SIZES: S-XL

PRICE: $600 ($300/knee)

MOTOCROSS.COM RATING: 8.5

CONTACT: 888/369-7223 or visit www.foxracing.com

            Developed by POD Orthotic in conjunction with Fox Racing, the POD MX knee brace features multiple world and U.S. patents pending, and as the company’s first attempt, the quality, comfort, and construction is arguably right up there with other top MX knee braces. Before we get into the performance of the brace, though, lets take a look at what went into producing it.

            The POD MX brace’s chassis is made from a carbon fiber composite, but perhaps the biggest feature of the brace is the revolutionary Thermo Plastic Urethane hinge. The design of this hinge is made to support the knee’s natural range of motion, while still protecting against hyperextention as well as maximal and lateral injuries. Unique to the brace’s hinge is the fact that varying stop housings are available to help create a custom fit for each rider. Another unique design to the POD is the floating patella guard, which is connected to the hinge, thereby moving the force of impacts away from the leg and onto the brace. As for how the brace is held in position, four comfortable Velcro straps are attached to the frame and can be custom fitted for each rider. Finally, for additional comfort, the brace features, vented padding that can be removed and washed when needed.

            After wearing other knee braces for over a year, the POD MX braces took a little getting used to at first, but by no means is that a bad thing, as anything new takes some time to get acquainted with. Our initial thoughts on the fit of the braces were that they seemed a little longer than other braces both up on the thigh and down on the shine. The padding also got in the way of one of our testers, and a few of our testers mentioned that the straps could have been placed a little differently. We did like, however, how skinny the braces felt when on the bike. The hinge is smoother than other off-the-shelf braces, and allows for more rider interface with the motorcycle. As for durability, these braces stood up to everything we could throw at them, and we never had any problems with parts breaking or falling off. Perhaps the coolest thing about them, though, is the floating patella guard, as its simple yet effective design helps to protect against hard impacts as well if not better than any other knee brace cup out there. The knee cups also stay in the right place most of the time since they float with the way you move.

RATING

            Don’t let the 8.5 rating fool you into thinking that these braces aren’t good—they are. But like any other first-time effort, there are a few kinks that need to be worked out to make them perfect. We did like the fit, quality, and overall comfort, but like we mentioned, there were a few things that we felt held the POD MX brace back. At the end of the day, though, riding without knee braces isn’t something that you want to do, and with these POD MX braces on, you will certainly make riding just that much safer.