POC Resistance Strong DH Pant - Review
POC's Resistance Strong downhill pants are designed to allow for unencumbered movement on the bike, and also have added protection to help keep you on the track and out of the doctor's office.
An internal mesh liner sits between your skin and any seams or tougher outer fabrics, while stretchy nylon panels are added for flexibility and increased range of motion. Protection wise, VPD shock absorbing pads are placed at the hips, and the polka-dot ceramic-coated 'SuperFabric' panels on the thigh and knee resist against abrasion and help you slide over terra-firma instead of grinding against it.
There are two colors to choose from, Uranium Black (pictured), and a lighter Amine Grey. A range of six sizes from XS to XXL should suit every size, but the price tag of €200 / $175 USD may not suit every wallet.
Resistance Strong Pant Details
• VPD System pads at hips for impact protection
• Durable ceramic-coated SuperFabric® with abrasion resistant properties
• Durable and comfortable stretch nylon fabric.
• Velcro waist adjustment
• Rear waistband card pocket
• Zip pocket at leg
• Designed to fit with knee pads
• Amine Grey, Uranium Black
• Sizes XS - XXL
• Price: €200 / $175 USD
• www.pocsports.com
• VPD System pads at hips for impact protection
• Durable ceramic-coated SuperFabric® with abrasion resistant properties
• Durable and comfortable stretch nylon fabric.
• Velcro waist adjustment
• Rear waistband card pocket
• Zip pocket at leg
• Designed to fit with knee pads
• Amine Grey, Uranium Black
• Sizes XS - XXL
• Price: €200 / $175 USD
• www.pocsports.com
The M size was a little baggy for my 31" waist, but this was well-solved with the velcro waist belt adjusters.Performance
Upon POC's recommendation, I opted for a medium size. Considering the six available sizes, this seemed a little small for a 6' bloke with a 33" inseam but with a teenager-esque 31" waist. The fit was just on the limit length-wise – not surprising as most MTB pants and shorts are too short for me – and the waist was a little baggy, but this was easily solved with the velcro belts straps.
The Resistance pants are superbly comfortable and have close to zero restriction for pedaling and making shapes on course. The cut and stretch work well around knee pads including the chunkier ones out there like the Scott Grenades. The pants are so comfortable, in fact, that I would happily wear these on a trail ride as the weather cools down towards winter.
The dotty ceramic-coated fabric helps against abrasions and lets you slide along the ground.
Unfortunately, the one time I fell on my hip, I missed the VPD pad.
The POC pants have two features that win over generic MX pants re-badged as MTB attire, the first being the lack of leather pads on the inside of the knee which will scuff top-tube paintwork, especially in the mud. Second, they actually have pockets - one that will hold a lift pass on the rear, which works well for magnetic card readers on either side without the need to do the twist again in front of the queue, and one larger pocket on the left thigh for a phone or money.
To test the protection and abrasion resistance for the readers, I duly got tangled in a T-bar drag lift in a German bike park and dragged along the mesh matting used to help skis slide. Unfortunately, I missed the VPD hip pad and suffered a decent bruise. That said, I am all for built-in protection in clothing and the pads are not noticeable when riding. The slippy ceramic-coated fabric will help you slide down the trails over digging in and gripping, and just like on road motorcycles it's not important how fast you crash, but how quickly you slow down.
Pinkbike's Take
 | POC's Resistance Strong pants are a superb mix of comfort, ergonomics and added protection. The understated styling and colors won't attract odd looks from other riders, and they're even comfortable and cool enough for a trail ride. - Paul Aston |
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Sam fisher is a way more accurate stealth video game franchise protagonist to be wearing those pants.
Levi's - DM me for my paypal address so you can compensate me for this Dungaree add.
I know they say the pants are good enough for normal riding for me they are best suited for a colder climate.
Perhaps if I moved some where colder and wetter I'd get the pants.
Looks like a solid pair of pants.
don't know why they do that, but they do. and when you buy in store, there's always at least 10% percent discount for, I don't know - cash not card, tuesday's special, effing sunny day for all I care...
Not everything that looks nice, works nice. Now every time I see anything POC, I whisper under my breath "POC garbage".
I often ride Whistler and the RFID I put on the left side pocket (with keys and tool, etc.) and phone on right side pocket.