First Impression: POD MX K-700

We've said it before and we'll say it again: you just can't have too much protection for your knees. You may see the local goon at your track doing wheelies in the pits with no knee pads (heck, you may BE that goon!), and we can't even begin to tell you how bad this is. Your knees are not only one of the main support systems of your body but also a major connector to the bike, and if you don't take care of them your riding career will undoubtedly suffer. Ask any pro or smart rider who has ridden for over ten years, and they'll all tell you the same thing: knee protection is key.

Many riders are familiar with the POD knee brace, a smart combination of protection and technology that hit the market a few years back. Well, the POD is back, and in a big way. The all-new POD MX K-700 Ligament Knee Brace is the next level of protection from this savvy company, and the brace itself is arguably the most advanced off-the-shelf brace we've ever seen. But don't just take our word for it, check out what POD has to say about the new goods:

The all new POD MX K-700 Ligament Knee Brace, is a truly refined blend of structural strength, superior ergonomics and unprecedented comfort - making it the strongest, lightest and slimmest brace on the market!

"The team at POD is dedicated to advancing Ligament Knee Brace design through innovation and technology" states President Geoff Maloney.

Inspired by the human body, POD's Patented Polymer Hinge System uses Synthetic Ligaments to provide durable and secure natural motion. The POD MX Knee Brace has attracted industry recognition for its non-mechanical feel.

POD utilizes an advanced molding technique to densely compress multiple layers of carbon composite resulting in a unique structural integrity and ergonomic form in its frames. Coupled with interior strap loops, this frame helps capture the leg and reduce brace rotation and migration.POD's Self-Tracking Patella Guard stays positioned in-front of your knee and is designed to transfer impacts/forces through the hinge and into the frame, providing total coverage.

At POD our products are lab tested for strength, fatigue, stiffness and safety compliance. Once satisfied, POD's focus shifts to field testing where prototypes are handed over to team riders for real world testing in grueling conditions. Their feedback helps us continually re-think the way we approach performance and innovation and is reflected in the quality and reliability of our products.

Not too shabby, eh? Of course, we here at Dirt Rider don't just take a manufacturer's word for granted-we like to get out in the dirt and run products through the ringer until we know them inside out and upside down. And that's exactly what we are doing with the POD MX K-700. After a successful fitting and introduction of the brace to our staff, POD supplied several of our editors with new braces that we could wear, adjust, tweak, smack, roost and just plain play with in order to get a full opinion. At the moment, we are still gathering data for that opinion which will run in the form of a DR Tested in the magazine. However, we already have a fairly good idea of where the POD stands and how it stacks up in the competitive realm of knee guards and braces. Check out the first impressions below from some of our staffers, and keep your eyes on the magazine for the full first test. And in the meantime, take care of those knees!

POD MX K-700 Knee Brace
Available: Mid-June 2009
Sizes: S - XXL
Prices: $749.95 (sold as a pair) or $399.95 per Single Brace
Weight: 595 grams (based on large brace with patella guard)
Website: www.podmx.com

Distributed exclusively world-wide by Fox Racing and available off the shelf or with customized options, contact your nearest Authorized Fox Dealer for the June 2009 release or visit us at www.podmx.com.

Opinions
"The best thing about these knee braces is that when you first wear them you hardly know they are there. They are light, thin, fit good and move just like they should without restricting any movements that I felt my knees should be able to do. At the same time they limit the stuff I don't want my knee to do and they seem fairly adjustable. The four straps do a pretty good job of keeping the brace in place and there are not any pinching spots. But after I went to put the braces on the next day I noticed that there were some pressure points where the pads did not protect a protruding bone on the side of my knee and I was a little tender. I need to pad up the hinges and elevate the frame farther off the side of my leg. Also the sticky on some of the pads is taking a beating and is starting to fall off after four uses. The elevated knee pad is great for protection and keeps clear of my knee cap but it is funny if you have to kneel down to work on the bike." -Jimmy Lewis/ 40 years old/ one knee surgery/ typically wear Asterisk for Moto and EVS knee pads for trails.

Continue to page 2 for more opinions from Chris Denison, Karel Kramer and Pete Peterson.