best knee brace?

dramirez12
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San Jose, CR
Edited Date/Time 7/2/2012 4:43pm
i have asterisk (old version) and they are awesome but im buying new one, i am between the new asterisk and the alpinestars... which one is better?
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Scott167
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5/13/2012 1:07pm
Between those 2 I would go with asterisk.
dramirez12
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San Jose, CR
5/13/2012 1:16pm
Scott167 wrote:
Between those 2 I would go with asterisk.
do u have a better option? not evs they suck bad
Slow450
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5/13/2012 1:19pm
I am in the same boat, thinking of going with the POD K700 as they are getting really good reviews in the magazines lately as well as users on mail order sites. I've had asterisks for ten years, on my third pair (some refurbishments by Asterisk along the way) and I would like to try something lighter, slimmer, or both.


Not sure if this is absolutely accurate: IE all the same size, more importantly size L and not XXS. But pretty informative. I would really like to go with the lightest, but it seems like a lot of cash $800 vs $500 if the only difference in the two POD braces is less than a quarter pound.

Also the new asterisk is not included, nor the alpinestars and TLD products, but I'm already leaning toward the POD. Anyone have any serious issues with them?
dramirez12
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5/13/2012 1:47pm
Slow450 wrote:
I am in the same boat, thinking of going with the POD K700 as they are getting really good reviews in the magazines lately as well...
I am in the same boat, thinking of going with the POD K700 as they are getting really good reviews in the magazines lately as well as users on mail order sites. I've had asterisks for ten years, on my third pair (some refurbishments by Asterisk along the way) and I would like to try something lighter, slimmer, or both.


Not sure if this is absolutely accurate: IE all the same size, more importantly size L and not XXS. But pretty informative. I would really like to go with the lightest, but it seems like a lot of cash $800 vs $500 if the only difference in the two POD braces is less than a quarter pound.

Also the new asterisk is not included, nor the alpinestars and TLD products, but I'm already leaning toward the POD. Anyone have any serious issues with them?
its interesting but im looking more for protection and comfort... i once had the evs web and they are just shit... i felt like a 60 year old my knees hurted all day, i didn't know why that was and i changed to asterisk and they stopped husrting completely

The Shop

adam455
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GB
5/13/2012 1:50pm
Slow450 wrote:
I am in the same boat, thinking of going with the POD K700 as they are getting really good reviews in the magazines lately as well...
I am in the same boat, thinking of going with the POD K700 as they are getting really good reviews in the magazines lately as well as users on mail order sites. I've had asterisks for ten years, on my third pair (some refurbishments by Asterisk along the way) and I would like to try something lighter, slimmer, or both.


Not sure if this is absolutely accurate: IE all the same size, more importantly size L and not XXS. But pretty informative. I would really like to go with the lightest, but it seems like a lot of cash $800 vs $500 if the only difference in the two POD braces is less than a quarter pound.

Also the new asterisk is not included, nor the alpinestars and TLD products, but I'm already leaning toward the POD. Anyone have any serious issues with them?
When your wearing heavy mx boots with mud caked on them i think saving 200g is pretty pointless and expensive, comfort is probably a better factor to base a purchase on. Ive got the CTIs and haven't had any problems but if you try a couple on go for the ones that feel like a sofa.
Slow450
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5/13/2012 2:35pm
I agree to a certain extent, and may go with the 300s over the 700s for that reason. But, I do think weight can be a factor in overall comfort. I also am considering weight in my next set of boots. I went through a few pairs of Tech-8s, a pair of Fox F3s and currently I'm using Gaerne SG-12s. Weight will be a factor in my next boot purchase as well, the thought process being that I will be more comfortable having less weight on my legs, if I can do it without sacrifice protection or comfort regarding body to equipment contact.

The reason I'm steering away from Asterisk is I've never been 100% comfortable with their hinge design, although it was improved from the 1st gen models I had. I feel like it wears kind of erratically, ie the hinge system will have more play in it eventually, but I haven't noticed a pattern time wise. I was going to go ahead and send this pair in to get tightened up but after reading about the POD artificial ligament system I'm interested. I've also read a couple reviews that mentioned a slimmer feeling as far as gripping the bike with the legs which I would love.

Going through a couple sites it looks like the TLD and Ultra Cell both weigh in at 1.6, like the Original Cell. The A-stars is slightly heavier at 745g. The only thing that is kind of tripping me up on what to buy is I do like the Asterisk boot attachment. Since I'll have to run them for 2-3 years I don't want regret which ones I buy.
Slow450
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7/1/2012 3:07pm
So I went with the Pod MX 700s and rode with them for the first time today. Wow, noticeably more fluid movement and feel when gripping the bike vs. the Asterisk Cells. The only issue is they really need refinement of the knee cup. Not having full coverage is unacceptable when asterisk has been doing it for 10 years. Really hope the next model improves on this, in the meantime I'm going to have to do some fabrication I guess.
To K700 owners, what have you guys been doing for pant/graphic protection on the Pod braces? I had the proprietary covers from Asterisk on my Cells and they worked great, saved a lot of graphics, numbers and pant knees. One day did some damage to my Core pants, they won't take more than a couple rides at this rate. Any ideas?
Big
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7/1/2012 3:33pm
Slow450 wrote:
So I went with the Pod MX 700s and rode with them for the first time today. Wow, noticeably more fluid movement and feel when gripping...
So I went with the Pod MX 700s and rode with them for the first time today. Wow, noticeably more fluid movement and feel when gripping the bike vs. the Asterisk Cells. The only issue is they really need refinement of the knee cup. Not having full coverage is unacceptable when asterisk has been doing it for 10 years. Really hope the next model improves on this, in the meantime I'm going to have to do some fabrication I guess.
To K700 owners, what have you guys been doing for pant/graphic protection on the Pod braces? I had the proprietary covers from Asterisk on my Cells and they worked great, saved a lot of graphics, numbers and pant knees. One day did some damage to my Core pants, they won't take more than a couple rides at this rate. Any ideas?
Crap. Wouldn`t help you when you need them most. Check the "kevlarlinkage" on that piece of sh...t. You MUST put new on them after every ...maybe 5 hours to be sure, because they will be fragile. Kevlar is not for bending in any form. They can snap just about everytime when you ride. Like a rattrap. Well good luck anyway. Get a good ACL-surgery insurance and have fun........
Big
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7/1/2012 3:40pm
POD artificial ligament system? Hahahahahahaa! You can sell sh....t with a cool name i guess. Their "ligaments" is lighter than every other brands. Their protection is real. That`s why. Think armour......
Madmax31
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Cincinnati, OH, USA
Fantasy
7/1/2012 5:41pm
I wore asterisks for years, wore them out. Reluctantly bought fox pods and can tell you they are awesome. I have bad knees and was concerned they wouldn't be protective enough. I was wrong! They protect every bit as well as my asterisks and don't even realize I'm wearing them. Couldnt be more impressed w them.
Top End
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7/1/2012 7:45pm
I had the Asterisks Cells till I tore my ACL. I went with the DonJoys mainly because I like the optional knee and shin pad over the CTis. Further more they offer a ALC guarantee. The Knee Guarantee program covers a patient's insurance deductible up to $1000 should an ACL re-injury occur while wearing the Defiance brace and uninsured patients will receive $1000 towards surgery.
Maddog10
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USA
7/1/2012 9:52pm
Can't comment on the others but I have the new Asterisk Ultra Cells and they are awesome so far. I've only got three rides on them but coming from the old EVS RS-7's there is no comparison. Two thumbs up for the ultra cells.
Big
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7/2/2012 1:04am
Madmax31 wrote:
I wore asterisks for years, wore them out. Reluctantly bought fox pods and can tell you they are awesome. I have bad knees and was concerned...
I wore asterisks for years, wore them out. Reluctantly bought fox pods and can tell you they are awesome. I have bad knees and was concerned they wouldn't be protective enough. I was wrong! They protect every bit as well as my asterisks and don't even realize I'm wearing them. Couldnt be more impressed w them.
The guys i know who had them loved them too. Best fit ever. Didn`t help them anyway. They still broke/worn out fast and caused a ACL surgery. I also know others on this forum saying they broke easily etc. Only way they are good is in the garage. Like a KTM. At it´s best if not used. Maybe if ride them really slow they last a few hours.
The Fast Guy
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Califon, NJ, USA
7/2/2012 7:56am
Troy Lee Designs Catalyst brace is by far the most comfortable, easiest fitting brace out there and they look awesome!!! I have used almost all of them over the years. TLD is the best!!!
Slow450
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7/2/2012 3:21pm Edited Date/Time 7/2/2012 3:36pm
Slow450 wrote:
So I went with the Pod MX 700s and rode with them for the first time today. Wow, noticeably more fluid movement and feel when gripping...
So I went with the Pod MX 700s and rode with them for the first time today. Wow, noticeably more fluid movement and feel when gripping the bike vs. the Asterisk Cells. The only issue is they really need refinement of the knee cup. Not having full coverage is unacceptable when asterisk has been doing it for 10 years. Really hope the next model improves on this, in the meantime I'm going to have to do some fabrication I guess.
To K700 owners, what have you guys been doing for pant/graphic protection on the Pod braces? I had the proprietary covers from Asterisk on my Cells and they worked great, saved a lot of graphics, numbers and pant knees. One day did some damage to my Core pants, they won't take more than a couple rides at this rate. Any ideas?
Big wrote:
Crap. Wouldn`t help you when you need them most. Check the "kevlarlinkage" on that piece of sh...t. You MUST put new on them after every ...maybe...
Crap. Wouldn`t help you when you need them most. Check the "kevlarlinkage" on that piece of sh...t. You MUST put new on them after every ...maybe 5 hours to be sure, because they will be fragile. Kevlar is not for bending in any form. They can snap just about everytime when you ride. Like a rattrap. Well good luck anyway. Get a good ACL-surgery insurance and have fun........
I don't understand your post. What are you talking about, the braces or a guard for pants/graphics?

Edit: Read the rest of your posts, I applaud you for participating in a forum that isn't written in your native tongue, but I wasn't 100% clear on all your points. As far as the Pod's being crap, I'm not brand loyal and am open to other opinions, but there isn't real substance to your posts dogging them. I have friends that have blown out ACLs etc on Asterisk, EVS and CTI, as well as just wearing knee guards without braces. The only brand where I don't have a personal friend that has sustained a knee injury wearing their product is POD, but they are the newest kid on the block, so that means nothing. The point is that none of the current braces are a guarantee, but they are hopefully a little extra protection. As far as durability, I know from experience that Asterisks break down pretty quick, less than a season always. The old school EVS RS-6s wore like iron, but were uncomfortable, bulky, and of questionable protection value. So there probably has to be a compromise. After one ride I absolutely prefer the Pod to the Asterisk, but that may change over time. I also have a couple friends that have worn knee pads for years and never had a knee problem so who knows. What do you wear and why?
7/2/2012 4:43pm
I have the K300's and love them! and this is coming from a guy that had custom CTI's at one point, fine product!

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