7 years with Poc Joint VPD 2.0 DH Long, Elbow DH, Shin pads

Knee pads:

Since July 12, 2017, I have spent more time with these knee pads, and I took more pictures. I have improved the text and rest of the review.

I had two pairs of the knee pads, and used one when the other was wet from cleaning. So the wear is about the same on both.

The first pair I got.

I have used these pads for a really long time now, the whole year, and I put them trough some hard crashes, and they protected me every time.

I was so satisfied with these, that I bought second pair as spare,So I always have clean protection, or if I damage one the other can be repaired.

When the rear fabric has worn or got damaged so are resulting in similar effect to stretching, make sure you fix it, get it back to the correct measurements again so the pads fit as intended,which is important so they don’t slide around,So they give you maximum protection, but these this product is easy to repair, and the fabric does not stretch out of shape.

You have to use the right technique to put them on:

if the pad slides up its because you did not use the right technique to put them on,You should hold the top part with 2 hands and pull them up so all the fabric slides upwards keeping the pad low, and have to top part with the adjustment strap as high as possible, this way they say in place, I have the typical muscle legs and thighs, And I use size Medium and have worked perfectly, as long as I did put them on right. I also noticed that they will make noises as the pads are against each other, as for the discomfort,you should have the upper part as far up as you can,if it’s right under the knee it will not be comfy.

The stitching should be close to the end of the pad, thigh pad and leg pad should be overlapping, slightly. The strap should NOT be way on the top,the rubberised material on the in side of the pad should be on the end  near the end,there should be about 0,5cm  space between the Velcro and the end of the pad, but as you use it it move little bit,as seen in this picture,few millimetres of change will happen as you have the knee in a different position.

Some pads have removable pads, but these protectors don’t have that. the pads secure inside the sleeve.

Pros:

• durable long lasting, both pairs held up well, with some wear the later years, but with about 7 years of use, that’s great.
• easy to repair if seams, back of the leg material get damaged.
• robust sleeve covering the pads, even after years of use it still held up well.
• comfortable(if worn & put on correctly)
• 1cm thick VPD2.0 pad kept me protected, I could not even feel the impact at the impact area, no pain whatsoever, even when falling off a 1m concrete wall or a 1m rock roller.
• good fit, the upper is made like a joint, so the upper part stays n palace while the rest moves with your leg and knee. this work very well.
• The pad it self does not slide down, only slides a bit if very sweaty, but they still stay secure, it’s only the thigh section that sides down a bit if very sweaty.
• Great protection on the side of the knee
• Robust Velcro straps
• no movement restrictions

The wear you see between the plastic plate and the Velcro strap is caused by friction from bending your knees, which causes friction.

How to wear them correctly:

Thigh pad and leg pad should be overlapping, slightly.The strap should NOT be way on the top, the rubberised material on the in side of the pad should be on the end near the end,there should be about 0,5cm space between the Velcro and the end of the pad, but as you use it it move little bit,as seen in this picture,few millimetres of change will happen as you have the knee in a different position.

The stitching should be close to the end of the pad

With 2015 Poc Trail shorts

• size matches the size guide, not like 2015 products from Bliss

Cons:

• The pads are quite heavy.
• Too warm, sweaty for summer use, the last few years I had rashes after almost every time I wore the knee pads, the rashes were often runny, and and very itchy and sometimes even had a bit of blood. I did not get this issue with the elbow nor shin pads. I could not continue like this. So I had to get different pads.

Wear

A close look and look at the wear June 15, 2022

It was no surprise when I saw torn grip strip, it was used for years. The first pads were used since 2015, the other I got later, but both have similar wear.

Some holes in first layer of the 2 layer sleeve, due to pedal strikes during crashes, which have been sewn shut to prevent further damage.

Triangle shaped gap to assist bending.

Some of the wear on the plastic pad is due to working on the bike on asphalt and concrete, gravel but a lot is due to crashes.

Example of how you can have the elbow, shin pads if you can’t fit them in a backpack, but want to put them on for the gnarly riding and not have them on for the road riding.

All of the pads together 2X of each.

Shin pads

pic taken Taken on May 15, 2016 of the first pair, they got some signs of wear, but this is unavoidable,the way its made, but the way its made gives you good protection, and the wear you see here developed slowly.

This is the first pair, one of the pads got wear on the stitching for the Velcro, but The Velcro was still good.

Shin pad album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMMBnmU

Elbow pads:

I have only ne pair of the DH version of the elbow pads, but I do have a non DH version too it has no sliding pad, and is bit smaller, but still good protection. I got what I could get at the time from where I could.

Elbow pads album

Here you can see the wear after long years of use, pictures were taken at June 15, 2022 .

The first pad I I got from Bike 24, had faulty Velcro, the top Velcro failed after few rides it, it would not stay put, it opened many times during the ride, so I contacted them, they sent me a new one, and did not have to send back the faulty unit, and I used the replacement pad, which you see pictures of here, as you see it held up quite well.

This is the grippy strip that keeps the pads from sliding, they might a tiny bit if very sweaty, but it works quite well.

Velcro was still not worn out.

After years of use, some wear is expected, I think these pads did well.

Sickline.com video in the Poc stand at Interbike 2014: No point in my making the same video, so watch their video:

Price :1.249,- NOK

read the view of POC Joint VPD Air Elbow pads here: https://wp.me/p60aTF-96

Verdict:

Well thought out pads for maximum protection and coverage, but I think these pads are one of the best on the market right now for downhill and extreme riding, but not suitable for long sweaty rides. These pads are approved for motorcycle use.

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.

Troy Lee Designs 5205 Shock Doctor Wrist support review

https://flic.kr/p/2h5skF8

I struggled with wrist misalignment, in both of my wrists, my arm would drop down the wrist, or hand up, this caused issues with braking, as I lost range of movement when that happen, and i missed corners, but good I had brakes that worked to safely stop, even it was bit late and I could not keep a good line.

But some times my wrists would just come up and down, without any pain, or lost of movement, but it was annoying, but sometimes it could misaligned and hurt.

The wrist support helped to reduce these issues, It doesn’t eliminated misalignment completely, but it does reduce it massively, I still get some slight misalignment, but I haven’t gotten any huge movements issues with braking, it’s been a great help.

I use all of the provided plates on both of the braces.

Here are reviews by others:

I won’t repeat evry thing others mentioned, so watch and read other reviews.

Product page: https://troyleedesigns.com/products/5205-wrist-support-right-black

https://www.shockdoctor.com/

Revised Review: 2015 Poc Index DH Vpd 2.0

I have updated the review on Dec 16, 2015, I have improved the review.

Pros

• very comfy
• lightweight
• they cost the same as the giro remedy X  gloves and are way better when it comes to comfort & Poc offers protection padding but Giro does not.

Cons:

• the impact protection is too thin, they won’t help on a proper impact, I tested it with hitting my hand harder and harder on a stem
• The adjustment strap is twisting and keeps getting undone.

because these gloves were actually bit too big(size large) I changed to 2016 Resistance strong gloves(size medium),the palm on some of the gloves worn out, I think this is caused by the material used & the venting holes in them, so far the Index Dh has been holding up OK,but I guess over long period of time they will eventually wear too.

 

This is how the gloves look like inside out.

Flickr album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskpkGhn6

Winter use:

I have used the gloves my two pairs for the whole winter of 2017-2018 I managed to wear out the stitching in the long finger due to braking, but that is easy to fix.

I use these gloves in the winter, with fleece gloves and Nitrile gloves,  for colder days with -5c and below I use two pairs of fleece gloves, and nitrile gloves for waterproofing, which has worked great.

I recommend doing something similar.

I get good to feel a and control over the cockpit with this setup,  but with Ski gloves, I Lack control and feel.

because these gloves are one size to big, I had to get them sewn in where the gap with the elastic is, which results in no need for the Velcro strap. So the glove fits securely, and I can take it on and off easily.

this is the exact set up I use:

www.gsport.no/produkt/212512/aretti-fleece-hanske#001

Park Tool Nitrile gloves Size L, I just stretch them out a little bit for better fit on top of the fleece gloves.

www.parktool.com/product/nitrile-mechanics-gloves-mg-2

Verdict:

more durable palm than the Resistance Strong gloves due to no venting holes.

I am looking for maximum protection, for fingers & knuckles which this one does not do properly.

I will be looking at other gloves, like Mechanix for example, they got full finger protection.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/POC-Downhill-Cycling-Gloves-Uranium/dp/B00FWRJDH2/ref=sr_1_17?srs=2179656031&ie=UTF8&qid=1465624641&sr=8-17

https://www.bike24.com/1.php?content=8;product=85527;menu=1000,18,56;mid%5B456%5D=1;page=3

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: POC Joint VPD Air Elbow pads

The pad is cut so it bends easy and comfortable, but when I crashed one time and the pads squeezed my skin so it was red few days, but that not really a big issue

Pros:

• easy and fast to take them on and off
• the right materials used so they will be durable and wont wear out
• very comfortable,not as hot as the Bliss ARG or similar pads.
• they did not wear out just in weeks like the 2015 Bliss ARG.
• light weight
• not as bulky as Bliss ARG or similar designs.
• The strap and rubber part at the bottom stop the protector from slipping.

Cons:

• quite warm, but not as warm as POC VPD2.0 DH .
• No upper strap, and quite baggy at the top, so does not fit as securely as it should for me. This might not be an issue for you, but at the time I had quite thin arms, small biceps But if you hit something backwards and it gets hooked on the upper side it can pull on the pad.
  

Verdict:

Get the Joint VPD 2.0 Elbow or Joint VPD 2.0 Elbow or instead, which I have done.

Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzVfdu

Review: Adidas Pinner lime goggles W/ tear-offs

 

 

 

the lens protection system does not work as shown in this picture,you can see pro downhill riders using these goggles but never seen one with lens protection on.but sponsored riders got some spare goggles.

pros

• The version with dots stays in place good grip in the band,the triple striped grip less.
• they are quite comfortable,the Nano-Foam is soft the plastic frame is flexing to fit the shape of your face.

Cons:

• the tear off system does not work I tuck the plastic sense protector inside the gap where the head band goes, and bend it do not get in the way.

•  lens protector’s hole part rip easily, so I taped it instead of using it as intended.
• Just after few weeks the show signs of wear. the Nano-Foam can easily tear apart, mine have issue with the section on my nose, and some on the sides the mesh loosened,but the foam fill wear off on every goggle on the market.
•  
• no spare Nano-Foam mesh.
• some of the clear coat on the inside of the plastic glass fell off. I noticed it after cleaning the goggles,after months of use it got worse.
•  it would be nice with a solution that makes it possible to change the mesh with easy thing like if you need to replace the foam you need to order from Amazon or some where else where they sell foam for goggles, but Adidas and sport stores do not sell replacement foam,that wear out, if it does not you are not using the goggles.
• the elastic band stretched out on the triple stripe version, so I needed to tighten it more, on the tot version it did not.
• The  triple striped grips crack.
• in hot days the foam will get soaked of sweat and the sweat splashes on the inside of the lens,which result in the goggle stinking after just 1 or  2 days of use.

  

  almost one hour of riding and the goggle is soaked with sweat

  

  the anti-fog coating is pealing off, as you can see I easily scratched it off,
  the coating do no lunger work, the fog up but  i can’t wipe it off because it the damp is under the coating.
   i have 2 goggles so i used them both 1 season and 1 winter and until now this summer.
  You might not notice but there is fog inside in the middle section of the lens.

Flickr album

The only Norwegian online store that sell lenses for pinner goggles: http://www.tromsoskiogsykkel.no/ski/utstyr/skibriller/adidas-pinner-goggle-lens-clear

 

Adidas Pinner Vs 100% Racecraft MX

the only foam replacement kit I found is this:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1o6RFXYoIM

Verdict:

because of the lack of foam and venting which result in you getting soaked of sweat,and lack of durability and a lens that snaps out way too easily I can’t recommend this goggle.

 

 

REVIEW: 2015 BLISS ARG Vertical Elbow Pad & BLISS ARG Vertical Extended- NOT! recommended

updated.27.09.2015

i do not recommend these: read why below:i have been riding  wit these on every ride no matter if just to commute or to ride on the trails. now as i have used them a lot i can say that they are not up to my standards.

Design and materials used:

Bliss use the similar mesh design and materials to Raceface,Fox’ Launch Pro,661’s Rage Hard Shell pads,but with just one elastic strap,of course Race Face and 611’s will stay in palce better. If they use the exact same materials they will wear out fast, specially if u grap them by the mesh where the wear elastic materials are and the side pads, which is not what I have done on my bliss ARG’s but they are just too weak they will break and get big holes no matter what you do or not do, so if you crash or take them on and off a lot they will wear off.,this is unacceptable to make such  bad products.

protective gear must be durable and withstand much abuse,and be comfortable, if its not don’t buy it unless its the only thing you can get at the time.

Pros:

• lightweight
• Kevlar® at elbow area,which is very durable material.
• more comfortable than plastic pads not as bulky and weird looking when you have a jersey on top of them.

cons:

• mine are bit too big,i should have gone with size small.
• Hook and loop fastener wear out fast more strap loops needed.
• the elastic rubber mattress alike mesh is not durable. Just after few weeks or riding and the mesh on my left pad ripped.it is made of weak of weak material,the mesh stretched until the point it got big holes in it.the elastic band is rubbing holes

• its a bit warm.

 

Price:

79,90 EUR

incl. statutory VAT 19%

Official site: http://www.blisscamp.com/en/bliss-arg-vertical-elbow-pad/a-18799/

 

BLISS ARG Vertical Extended Knee Pad

Pros:

• lightweight
• Kevlar® at elbow area
• Hook and loop fastener on the works well
• more comfortable than plastic pads not as bulky and weird looking when you have a jersey on top of them.
• they don’t feel warm all around, like the elbow pads.

Cons:

• Hook and loop fastener wear out fast
• more strap loops needed.
• silly logo on the bottom that wears out and looks ugly
• they are uncomfortable on the back side of your knees
• too little side protection, so the handlebar can hit your knee on the side
• they don’t stay in place,they slide down, look at pic below: this is how they will be afther u have doen soem hard riding. they should be about 2 or 3 cm upward, they wear otu pretty fast,so the elastic on the sides wears out and dries out, it looks to be rubber.
•  the result of wearing bliss arg pads,it hurts afther a while.
• the front of the pad gets very hot in the sun,almost feels like a heating oven

• 

  they stretched so much that I needed to pull the elastic strap past the hook and loop fastener

• 
• Enter a caption

the pedal hit it an made a 2 holes.

 

99,90 EUR

incl. statutory VAT 19%

official site: http://www.blisscamp.com/en/bliss-arg-vertical-extended-knee-pad/a-24440/

i now have POC Joint VPD Air Elbow pads and i am satesfied with them so far.

Verdict For both the knee and elbow pads:

overall this product is awful, I advise against buying it, but some materials like the Kevlar  durable.

If you want bliss elbow pads get BLISS ARG Minimalist Elbow Pad instead,or a other brand

Review: Bontrager evoke 2015 mountainbike glove

i purschased these in size Large,they fit well,but shimano the shimano gloves i had were size Medium

i have used these gloves for mtb.

there is a womens version in light blue only difference is the color realy.

afther few days of riding:

natural and confortable fit.

inForm design reduses the  fatigue,but not as mutch as gloves with gel inserts but gel inserts have a big con they wear out fastcan feel the stiching but still confortable.

afhter few days the bontrager logos start to wear off.

pros:

• Excellent brake lever feel
• the bontrager logos on the fingers give you extra grip
• Simple pull-on design makes it easy to take them on and off
• very breathable in the heat
• decent price

cons: 

• no touch screen support o nthe fingertips
• afther few months the sides of the fingers ripped apart.
• the gloves will rip apart easier because of no strong material on the fingertips

price  $34.99 Buy Now: Bontrager.com or Your Local Trek Dealer

only review of the glove i foudn was this one:http://www.feedthehabit.com/mountain-biking/bontrager-evoke-gloves/