POC – Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Pads

by Andrew · 05/11/2014

Comfort and performance

The pair I tested were size Medium and gave a relatively comfortable fit. I’d say my legs were on the slim side (some would say skinny) but using the 2 velcro adjustable straps it is quick to get the pads secure. The VPD pad on the face of the pad has an ergonomic fit, and comes up quite high to completely cover the knee cap. I found that the natural position for the pad is lower than you might initially think, as this is necessary to allow the VPD to flex with the knee.

Ergonomic fit, and comes up quite high to completely cover the knee cap

The VPD 2.0 is marketed as a “multi purpose knee protector”, as opposed to their downhill specific product that features an external hard shell at the front. So there is a marked difference here as the VPD 2.0 is designed to be worn on a variety of mountain bike rides where range of movement is required; if you are looking for maximum protection then there are other products more suited to this.

The VPD 2.0 is marketed as a “multi purpose knee protector”

I found the VPD 2.0 pads quite comfortable to wear for long periods of time when riding trails which involve long periods of climbing. Pedalling was not significantly affected, though I did find that there was some discomfort from chaffing and pinching at the back of the knee joint; though not a major problem, and eased by adjusting the straps, it is an inevitable fact that wearing pads involves mild discomfort. That said, I don’t particularly like wearing a helmet but would not entertain not doing so, so there is a balance to be struck between wanting maximum ease of movement but also having the reassurance of personal protection. I found that if there weren’t significant technical downhill sections, say for example the trails around Dorking in Surrey, then I would generally opt to ride without pads; however, for anything that I encountered in Wales, I would choose the pads every time. I must stress that this is all personal.

In Wales I would choose pads every time…

Thankfully I have yet to test the VPD padding in a significant crash, but very unscientific testing of impact absorption showed it to be as solid as you would expect.

Verdict

The POC VPD 2.0 Knee protector is solid, understated and designed to offer protection for a range of uses. If you buy POC you know that the attention to detail is there, as well as the build quality and high spec materials.

All round great protection and well worth putting in your boot.

If your a pure downhiller you’ll want something more specifically designed for big hits but, if like me you are looking for something that allows decent range of movement for all day trail riding then these definitely meet the brief. These knee pads proved more than up to everything I threw at them, and give that little bit of piece of mind that you can take the odd liberty on the descents…

RRP €120 / £79.00 / $130.00

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POC – Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Pads