POC Joint VPD System Knee Pads - Review
POC's Joint VPD System knee pads may not have the catchiest name, but that title does describe where they fit into the Swedish company's line of protective apparel. The pads take traits from POC's DH-oriented VPD 2.0 models and combines them with traits from the VPD Air line, creating a lightweight knee pad that's not lacking when it comes to offering crash protection.
POC Joint VPD System Details
• Impact absorbing inner layer
• EN 1621-1 certified
• Weight: 337 grams (pair)
• Sizes: S, M, L
• MSRP: $150 USD
• www.pocsports.com
The bulk of the impact protection comes from POC's visco-elastic polymer dough (VPD), a material that's very pliable, but that hardens up upon impact. The pad's outer fabric is stitched from a high tenacity polyamide yarn, which POC chose due to its ability to resist cuts and tears – they originally used it on their protective ski gear, where sharp metal edges are a constant threat. There aren't any velcro straps to be found on the Joint VPD System; instead, the pads are held in place by the elasticized cuffs, with silicone grippers in place around the top cuff to provide more slip resistance. Available in five sizes, from XS to XL, the Joint VPD System knee pads retail for $150 USD.
The Joint VPD System pads use a simple, slip-on design, with silicone grippers around the upper cuff to keep them securely in place.
Performance
Joint VPD System Knee isn't a very memorable name – if it were up to me, I'd designate that as the pad's scientific name, and come up with a catchier common name. After all, if you were at the beach and started yelling, “There's a carcharodon carcharias!” most people would think you were spouting gibberish. Start screaming, “There's a great white shark!” and it's a different story.
I haven't settled on what I think these pads should be called, but I'm thinking it should involve feathers, marshmallows, or something similarly squishy and soft. That's because they're the most comfortable knee pads I've ever worn, and the list of options I've tried is extensive. It's like having a small pillow on each knee, except that the pillow is extremely abrasion resistant, and hardens up when you hit the ground. The VPD material is temperature sensitive, and once my body heat warmed them up the pads perfectly matched the shape of my knees, without the slightest bit of discomfort or chafing.
I took a few good slams while wearing the VPD System Knee pads, and they performed as advertised every time. Sure, it didn't feel great hitting the ground, but for how minimal the pads feel, they absorbed more of the impact than I anticipated. They're an ideal choice for trail riding, but for DH runs or times where bigger impacts are more likely I'd recommend something with a little more padding on the side of the knees.
The VPD System pads are comfortable enough to keep in place for the entirety of a ride, and even on hotter days they weren't too stifling – they're obviously warmer than not wearing pads, but they did a good job of wicking away sweat, and the fabric used for the back panel gives them a decent level of breathability. The pads have also held up extremely well to repeated washing, which helps to keep them looking (and smelling) like new. Given their minimalist design I was skeptical about how long the pads would stay in place for, but even after months of use there's enough elasticity in the cuffs to keeps them from sliding down.
Even after several crashes and slide-outs the fabric is still holding strong.
Pinkbike's Take
 | Yes, the Joint VPD System knee pads are one of the more expensive options out there, but that price is backed up with an unsurpassed level of comfort. They're light, well-made, and most importantly, can help save those vulnerable knees during a crash. I'd love to see a more DH-oriented version with additional side protection, but as it is, cost aside, for everyday, all-round usage, these pads are tough to beat. |
121 Comments
Which forum,, I could use a set of size large
(note the french with average english trying to sound retarded while writting. If you have a better version of this, thanks for your help.)
I am a rep/friends with the owner of Foot Foundation. I pronate excessively (so does the majority of the population) and use their custom angled "wedges" to bring me back to a neutral stance. It's changed both my skiing and biking immeasurably.
I used to get bruised knees all the time from riding and not only have I not gotten a knee-bruise in years but my hip flexors are less tense and i don't have as difficult a time keeping my feet in the correct position on the pedals anymore either.
As a ski boot fitter in the winter, I have helped out innumerable skiers correct their pronation who had no idea they had a pronation issue.
www.footfoundation.com
Check out this video of before/after on a bike: vimeo.com/77426608
Feel free to message me if you are interested or have questions.
Contacted POC twice (in at least 2 crashes) with pics and explanations but never heard back from their customer service.
My only gripe is lack of side knee coverage (which POC had lacked for years) and slightly longer shin coverage. My TLD RAID knees fit this bill but are MUCH warmer and not quite as nice to pedal in.
Let's see what the industry has. Including a list of pros/cons.
I have the OG trail skins and the trailskins seem very similar technology-wise but with even more airflow than these. You said you've tried a lot of kneepads....
POC also has longer pads, the VPD 2.0 Long Knee which are cheaper than these.
Or, is this more of the same 'ole PB making whatever they're reviewing at the moment seem like the greatest item in existence?
I've personally found a multitude of 'comfortable' knee pads over the years, that even now cost less than half of what POC wants for theirs. PB endorsement not withstanding, I'll choose my pads based off my own experiences thankyouverymuch
only issue i have is flat pedal bites on the calf sock side of the pads.
I'm just curious if I'm the only one who rides like this?