Knee gear

[Logroller 1]

Whatcha wearing on your knees?

I opted to go with knee guards and not a brace many years ago. I'm sure a brace would have helped reduce some damage I did to my right knee, twice, but that is beside the point, because it is the past. Yes braces are pricey $600 and up, but when you think about how much surgery and such will cost, it ends up being chump change. So I am a brace supporter despite not owning a pair and I need a pair made for my legs and not an off the shelf brace, meaning much more than $600.

Now if braces aren't your thing or in your budget, then guards should be an option to seriously consider as they supply a good amount of protection, the hinged guards (much more protection than simple shin/knee cap guards) that is. I have the Thor Force Knee Guards and like them. They don't move around, slide down much, and when they do it is due to me standing or walking. Stay on the bike and movement down is reduced. Belting your boots well and adjusting he guard straps for your legs reduces the movement as well. Note, that this "downward" movement is minimal. However, as little as that may be, it's enough to offset the guard. And what I mean by that is, only noticeable annoyance comes in the form of back knee rubbing from the straps. Something that seems unavoidable with most hinges guards or braces for what I hear.

Thor - http://www.thormx.com/products/?productGroupId=86401&productId=170677

Least - http://www.thumpertalk.com/reviews/product/43167-leatt-dual-axis-knee-guard/

I started this post, because many people do not wear or do not know what to wear over their knees or most of their body. I'm no pro rider or product expert, but I do know from riding over 20 years (cruisers, superbikes on/off the track, and dirt bikes) that you can almost never have enough gear to help protect you. "Enough," meaning the right stuff over the right areas. The more years under my rider's belt, the more gear I get, and more advanced gear at that e.g., full suit instead of two piece, boots that fit and protect me instead of inexpensive deals on short lifespan products, lighter helmet with better fitment reducing fatigue and heat, etc. I saw the new Leatt guard and thus made a post for you to read.

Cheers, the roller of logs.

[CableJockey 1]

I have owned one pair of knee braces so I'm no expert. What I do know about is that annoying rub from the velcro straps. The EVS Brace Sleeves solved the problem for me. At $20 a pair it is a no-brainer to wear them. Buy them on the large side so you can pull them up and fold them over the top of the brace to keep them up. I haven't found anything else that works.

[dirt dame 561]

I use knee guards, I don't like anything bulky around my knee joints. I have used the Thor ones, Built, EVS, and right now I am using the Fox Impact ones. They are all designed very simularly, and are not very expensive.

[downs 1]

There's arguments that while braces protect your joints they simply transfer the injury causing energy elsewhere. Such as breaking your femur.

I don't know I've never used them so I can't say for sure

[robertaccio 413]

http://www.thormx.com/products/?productGroupId=86401&productId=170677

these are what I use now not 100% happy with them, I am not a fan of neoprene wraps and the hooks of the velcro sometimes roll over and irratate me. But the guard are very good at warding off hits plus they have some manner of joint support. But for me its the exoskeleton logic I like, its a hard frame around the leg to protect from hits from the front and the side. The semi uncomfort thing I speak about is also because I dont wear under leggings, thats my own choice.

In the past I have used USA's-Asterisk (the best for me, but $$$$)

Australia's-Pod MX (very very good and comfortable, $$$, and saved me big time*)

I let my asterisk go too far for a rebuild, which they will do for you, mine were too far gone. And were thrown away.

Pods were still good with one exception "and saved me big time*" the right lower CF section just below the knee was shattered from hitting a downed log at speed in the Tecate HS race, no crash no injury just a gnarley hit and a chafed bloody shin area from the CF ends cutting in for the rest of the race. I still believe I may have cracked my lower leg bone instead of the carbon fiber frame if I had lesser guards on.

[Honda90 0]

Those are similar to mine. http://www.flyracing.com/product/moto/racewear/knee-guards/5-pivot-knee-guard/308/black

I got them after Tdublady's fall. I already have some knee troubles, don't need any trauma.

Once I get the straps adjusted, I don't notice them. Thankfully, I have not tested them in a fall. They are chewing my tank up though.

[Logroller 1]

They are chewing my tank up though.

Thick hot pink felt or a thin leather stitched to your inner thigh/knee should take care of that issue.

[Logroller 1]

Thor Force

Leatt Dual Axis

Fly Racing 5 pivot

More knee guards or pads

http://www.motosport.com/dirtbike/knee-guards

Braces by Alpinestar, EVS, Thor, POD, Asterisk, and more

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/products/mens-dirt-bike-knee-braces-C17912.do

[Wintyfresh 46]

I've got a set of Fox Titan Race knee/shin guards I'm fond of, but recently picked up some EVS Vision braces for the MX track. I wouldn't describe either as comfortable but certainly bearable with tall motocross socks, the former are low profile enough to fit under my leather track pants and the latter go under my O'Neal Motocross pants. Neither was particularly expensive ($30/$90) but I feel a little safer wearing the braces if I'm riding aggressively.

[Logroller 1]

These seem to work for this guy.

[bikeslut 1]

I know intellectually that a real brace will prevent more injuries. As someone said, they may transfer forces to the bones to save the joint, but in my experience, that is a better injury to have...I just ride slow and safe, wear a pair of knee/shin protection, and roll out of falls, rather than try to catch myself

[Logroller 1]

I have fallen many times off the dirty and two were bad enough to do some damage. One from a wheelie gone bad at low speeds but as I rolled on the floor a couple of times, the knee and foot decided it did not want to go with the rest of the family. Another incident 6 years later took place on some 4ft whoop jumps. I got misaligned coming off one and well, there went the knee again with basically the same movement and damage.

Some knee protection with hinges of some kind would have helped reduce the injury. However, like Bob stated, know how and executing good falls can be a big help. Slow or not, jumping or not, our knees can get twisted up easy and having the gear and know how can save them from nasty pains......in my opinion.

You don't know how to ride unless you practice, right. I believe the same goes for crashing. Practice and execute, so when the time comes, you'll know what do do without panicking or causing big pain.