20.10.2020 Updated review Review: POC Resistance Strong shorts

Since the review in 2016 I’ve continued to use these shorts, and now it’s 2020 and will continue to use them until I can’t, but since it was time for an update, in the mean while I took a lot of pictures. I might update this review in the future.

The pockets are smaller than in the trail vent shorts, a small wallet or keys will fit perfectly, also these shorts use 2 buttons instead of one button through a hole.

I a thing I don’t like about a lot of shorts is they have the same material all over, so the crotch, butt area gets worn faster than the rest, but some shorts have more robust material there. I’ve not had issues with the shorts getting hung up on the saddle with my gear, I have Fabric Scoop Shallow race saddle, and Poc Resistance Strong Shorts they fit me very well, and have the robust material at the saddle area.I think one of the reasons shorts hang up on the saddle is they sag too much in the crotch and are elastic so they wrap around the saddle tip, issue probably gets worse if the shorts are tight elsewhere.my shorts if worn correctly don’t have the flop underneath the crotch, it fits snug, it fits well all over, and has waist straps, and the lower back area has a woven sock-like area, that has a weave that works as elastic despite not being an elastic band. but it might feel like the shorts are falling off at first, but once you get used to it, it’s nice, the shorts sit nicely, while you move, they stay put, and don’t make the jersey pop out so easily.

A closer look at the shhors:

The shorts have a hook in the rear under the small pocket, but I have not used it.

Here you can see how big the rear pocket is.

Rear inside out.

Front inside out.

Taken on February 23, 2020

These picture shows the wear where the the shorts rub against the knee pads. So the wear was as suspected, nothing unusual, so no complaints there.

Pros

• Comfortable
• the Ykk zippers are smooth

Zip pocket at leg works well as phone pocket if you have a small enough smartphone, but biggest phones won’t fit so good, and with a case it might be too tight fit.

As you can see the Cat s 50 phone hits perfectly inside the pocket., but My Sony XZ Premium with LoveMei Powerful case barely fits, also it put extra wear in the pocket and made a hole in it, this happen on several of the shorts, but also the zipper failed on all of them.

Durable material used in the the seated area.

• light weight
• True to size fit
• good breathability, the short is made of a thin material in the thigh and front area, and with Super Fabric on the sides. these shorts are a huge improvement in terms of cooling over the trail vent shorts.
• perfect with knee pads
  

Good adjustment & sizing, the sizing is perfect for me, I am 32 in waist and 26 in the hips, and I use the adjustment straps to the max both on the Poc Trail vent and Resistance shorts.

The VPD padding does not compromise comfort.

If you don’t adjust the straps just right the back of the short might feel like it’s going to fall off, even if it does not, I think this is due to the stretch material, but as long you adjust it properly it’s not an issue.

the material with stripes is the stretch material

The shorts have good length, so they won’t slide up and look awkward or get stuck.

The upper pockets are big enough to fit a snack like a school bread, one or several energy bars.

Cons:

• And of course white will look dirty

• the VPD padding could be wider and longer.
• only 2 colour choices
• better zippers are needed, stronger zipper, with strong zipper grip.

I had to use a zip tie to fix the broken grip.

.

eventually the zipper failed on all of the shorts.

Conclusion

Because of the fit, comfort, and protection, and durability, I recommend these shorts.

These shorts are one of the best shorts you can get, but these are the only proper shorts I have tried so far, but there are some things that should be improved.

Long-term review: 2016 Alpinestars Racer Braap

I got these jerseys in august 2016, and used them since then, now it’s Jan 2020 as I updated the review, along with my other jerseys, I switched type of jersey according to the weather, the Racer Braap jerseys I used when it was not very warm as in midsummer. I don’t have an exact number of which I have used each jersey.

Sizing:

I use size L for Alpine Stars jerseys, with Fox I use XL, Mavic Size L, Swix base layer I use Medium.

Some videos:

a bad video I was not able flip due to not using proper software:

Pros:

• No itching label at the neck or itching stitching.
• Comfortable against the skin
• Good fit. No issues with the jersey arms sliding up.The jersey fits well over Poc elbow pads or probably any other protective padding.

Cons:

• after some months of use the the label on the inside started peeling. but the label does not matter.

• All of the jerseys eventually developed a tear at the upper chest lower throat area, in a upside down triangle, after few years of use, then eventually some the sleeve ends the stitching failed. but nothing that can’r easily be fixed with a sewing kit. All 4 jerseys developed a tear like this, but this one had a shorter tear, but just gentle movement using my hands I could make it grow, so with in a crash or a lot more use it would tear a lot more, so this has to be sewn. Repair instead of throw away clothes.

So far my most durable jersey has been Mavic Crossmax but it has a itchy label so I only use it in when I use a base layer. I think this is due to the type of weave it has, much tighter, no exposed thin threads, like on the Racer Braap jersey.

Here you can clearly see the weave, and the damage after long term use.
it has oval shaped diagonal holes/channels/pattern with exposed threads going trough them.

Verdict:

I am not sure if I can recommend it due to bein too fragile, but the fit is great. probably not, but you are the one that should decide.

I can only recommend a jersey that won’t tear, and last many years, which this jersey does not. but of course you can keep using it and repair it, patch it up sew holes shut.

so if you don’t mind it’s not as durable as a jersey could be, and you want a jersey that had this amount of air flow through it, and not more or less, then you can go for it, but I would not recommend it.

Some More pictures:

Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskJJUpAb

Updated Review: 2016 Fox Rampage Pro Carbon Full Face Mips helmet

Since the first version in of the review in 2017 I have had a lot more experience with this helmet, there are some flaws that should need to be addressed.

I have used the helmet since summer 2016 and now it’s spring.

This helmet is probably one of the most popular & reviewed helmets out there but here is my review. I was so satisfied with this helmet I ordered the exact model for the second time.

I will never do mountain biking without a full face helmet,even For just commutes I use this helmet.

Pros:

• Very comfortable & secure fit, This is the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn so far.
• Good air flow, the ears stay cool, and every thing else, but of course the motofoam in the front of the chin guard will, of course give less air flow, so on really hot days you might notice the extra heat, but it’s not huge difference for me.
• double D-ring
• doesn’t scratch easily.
• the carbon shell makes this a very durable helmet, unlike helmets with plastic shells, that dent just by hits from some small branches, the carbon shell won’t crack or dent even if the bike the back of it in a downhill fall.
• the inserts are easy to remove.

Cons:

• at 1100 grams the helmet is not light, but I got used to it quite fast, and it doesn’t effect me much, but a lighter helmet would be nice.
• The cheek pads/inserts wear out, they get compressed and get too thing, so the helmet will eventually wiggle, I noticed the chin guard  hitting my face. so after few months I have to swap them for new cheek pads/inserts. a better solution is needed.

• After few months of use I noticed the MIPS has cracked, I noticed this after taking the helmet off, this happen only on one of the two helmets I got.

The glue failed to rubber skirting, the adhesive is not strong enough to hold it, Fox helmets had problems with this in the past. when you hold the helmet on the chin guard & you will flex the skirting in many directions which loosen it up. but of course, you can glue it back, it’s an easy job

But fixing the chin guard skirting is quite easy:

the next step is to use tape to hold the strips in place.

2018 the  stitching on the strap sleeve tore

March 2018 the plastic visor bolt failed on both helmets, one time it was while riding on the a trail.

So I eventually secured the visor with Gorilla tape.

Some of the paint cracked near the visor mount.

I have not had any issues with this helmet apart for the chin guard skirting.

Here is me wearing the helmet with 100% RaceCraft Plus Goggle, with the old camera setup.

I eventually switched to chin cam, which I managed do do with zip ties and the male part of the GoPro mount.

I used a  2014 model, the shell got loose. and the strap sleeve had damaged button, but this must have been someone in a store that managed to damage it, but with the 2016 helmet I have not had any issues with the buttons, which I was not sure about would hold up, but so far they did, But magnets might be better. If there is anything else I will update you on it.

Flickr Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskRdE8c9

Revised Review: 2016 POC Resistance Strong Gloves

Since I first wrote this review in 2016 I have improved this review, more & better pictures, improved text, and more details.

Pros:

•  no more twisted strap, like on 2015 Index DH glove
• more air flow than the DH index glove provided by the holes in the palm
• I stay cool even in 25 deg. Celsius
• comfortable
• true to size, I have 21cm knuckle size, and the medium fits me perfectly. I went from Index DH gloves in large which was a bit too bit too big, to this glove.
• Durable ceramic-coated SuperFabric® with abrasion-resistant properties, this actually works.
• Great fit.
• Has impact protection at the knuckles.

Cons:

• the impact protection is silly thin, they won’t help on a proper impact, I tested it with hitting my hand harder and harder on a stem.
• Because of the holes on the palm, the durability suffers when you get something (pedal pins for example) stuck in the holes you can tear the fabric, but this is also caused by the fabric’s weakness.but if you do it can easily be fixed if you got some sewing skills.

  

• the triple dots on the fingers wear off fast because they are glued on.

Holes got bigger.

The Stitching failed on one pair, They were Only used one day, I put these on today and the stitching came loose.

• the glue holding the Velcro to the rubber strap failed of some pairs of gloves, but you can easily fix this with a sewing kit. Sadly I got an inconsistent quality of the stitching on these gloves with the gloves I got.
• after many months of use, the glove stretched and had to be sewn in the palm to fit me properly.

• :

New glove, measurement at area which gets stretched.

Photo Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskCuD9Ar

Verdict: 

But if you want longer lasting palm to get the Index DH glove instead, but it will of course not be as cool as the Resistance glove, but the durability of the palm must be improved.

I still use my Index DH gloves in size L, for colder days, I wear them over fleece gloves in size M, which works well.

I want to look into other gloves, like Mechanix for example, they got full finger padding and knuckle padding. but that might be overkill.

2016 Fox Racing 360 Cauz Jersey Style 14956 Work in progress review- added mroe pictures

The rear of the jersey has a mesh, so you back will be a lot cooler, I have a noticed slight difference on my backpack when riding with backpack, perfect jersey for hot summer days. but later I got Evoc Neo 16L backpack which has increased the air flow on my back, and this jersey allows more air flow than a tightly woven jersey.

Jerseys like these are a lot cooler than not wearing any thing, because sweat goes in the fabric off your body, and tries up, and air cools you down.

the jersey don’t have any uncomfortable stitching or labels.

The jersey I got have blue & white color livery, so it’s quite visible.

Photo Album:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPYuJXt

Sizing & fit:

The jersey has a perfect fit, and works well with body armour.

The sleeve length is great, not too long or too short, just the right size.

I am wearing POC Joint VPD 2.0 DH pads, and there is enough room.

The jersey has a excellent fit, my Size Is XL, I use L for Alpinestars,L/G for Mavic

I definitely recommend these jerseys.

Review: POC Joint VPD 2.0 & POC Joint VPD 2.0 DH Elbow

I have used these pads for several months, and I think they are good.

The Joint VPD 2.0 elbow offers much more secure fit than POC Joint VPD Air Elbow, because of the dual strap system.

When taking the pads on, make sure you have them high enough up your arm, to provide as secure fit as possible, if not the pad might slide off when you crash backward, I use the top adjustment strap to the max.

Pros:

• Very easy to put on and off.
• I rode down a fast down a hill, and my elbow joint slipped, causing me to hit my elbow in a tree fast, it did not hurt.

• Comfortable, does not restrict movement.
• Dual strap, which I think is absolutely necessary with this kind of pads.
• Durable, strong materials used & well stitched, so taking them on and of won’t wear them out.
• if you damage the stitching, you can just sew it together, proper materials used

Cons:

• even thou the padding has ventilation holes, the pads are hot and sweaty.

Verdict:

Priority on protection.

Even thou the pads are hot and sweaty the protection the provide is definitely worth it, absolutely recommended.

http://www.pocsports.com/eu/joint-vpd-2.0-elbow/20393.html?dwvar_20393_color=Uranium%20Black&cgid=Mountain%20Bike%20Armor#start=6

you can buy it here:

https://www.amazon.com/POC-Joint-Elbow-Uranium-Medium/dp/B00A9ERRLM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487120232&sr=8-1&keywords=POC+Joint+VPD+2.0+Elbow

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=POC+Joint+Elbow

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/no/en/poc-joint-vpd-2-0-elbow-guard-2017/rp-prod93571

Kan kjøps I disse butikkene:

https://www.prisjakt.no/product.php?p=1456819&gclid=Cj0KEQiA8orFBRCEpODivaOft_EBEiQAy3mlffVQ8QYQYX3A7ZbFBbXP5YVgvX9zUO9jkyQ19YcWGXkaAujc8P8HAQ

Review: 2016 Five Ten Impact high

2016 (top) vs  2015

2015 vs 2016

Almost waterproof, the fabric part on the front and sides is waterproof(not tested with a pressure washer or firehose).

I have ridden these shoes in wet & winter conditions

ButIwanted to test it even further and up close, so I tested the 2016 FiveTen Impact high shoes,w ith water from the sink on full, the fabric part is waterproof

but the issue is the lip gives small gaps even when properly tight

so when the shoe moves there will be water there and come in.

so you will only get little bit wet in the worst  wet conditions.

I got mine from chain reaction cycles,b ut the first time I tried i had to return them,t he stealth sole was not properly glued on,b ut the second time I received a shoe with properly glued sole,l ater I ordered Freerider ESP,F from Bikeshop.no and they were perfect:-)

http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Flat-Pedal-Shoes,60/Five-Ten/Freerider-EPS-High,18048#

https://youtu.be/NSZgoOTGOAg

Pros:

• the tongue stays in place, which makes the shoe more comfortable than the 2015 model.
• better laces than 2015 model
• the shoes only have holes for the laces in one place, unlike the 2015 model, which had fabric looks under the leather part and holes in the leather, but the 2016 model have holes that are reinforced with metal rings, which means there the issue with fast wearing laces is gone.
• As stiff sole as the 2015 model
• the shoes will fit with high feet with fat toes.
• Even more durable than the 2015 model, the new design ahs strong fabric, so the issue with the side of the shoe wearing, won’t happen,
• Good price
• the sizing is the same as 2015.
• Easy to tighten the laces, much easier than 2015 model, and re-lacing will be much easier if you need to, this is because of the big lace holes with metal rings.

Cons:

• apart from No reflective stripes or logos.
• not 100% water proof, but pretty close, But if you need this Five Ten Freerider ESP got gutted tongue which offers 100% waterproofing, I have them and I love ’em. make sure the tongue is straight, and make sure you have it as tight as you can without causing discomfort when you want to ride in the wet/and or rain if you have not got the ESP shoes yet.

Verdict:

Is it worth upgrading if you got the 2015 model? Yes I think so,the improvements are significant, but Fiveten offers replacement soles so if you worn out your  old shoes you can fix them later.

this is a good shoe even better than the 2015 model, I absolutely can recommend this shoe.all the pros of the 2015 and none of the cons.

I love FiveTen shoes, in my opinion they make the best mtb shoes on the market, but I see more brands releasing new platform shoes, but none of them can compete with FiveTen yet.

FiveTen shoes Flickr group

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2896374@N20/

Flickr album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mtbboy1993/albums/72157676429535795