CTI vs. Asterisk etc

eastern dirt magazine is doing a test on this for their next issue. first impressions are that the CTi's are less bulky, but could use a little more padding then what is there. (mainly on the edge of the fiberglass in the knee\thigh area)

CTI is custom fitted. They used to be the same company, but CTI was sold to a European company. I don't wear Knee braces so I can't answer from my point of view but the people I know that wear the CTI's like it. That is just a 2 opinion deal also.

I love my CTI's. Never wore the Asterisks but Most of my buddies that wore them liked them but they fell apart and broke peices way more than my CTIs.

The Cti is more comfortable than it looks, could use a little more padding, but I love the one I have.

I can wear my CTI all day and not feel uncomfortable.
I have worn other braces and couldn't wait to get them off after a ride.

My CTi's have held up very well. I have worn CTi's since 1992. I even fractured the upper yoke on the right one when I looped my bike and it landed across my leg. Sent it back to Innovation Sports and they replaced the yoke for a nominal fee.

Never have had a problem with comfort either. The only gripe I have with the CTi's are the knee cups don't provide adequate coverage. The soon to be released new cups have fixed that problem.

If your insurance will pay for the CTi's get them. Nothing like a brace that is custom made for YOUR legs.

Love my CTIs. Won't ride without them.
Just had one fixed under warranty, as I cracked the upper top part of the shell.
Had a Donjoy custom brace before my CTI, and the CTI is by far more comfortable.

I have only test fitted the Asterisk, but they did feel comfortable. I don't know though...after using CTIs, I won't ever use anything else.

they offer pre-sized braces also. these are what we are testing. the custom made braces are all carbon fiber i believe...

How about the Pod MX brace: PODMX

I am a first generation Asterisk user and am pretty happy. The new generation straps on the new Asterisk look a bit nicer and the anti-rotation strap is also tempting.

I have heard good things about the Pod brace.

If you have insurance that will pay for a set of braces, or even one, there is no other choice but the custom fitted CTI. You'd be crazy to go with anything else. We are very lucky that there are affordable braces on the market that actually perform there function well in case you don't have insurance that will pay for a brace. Mainly the Asterisk and the CTI Edge. I have a custom fitted CTI 2 for my left leg and an Asterisk for the right leg. I've worn a CTI since 91' and this is only my second one and I've had it since 2000. I've had repairs but they are super durable. I like the CTI 2 10 times better as far as fit, comfort and protection. However I like the way the Asterisk fastens and the fact that it does have adjustablility of range of motion and not just adjustable to fit. The difference is that I can actually jog or play other sports while wearing the CTI. I couldn't begin to jog in the asterisk. In order to have the range of motion to go foward enough the knee cups come to far forward on my knee joint. But it still offeres protection in that position. Its just not comfortable. But as far as riding goes and being in the attack position, they are perfect. So custom fit is near perfect fit. Adjustable fit does the job but with some sacrafices. Most of which is not effected while riding but walking or running. At least for me.

Do you need to have an existing injury in order for an insurance company pay for braces? Has anyone here been able to get a prescription to prevent injury?

My PT and surgeon told me for action sports, whatever brand you get it should have the brace designed to be rigid on the front of the thigh and back of calf. They said the ones that are rigid just in the front on top and bottom and use straps to hold it on are not enough protection and allow too much movement. This is a picture of what I mean.Not my words just that is what I was told by one of the leading sports orth surgeons. This is the correct design.Makes sense.

Looks like the Donjoy I gave ya. haha

My EVS Web's have been good for a non prescription brace. I wore CTI's for over ten years until they pretty much were wore out. Now get the EVS Webs and have no problems.

I was unable too, hence why I wear one CTI and one Asterisk. I don't know the trick to that one but I tried.

That could be argued with the insurance company. The prescribing Dr. should be able to do it for you. It is all about ins. codes and how they word the explanation. If you are "Jeoprodizing(sp)" your good leg with an inferior brace they are liable.

How is the family Doug?

I tore my MCL in 03', insurance covered the hurt leg for once brace only. So I got CTi and love it! I still use it, it's held up very well. My other leg has a new Asterisk Cell and it's not as comfortable as the CTi. It has a tendency to pinch the back of my leg.

That looks like the Donjoy I had custom fitted for me. Nice brace for Soccer, Baseball, Wrestling, but I did not like the brace for MX. I have big calves, and the part of the brace that went behind my calf made it so I could not close my boot.