The POC Bone Arm guard should serve as a proper introduction. It's comprised of three-segments -- lower triceps, elbow, and forearm. They use three Velcro straps to secure the bone to your arms, one horizontal strap at the two and two criss-cross straps across the forearm. It stops above the wrist. Separate wrist protection is available. The padding is made out of Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough, VPD for short. This stuff is pretty amazing. If you work it slowly in your hands it is soft, conforms easily around shapes. But slam something, like a rock or tree into it, wham! And it is instantly hard.
Submitted by
rdhfreethought
a Downhiller
from Boulder, CO (PNW transplant) Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Competative Cyclist
Strengths:
Slightly better articulation than Dainese, better protection
Weaknesses:
fit too tightly. 2009 had only one size. 2010 comes in S, M, L (per report)
Similar Products Used:
Rockgardn, Roach etc
Bike Setup:
Knolly Delerium T
Bottom Line:
I tried on every single elbow pad I could find. Maybe 10-12 different manufacturers. The only ones that came close to the POC was the Dainese. Of note, the 661 with 3DO seemed would be a good choice if you dont think you need forearm protection. The most important thing about Elbow and knee protection is that it DOES NOT MOVE AROUND. In this, the POC Elbow is successful. (not the knee, see my review). However, the tricep plate will catch on the elbow plate on extreme flexion. If you are XC or AM, this is no big deal, but landing from a jump or drop can cause an overlap, which is annoying. However, the plates DO slide past each other with the least friction of any of the elbows I tried (namely better than the Dainese). This method of using two sliding plates is much better than the cheapo 'lets stitch on two pieces of plastic to a piece of lycra' that 90% of the other companies settle for. I have crashed several times wearing these (Whistler, Keystone, and Winter Park) but I did have a fairly nasty local crash wear my forarm went directly into a large sharp rock. I would surely have fractured my Ulna withought these on. They fit tightly, but don't move around, which is more important.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
treaty_oak@yahoo.com
a Downhiller
from Austin, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Competitive Cyclist
Strengths:
Unique design of the POC elbow guard always for freedom of movement and the pads stay in place(read this 3 times). Pads absorb impacts and serious hits very well.
Weaknesses:
The pad is virtually perfect in performance, but since I typically ride in 90-100 degree weather, I would prefer the pads to be a bit cooler. Notice I didn't say, "price".
By far the best elbow pads I have worn. I have bursitis in one elbow and the pads handled some truly nasty direct hits on rock. I have muscular arms and I have never had an elbow pad stay in place for the duration of a ride but the POC elbow pads do stay in place. Finally, the pads are not the coolest pads I have worn, but they don't add heat, either. Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
babbin
a Downhiller
from Stockholm, Sweden Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Flottsbro
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$67.00
Purchased At:
sportson
Strengths:
Good flexible elbow guard.
Fits perfect to your elbow/arm.
Weaknesses:
nothing, it's just perfect.
Bottom Line:
Great elbow/bone guard. Worth every dollar(well i paid in swedish kronor)
Well just perfect, go out and get a pair!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 75.00
Overall Rating:
