[Quoten]They could put the two smallest fingers together to prevent dislocation. Two fingers together are stronger than a separate one. Here is a solution I done to prevented more damage to my little fingers[/Quoten]

bikeytom (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:18)

I realise thats tape underneath. I was agreeing with his suggested improvements: "Suggestions on how to improve: They could put the two smallest fingers together to prevent dislocation. Two fingers together are stronger than a separate one. Here is a solution I done to prevented more damage to my little fingers. FE: Alpinestars use this feature in one of their road racing gloves."

[Reply]

almostwise Mod Plus (Dec 31, 2009 at 3:33)

Excellent review. This is what riders and manufacturers need more of. Honest, practical advise pointing out strengths, weaknesses and ways to improve. Sterling work Leo, 10/10! tup

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qpcr8tiv (Dec 31, 2009 at 18:36)

Good review, well thought out and written.

AS for POC... piece of chit. Their sizing is less than accurate. Expensive for what it is. As far as design goes... doesn't even match the market place. 661 and Dainese all the way.

There's something to be said for companies who are race-bred on dirt (not snow) and have been around for a while.

[Reply]

PennyFarthingDH (Dec 31, 2009 at 4:13)

awesome review the editor almost sounded like he had almost be bribed by poc Razz

[Reply]

DrSanchez (Dec 31, 2009 at 6:39)

That is without a doubt the most overpriced, ugliest and overall worst gear I have ever seen.

Buy an MX lid and MX goggles for less $$$ and have way better gear.

[Reply]

collin7 (Dec 31, 2009 at 1:11)

Great review, thanks! I have been eying their helmets... might also have to check out the joint ankle.

What's with the editors notes? Does POC have some deal with PB and they don't want any bad reviews going out? Just seemed kinda weird to add that into HIS review when it could have been posted as a comment. Plus, you will be able to get other peoples opinions on the service in N. America.

air2k (Dec 31, 2009 at 1:15)

Yeah, I was wondering those notes too...

Pabstinabottle (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:02)

Of course PB is doing this as advertising for POC that is what 100% of these review are, these blogs are all just giant Ads. and it's cheap for them too just send a set up to a kid and he does hours of research and advertising for you.

he did a great review of the products but they just throw those disclaimers in so that people understand the service problems where in a diff country. i know bad service reviews make me think twice about buying from a company.

cosaleo (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:59)

First of all I don't get any money from this, but I undersand your point Wink

I wrote the review just because I had the kind of information nobody usually gives on protection equipement reviews (they don't want to wreck themselfs for the review Wink

. Anyway the service in Finland has been great from since I found the dealer (JK-shop). The problem has been with the POC:s international service and I hope they correct the matter after this. Anyway I understand the editor's point and I agree with him.

brule Mod Plus (Dec 31, 2009 at 12:02)

collin7 - We have reviewed POC product on our own in the past and had a poor experience with the same gloves that Cosaleo seems to really like and we stated in our review that we do not like the gloves. Editor notes are there so that readers are less likely to jump to conclusions if not all the info is there. It's to help all sides of a story.

Pabstinabottle - Cosaleo is actually a few years older than you and you are referring to him as a kid, so really that's a little low from the get go. We've ran his fully independent review because we feel that it was really well done and truthful.

Pabstinabottle (Dec 31, 2009 at 13:40)

Cosaleo- you might not have gotten hard cash for doing it but i'm going to go out on a limb and say you got the gear free, that is payment. i understand you had the info it's just funny how little it cost the companies to the a 'blog' advertisement and how much contact / exposure they get from it.
Brule - the term 'kid' is used lightly not referring to his true age as much as the just i just type kid instead of guy when talking about people (including myself) under 30. i didn't bash his review it was good to read. but the term independent is kinda loose, cosaleo obviously has connections to PB or he wouldn't have been given the products to review, he is viewed in this blog as an 'opinion leader' thus people feel the information will be less bias. no matter how you try and say it, these 'reviews' are still advertising. and cheap advertising i might add.

brule Mod Plus (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:03)

Pabs - seriously I have no idea what your sources are but I don't have a clue who Cosaleo is prior to him submitting his blog - like many users that submit news on their own - heck you can even use this feature. Besides being a user like yourself, Cosaleo has Zero affiliation to us at PB. He was never given anything from us, really you need to ask questions before jumping to conclusions about things you know very little about.

cosaleo (Jan 1, 2010 at 3:36)

Pabs- I paid for my gear. I have no affiliations to POC nor PB allthough I would like to do some work with them because I'm a business owner and a professional Industrial designer / graphic designer. My company (www.komiadesign.fi) developes products / marketing to various companies such as Penaudio (www.penaudio.fi) B-band www.b-band.com and EKS www.eks.fi. I've seen how helpfull these user reviews are for our clients. They get real feedback from the field and we can use it for future product developement. My interest in making the review is professional / non-professional. Non-professional as a person who is DH-enthusiast. Professional as a product designer.

I wrote the review just for myself on the PB-blog. Then I saw the button where you can send the blog to PB staff. Anybody can do this as brule said.

collin7 (Jan 1, 2010 at 19:18)

brule - I can see how that is important information for us here in the states or Canada. You are right, and I guess thats why there are editors and also why I am not one! Now, to get back to my TransAM and Boot'r Reviews... Wink

[Reply]

hampsteadbandit (Jan 1, 2010 at 6:09)

3) All knee and knee/shin pad combos slide in crash if you go down in a certain way. The only thing I have used that doesn't do this is Dianese Viking Bibs because they are held up by the straps over the shoulders, no Coccyx protection tho....

I've been using Race Face's Rally FR knee/shins for over 5 years (on my second set now) and they have never slid down or moved in any crash or impact - easily the best knee / shin on the market in my humble opinion

my buddy bought the POC knee/shin off all the hype (he was previously using Race Face Rally DH knee/shin) and sent them back as the fitment was very poor and they would not stay in place despite being the "right size" - he got another RF set instead

I would go for the new 661 Race knee/shin as second choice - very similar to the RF Rally FR

bunkey (Jan 1, 2010 at 16:48)

Exactly what I was going to say - The RF Rally FR pads are the best knee/shin pads on the market imo. No unwanted movement and you forget your wearing them within a minute of putting them on! Good protection on the side of the knees too!

mtbfunfunfun (Jan 2, 2010 at 7:24)

My Race Face Rally FR knee/shin has NEVER slid off either. Not once. I've been using them for 5 years. Their only weakness is stitching that, while it is sunk below the surface, still abrades eventually.

One other point: If I suffered an abrasion injury where my armor failed I would basically trash the armor that I was reviewing -- perhaps with some qualifications. I find the positive tone of the review incongruous.

[Reply]

bkbroiler (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:49)

Great review, I have the knee/shin pads and love the venting, fit and articulation but they don't protect the inner sides of my knees. After my first day of DH with them on and no cashes both my knees (upper/inner tibia) were a bit banged up. My other pads are the Fox Launch. They go a bit too far down and have shifted on me in a crash after initial impact resulting in a secondary patella impact. Both have tradeoffs. Love the Joint VPD knees. Similar protection issues on the inner side but I have no comparison on soft pads. Gonna give the shorts a try.

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nick470 (Jul 13, 2011 at 7:37)

From a business/marketing standpoint, the high price upon entry to the market is meant to immediately establish POC as a high end manufacturer and designer of safety equipment. That's the segment of the market that they are trying to reach, and the pricing and their image are meant to get them there. Naturally, when doing so, they are also setting themselves up for the kind of criticism that we see here in the comments. Whether or not their gear actually lives up to the marketing hype is really something that can only be fairly evaluated with scientific testing and comparison to other brands. I just got some of POC's gear, and it seems pretty nice. The VPD stuff especially. Haven't had any riding time on it though so only time will tell if it can stand up.

[Reply]

rocnriderider (Dec 31, 2009 at 15:47)

I agree that poc googles aren't the best on the market because the ski google too scratche verry easily and the frame is veeeeery flex...I think for 140$ you can get better than that.

[Reply]

drytooler (Jan 2, 2010 at 14:23)

Good Revieuw,
I'am a IPO(Product Desing)student myself. So always looking at stuff like this. Poc makes good gear but its not that good at all if you ask me. Just diffrent whit a good marketing set-up. Its the"Apple" on protection equipment(its even Wite) :-)

Metanator (Jan 10, 2011 at 8:45)

Interesting thought there drytooler, as a fellow designer I have to say that although Apple's products cost more they are noticeably better in many ways, so the old saying comes to mind - you get what you pay for. I'm expecting delivery of a pair of Bone Legs this week, hope they stay put when I'm skidding down a trail!

cosaleo (Jan 12, 2011 at 9:08)

They stay on better if you take off the neoprene pads from the backside (calf protectors).

[Reply]

Samarius (Jan 1, 2010 at 12:45)

I'm surprised at this and in other ways not so much. Having read the hype and seen all the fancy back up merch in LBS' and demo's and so forth, I was under the impression that POC gear was extremely well produced, well specced and well thought out, hence the FECKING RIDICULOUS PRICE.

on the other hand it seems unlikley that a company are going to come out of nowhere and blow away the competition in their first season. RF rally shins for me for the rough stuff, and kyle straits for the trail.

[Reply]

elzorroinphilly (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:55)

I thought this review was pretty good, and much needed for us to get some perspective on a relatively new company. However I do think his gripe about the white goggles getting stained is a little picky. Don't buy white goggles if you don't want them to get dingy. Also, re: the comment about the tear-offs - POC's instructions say to never put more than 2 tear-offs on their goggles anyway. I have a BLACK pair, haha.

[Reply]

oldman54 Plus (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:35)

Excellent and thoughtful review - thank you. I looked at poc gear at the start of the season. Reading about and looking at your injuries and the condition of the safety gear I am now even happier that I chose and used Fox knee/shin protectors and 661 body armour!

[Reply]

nightfox (Dec 31, 2009 at 6:02)

I think that POC is overrated and WAY too expensive. Some of their stuff doesn't look so awesome either. There're better things for much less, save your $$$...

lenmerderdenfer (Jan 1, 2010 at 3:09)

No doubt, so right on, save your hard earned cash if you so choose and force them to lower their prices. Did you know that you could by an entry level name brand bicycle (lots of technology and parts comprise a bicycle) for the price of one of their helmets or even their torso protections and nearly a bike too for the price of their leg protections. Inversely, you could even purchase an awesome RaceFace Diabolus stem for the price of just one of their jerseys. (It's just a damn shirt) Why? Their retail markup is thievish in my humble opinion.

nightfox (Jan 2, 2010 at 11:24)

I don't know how long are they in the market but they can't start off with exaggerated prices...I mean, TLD costs LESS. You want to get to mtb riders, you have to be reasonable first, then start making the products better and up the prices if found appropriate.

[Reply]

nik-h (Dec 31, 2009 at 6:43)

Good in depth article, I've got three points:

1) The mechanism of injury for a clavicle (collarbone) fracture is an impact to the shoulder itself, not directly to the clavicle, so there is little that can be done to prevent that force being transferred unless you just massively pad up the shoulder cup. Its usually just a case of being unlucky with how you land.

2) All goggle lenses scratch, however good quality they are. The lenses are pretty much a disposable part of the goggle - hoping of course that you can source replacements easily. Thats why I always have Oakleys even tho I love the look of other makes more, I know I can get MX O-frame lenses no problem.

3) All knee and knee/shin pad combos slide in crash if you go down in a certain way. The only thing I have used that doesn't do this is Dianese Viking Bibs because they are held up by the straps over the shoulders, no Coccyx protection tho....

lenmerderdenfer (Jan 1, 2010 at 3:17)

The lenses cost around 80 euros or more for two thin sheets of thermo-molded plastic. Insane? Just note that I have photochromic lens that are considerably less in cost. I did not see any such option offered by POC.

[Reply]

Y-rider (Dec 31, 2009 at 1:31)

useful Reading :-) im looking at getting the tee since it looks compacted while wearing it

Anyone knows if you Can wear a leatt brace with the tee?

Y-rider (Dec 31, 2009 at 2:42)

Nevermind, i just gor a reply from POC (Erik), saying that a leatt can be worn with the tee.. but since it doesnt have fitting holes for it, most riders just wear it outside on the spineprotector, since its so flexible.. but he also told me that leatt recommend to wear it inside (close to body, for max protection i guess)

cheers

[Reply]

mxnate (Dec 31, 2009 at 7:38)

As far as the leg/knee gear goes, forget the POC and buy the Brian Lopes Troy Lee Designs knee shin combo with the neoprene sock. Ive tried a bunch of different brands and these tld pads are the best on the market, there functional, comfortable, stylish and affordable....what more do you want. And no way in hell would you end up with serious road rash while you were wearing them, thats just ridiculous.

[Reply]

twingate (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:41)

Your rating of 8/10 for the leg protection is a bit surprising considering you basically say that they don't do a very good job.

cosaleo (Dec 31, 2009 at 1:20)

The rating is 8 /10because I didn't get any bad injuries to my knees even though I crashed really bad. They are good protection.

Hwulex (Dec 31, 2009 at 5:53)

I wore the same knee/shin pads during a season in Whistler this year and had a very similar experience to you.

Bad:
- The upper straps slide down too easily and need adjusting a lot even though the pads are the right fit (small were far too small). The straps have also started to ripple and they also roll in to a thin strip rather than a wide band meaning they slide down even more. Silicone grippers on the back like the goggles might help?
- The POC logo has completely torn off mine which when it happens means the two hard armour plates fall closer together and overlap and the whole pad loses its shape and the protection becomes less effective. I'd hoped they would've sorted this for 2010 (as they have put a better top strap etc) but it is the same looking at their pictures.
- I also found they offer excellent impact protection but for sliding they are next to useless. I was riding having only recently recovered from a broken knee and had no problems despite several heavy crashes but I lost a lot of skin from sliding after the initial crash.
- Possibly as a result of sliding, the armour plates on mine have also started to detach where the stitching has all torn so they're now no longer safe to use.

Hwulex (Dec 31, 2009 at 5:57)

Good:
- The VPD in the upper-knee padding is excellent and worlds better than the crappy 661 d3o.
- Pad easily removed without removing shoe (previous pads were THE Storm).
- Impact protection is excellent.
- Optional calf protection works well.
- Excellent ventilation, can really feel the air on your shins when riding. So much I even get strips of dust spots when riding in dusty conditions.

A last point which is neither good nor bad, the left knee armour is cracked on my set. Yes it's bad as they're no longer fit for purpose but at least the plate cracked and not my knee so job well done.

There are some great things about the pads but there's too much wrong with them, mostly the entire design relying on a POC logo that is only stitched in and falls out far too easily, so I wouldn't buy another set. Personally I'd only give the knee/shin pads 5 out of 10.

lenmerderdenfer (Dec 31, 2009 at 9:52)

After reading your write-up on POC gear, I have further confirmed my initial decision about not buying their products. In my humble opinion POC products are way too overpriced and do not look the best either. I have studied there uninformative website and decided not not buy their products. On a secondary note, I just added to my collection of gear the RaceFace Rally FR combi knee/shin pads. I also have had the Rally arm/forearm pads for sometime now and I will say that they both are right on the mark when it comes to quality and design, they do not slide, while not forgetting that the price is of this world. Is the name POC really worth the pain and extra cash? I have been burned by 661s name and I will now only go where the real goods are. Thanks RaceFace! Keep the fire burning.

tatty-b-jangles (Dec 31, 2009 at 12:48)

It is POC's first year in the MTB scene, so all these niggles will be sorted out over the year. Next year, after more development with Shandro, other pro riders and customers, their pads should be top notch and worth the cash...

lenmerderdenfer (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:44)

OK, in rebuttal, if it is their first year and their products are not dead on right now... then why are they so damn expensive? Never, never, never going to be me testing and paying for expensive fodder that the company should have flawlessly developed in the first place. It's their job. Did you know that some of their products sell for 500 big ones? Dude I'll put that sum into my ride, because the Face has me covered.

P.S. Slipknot rocks like no other!

tatty-b-jangles (Dec 31, 2009 at 15:05)

Its probably so expensive because they believe they can charge this much due to this innovative VPD thingy. I'd still stick with 661 or RaceFace for now, until POC make more refined pads and/or cost less...

AlexHaukrogh (Jan 2, 2010 at 2:58)

Try Dainese. Expensive too but seriously does the job of protecting your limbs!!

DHP123 (Jan 4, 2010 at 10:07)

My only knock on Dainese is that there is a thick seam on the inside of the elbow portion of their DH jacket and it's directly on the elbow. Meaning that if you take a good tumble and your elbow scars are soft from sweating, you're gonna get torn up regardless. Other than that great products.

[Reply]

angus05 (Dec 31, 2009 at 4:52)

bear in mind that your collar bone breaks to stop strain being put on your neck, i doubt any armor fully protects your collar bone, apart from that, its a good review

[Reply]

niesen-ranger (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:22)

i dont like this ski factory stuff, body armor glove and knie guard are such a bulls**t

[Reply]

air2k (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:25)

Great article! Go Leo!

brian02rider (Dec 31, 2009 at 8:47)

hahah the first picture reminds me of the halo kid: http://www.ripten.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/halo-kid-1-1.jpg beware... he has all the weapons

luisdhi1089 (Dec 31, 2009 at 9:14)

Why are his fingers with tape......POC articles looking good...

+ 13

dirtbagluvin (Dec 31, 2009 at 13:31)

I got a good laugh out of the "They could make instructions of how to try crash properly and how to practice proper landing during crashes."
SO what you need to do is go find a nice spot to crash. Step 1-Jack the front brake really hard. Step 2- tuck you chin to your chest and initiate the roll from the pelvis. Step 3- Spot the landing. Step 4- eat shit. Step 5- repeat. Once you have the basics down move to the skatepark and try it on concrete......

jake-594 (Dec 31, 2009 at 16:08)

hahahahah^^ Good article overall though

randybadger (Jan 1, 2010 at 5:29)

Nice Dirtbag. Laughing quite hard.
I have practised your technique a lot mostly without really trying. (without step one)

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konigkid (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:53)

spend some more money why dontcha

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NYT-Productions (Jan 1, 2010 at 13:11)

First i have to say that POC is doing a great job.
To your critic on the Knee shins: There is no protector on the market who is freeing from scratchwounds. even with the TDL-protectors i've hade my sratchwounds. TIPP: use long pants.

but the rest i do totaly agree.... exept the customer service.
Thats the problem of the distributor not the problem of poc.

Ride On

Nice Article

cosaleo (Jan 1, 2010 at 13:43)

Our local istributor in Finland did fantastic job. The bad service was that I couldn't get answers from POC and their distributor list on the international webpages wasn't up to date.

lenmerderdenfer (Jan 3, 2010 at 4:06)

birds of a feather flock together

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jonenalle (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:33)

Yeah! And hey you are going so fast and you haven't been riding for even year!! Keep going! P.S Coming to calpis next season? =)

cosaleo (Jan 1, 2010 at 13:44)

See you there Wink

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jackorbetter (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:51)

I think I was there when your collarbone snapped. Looked quite painful. Props for the review!

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xenium (Jan 2, 2010 at 4:31)

nice reviews, it sounds like you crash a lot...add a leatt neck brace to your gear

cosaleo (Jan 2, 2010 at 5:16)

Thanks. I ride hard Wink

I've been thinking about it, but I've also heard that neck braces cause as much injuries as they save.

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bachkippe (Jan 3, 2010 at 17:20)

the helmet is so unbelievably ugly

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DrSanchez (Dec 31, 2009 at 15:03)

Look at the Fox Titan articulating pads. they look pretty damn good.

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Juancho918 (Dec 31, 2009 at 10:52)

hey safety first... good job on the video, where is this park at?

cosaleo (Dec 31, 2009 at 11:53)

Jyväskylä, Finland.

http://maps.google.fi/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=fi&geocode=&q=laajavuori&sll=62.593341,27.575684&sspn=11.96816,46.538086&ie=UTF8&hq=laajavuori&hnear=&ll=62.258815,25.678139&spn=0.094127,0.363579&t=h&z=12&iwloc=A />
The other videos on my profile are also from the same park.

Juancho918 (Jan 7, 2010 at 22:58)

holy shi is to far... is to expensive.

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Ishnaya (Dec 31, 2009 at 12:45)

Great Review! Thanks for sharing!

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reecewallace Plus (Dec 31, 2009 at 0:38)

POC looks like it's on its way for sure

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bikeburnz (Jan 2, 2010 at 8:15)

sorry but the design is totally bad ..

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halim (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:11)

far too expensive!

konigkid (Dec 31, 2009 at 14:54)

agreed. i used to ski race for the last ten or so years, there POC stood for Parents Out of Cash.

DrSanchez (Dec 31, 2009 at 16:56)

"Piece Of Crap"?

Seriously though, even if the gear was great, why so much more expensive than anything else???

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