Sport Products
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector is designed as part of POC's comprehensive protective gear lineup, specifically intended for waveboarding enthusiasts seeking enhanced safety and comfort while riding. In this review, we will delve deep into the protectors design, durability, compatibility, performance, user feedback, pricing, and overall value proposition. Waveboarding involves carving through streets or skateparks at high speeds. As such, falls are inevitable. While not all spills result in serious injury, protecting your joints from impact is crucial to avoid long-term damage. The POC Joint VPD Air Protector addresses this need with a focus on flexible protection that moves with the rider and absorbs energy upon impact. This review will offer an impartial assessment of how well it achieves those goals, based on both technical specifications and real-world user experiences. Whether you're a seasoned waveboarder or just starting out, read on to see if this protector is right for you.
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector is built around the VPD Air technology developed by Poc Sports. This material features soft, flexible pads that harden upon impact, offering excellent shock absorption while maintaining a comfortable feel during use. Let's break down its design and key features:
The core of this protector lies in POCs proprietary VPD Air foam. This innovative material is incredibly pliable when warm but rapidly stiffens up upon impact or exposure to cold temperatures, effectively dispersing force away from the joint it protects. This makes it a superior alternative to traditional hard shell protectors which can feel restrictive and uncomfortable over long periods of riding.
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector comes in three varieties: Knee, Elbow, and Hip. Each protector is specifically tailored for its intended joint. The knee pad has an anatomically shaped design that allows for natural movement while providing comprehensive coverage around the kneecap and sides. The elbow pad follows a similar pattern with protection extending down to the forearm. The hip protectors feature a horseshoe-shaped design, offering maximum coverage of the iliac crest (hip bone) without restricting mobility.
To improve ventilation and reduce heat buildup during intense waveboarding sessions, POC has incorporated perforated holes throughout the protectors surface area. This allows for increased airflow while still maintaining its protective capabilities.
The Joint VPD Air Protector utilizes a simple but effective hook-and-loop strap system to ensure a secure fit. These straps are designed to be easily adjustable and won't interfere with your range of motion. The elbow and knee pads have two straps each, while the hip protectors feature three for enhanced stability.
Despite its robust protective capabilities, the POC Joint VPD Air Protector is surprisingly lightweight and low profile. This minimizes bulkiness and ensures that it doesnt restrict movement or hinder your performance on the waveboard. The knee and elbow pads weigh approximately 125 grams per pad (0.27 lbs), while the hip protectors are slightly heavier at around 168 grams each (0.37 lbs).
POC is known for producing high-quality protective gear, and the Joint VPD Air Protector lives up to that reputation. Lets examine its durability in more detail:
The VPD Air foam used in these protectors is exceptionally durable. It can withstand multiple impacts without significant degradation of its shock absorption properties. While it may show some wear over time, POC claims the protector retains 90% of its impact protection after repeated use and cleaning according to their instructions (cold water rinse only).
The outer layer of the Joint VPD Air Protector is constructed from a durable fabric designed to resist abrasion. This helps prolong the life of the protector, even when sliding during falls. The stitching is also reinforced in high-stress areas for added strength and reliability.
POC has paid close attention to detail by reinforcing all seams with heavy-duty thread. This ensures that the protector holds up well under repeated impacts and twisting motions common in waveboarding.
When properly cared for, the POC Joint VPD Air Protector can last for several seasons of regular use. However, its important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions (cold water rinse only) to maximize its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector is designed to be compatible with a wide range of waveboarding gear. Let's explore some considerations regarding fit and compatibility:
These protectors are intended to be worn under your bindings, so make sure they wont interfere with the straps or binding system you use. Most standard waveboard bindings will accommodate them without issue, but it's always a good idea to check for clearance around the protector edges.
The Joint VPD Air Protector is thin and flexible enough to be layered under other clothing if desired. This can provide additional warmth in colder weather or extra padding during intense sessions. However, keep in mind that layering may slightly reduce mobility and ventilation.
POC provides a comprehensive sizing chart for the Joint VPD Air Protector on their website. Here's a quick guide to help you determine your size based on body measurements:
Its important to choose the correct size for optimal fit and protection. A protector that's too loose will shift around during use, while one thats too tight can restrict movement or cause discomfort. If you fall between sizes, its generally best to go with the larger option.
The primary function of the POC Joint VPD Air Protector is to absorb and disperse impact energy from falls. Let's examine how well this protector performs in that regard:
Thanks to its unique VPD Air foam, these protectors offer excellent shock absorption capabilities. The foam stiffens upon impact, effectively absorbing the force and preventing it from reaching your joints.
The Joint VPD Air Protector is designed with a specific shape and thickness that helps disperse energy away from vulnerable areas. This reduces localized stress on the joint and minimizes the risk of injury.
One of the biggest advantages of this protector is its flexibility. The VPD Air foam allows for unrestricted movement, so you can carve through streets or skateparks without feeling hindered by bulky padding. It conforms to your body's natural shape and tracks your movements seamlessly.
POC claims that their Joint VPD Air protectors meet or exceed industry standards for impact protection. While independent testing data is not readily available online, user reviews consistently praise the protectors ability to absorb impacts effectively.
We've scoured various waveboarding forums and review sites to gather real-world feedback on the POC Joint VPD Air Protector. Here's a summary of what users are saying:
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector is priced higher than many competing products in the waveboarding protective gear market. However, its superior shock absorption capabilities, comfortable fit, and durable construction justify the premium price tag for serious riders who prioritize safety. Here's a breakdown of current prices:
The POC Joint VPD Air Protector is an excellent choice for waveboarders who demand both high levels of protection and comfort while riding. Its innovative VPD Air foam technology provides superior shock absorption and energy dispersion, keeping you safe from impact-related injuries. Its flexible design allows for unrestricted movement and a secure fit, ensuring that it stays in place during even the most aggressive maneuvers.
The POC Joint VPD Air Knee Protector is a lightweight, flexible protector designed to absorb impact and provide comfortable protection for your knees during waveboarding. It utilizes VPD Air technology which hardens upon impact while remaining soft and pliable when not in use.
Waveboarding can be demanding on your joints, especially your knees. Knee protectors like the POC Joint VPD Air help absorb impacts from falls and slides, reducing the risk of injury. They provide an extra layer of protection against abrasions and bruises too.
The protector utilizes a unique material called VPD Air that hardens upon impact but remains soft and flexible during normal use. This allows for unrestricted movement while offering superior protection when needed. It's designed to dissipate energy from impacts effectively, minimizing the risk of injury.
Absolutely! Beginners are often more prone to falls and injuries as they learn new tricks. The protector offers excellent impact absorption and can help prevent scrapes and bruises while you gain experience.
To ensure a comfortable fit, measure your knee circumference (around the kneecap) and compare it to the sizing chart provided by POC. A snug but not restrictive fit is ideal for optimal performance and protection.
Yes! You can layer this protector underneath or over other waveboarding gear like pants or knee pads, depending on your preference. Just make sure there's no interference between layers that might compromise mobility or comfort.
POC recommends hand washing the protector with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents as these can damage the VPD Air material. Allow it to air dry completely before use, away from direct sunlight.
While the exterior fabric is water-resistant, the VPD Air material itself isn't fully waterproof. It will absorb some moisture over time but dries quickly when exposed to airflow. We recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to water.
The lifespan of a protector depends on how often you use it and the intensity of your waveboarding sessions. Generally, with proper care and maintenance, this product should provide reliable protection for several seasons.
While they are specifically designed for waveboarding, these protectors can be used in a variety of action sports like skateboarding or rollerblading where knee impact is a concern. However, POC doesn't guarantee their performance outside of the intended use case.
The key difference lies in the VPD Air material which provides superior impact absorption and flexibility compared to traditional foam padding found in most knee pads. This allows for a more comfortable and natural feel while still offering excellent protection.
No, they are designed with mobility in mind. The flexible VPD Air material conforms to your leg's shape without restricting range of motion, allowing you to perform tricks and maneuvers freely.
Yes! They have been tested and certified according to EN 1621-1:2012 standards for impact protection on knees. This ensures they meet the required safety performance levels.
Currently, POC offers these protectors in a black colorway. They are designed with stealth and style in mind to complement your waveboarding gear.
Inspect the protector regularly for signs of wear and tear such as tears or cracks in the material. If you notice any damage, it's best to replace it with a new one to ensure optimal safety and performance.
You can purchase them directly from POC's website or through authorized retailers that sell waveboarding gear like [Your Store Name]. We offer competitive prices and fast shipping! We also provide excellent customer service if you have any questions about the product.