Alternative to Asterisk ?

Balgaroth

Hello everyone,

I've had my UltraCell 2.0 for a little while and broke my left lower part. So far I can't find the spare part anywhere (in Europe). Also I started to ride with knee pads meanwhile and only wore the right brace the other day after hurting my knee doing something else. Having to ride with the Asterisk brace reminded me how bulky and un-natural it feels.

I got used to it again but since I do 90% (hardish) Enduro and sometime some MX I might not the Asterisk after all. The problem is double, first the bulk makes it harder to pinch/feel the bike, and the bulk makes the pant tighter making hard to bend the knee. 

So if I any of you have some experience with other braces that would be less bulky overall I am all ears. I was considering the C-brace from Leatt with the knee pad instead of the fixed cup. But if all the braces are at least as bulky and cumbersome than my Ultra Cell 2.0 I will just wait for the part to be in stock and keep on using them. 

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YZed250
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YZed250 3/4/2024 1:06pm
3/4/2024 1:06pm
Balgaroth wrote:
Hello everyone, I've had my UltraCell 2.0 for a little while and broke my left lower part. So far I can't find the spare part anywhere...

Hello everyone,

I've had my UltraCell 2.0 for a little while and broke my left lower part. So far I can't find the spare part anywhere (in Europe). Also I started to ride with knee pads meanwhile and only wore the right brace the other day after hurting my knee doing something else. Having to ride with the Asterisk brace reminded me how bulky and un-natural it feels.

I got used to it again but since I do 90% (hardish) Enduro and sometime some MX I might not the Asterisk after all. The problem is double, first the bulk makes it harder to pinch/feel the bike, and the bulk makes the pant tighter making hard to bend the knee. 

So if I any of you have some experience with other braces that would be less bulky overall I am all ears. I was considering the C-brace from Leatt with the knee pad instead of the fixed cup. But if all the braces are at least as bulky and cumbersome than my Ultra Cell 2.0 I will just wait for the part to be in stock and keep on using them. 

Custom Ortema look slimmest (euro) brace, to me. 

https://youtu.be/_VJ5-fvu0s8

crc245
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crc245 3/4/2024 5:40pm
3/4/2024 5:40pm

Really like my Pod knee braces - Still on K300’s (after 10+ years with them) as they are completely rebuildable and WPS keeps replacement parts in stock. Would also recommend looking into Mobius knee braces if the Pod’s don’t fit quite right for whatever reason. 

Rider 5280
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Rider 5280 3/4/2024 8:51pm
3/4/2024 8:51pm Edited Date/Time 3/4/2024 8:56pm

Check out VitalMX's knee brace shootout here:
Motocross Knee Brace Comparison: Full Test - Motocross Feature - Vital MX

Check out VitalMX rider comments on their favorite knee braces here:
Your favorite knee braces - Moto-Related - Motocross Forums / Message Boards - Vital MX
-and-
Knee protection - Moto-Related - Motocross Forums / Message Boards - Vital MX

I found these ^^^ very helpful and they mirrored my general sense of things - at least relative to the braces I tried: 2 Asterisk models (original Cell + Carbon One, POD K8 carbon + K4, and Mobius X8).

I'd also contact Asterisk directly and see what options they offer for parts replacement/repair. I've found them to be quite good to work with and they've rebuilt several sets for me for a very reasonable cost. Before giving up on your set of braces, you may need to just give them a bit more time - I know I needed to in order to adjust.

YZed250
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YZed250 3/5/2024 8:35am
3/5/2024 8:35am
Balgaroth wrote:
Hello everyone, I've had my UltraCell 2.0 for a little while and broke my left lower part. So far I can't find the spare part anywhere...

Hello everyone,

I've had my UltraCell 2.0 for a little while and broke my left lower part. So far I can't find the spare part anywhere (in Europe). Also I started to ride with knee pads meanwhile and only wore the right brace the other day after hurting my knee doing something else. Having to ride with the Asterisk brace reminded me how bulky and un-natural it feels.

I got used to it again but since I do 90% (hardish) Enduro and sometime some MX I might not the Asterisk after all. The problem is double, first the bulk makes it harder to pinch/feel the bike, and the bulk makes the pant tighter making hard to bend the knee. 

So if I any of you have some experience with other braces that would be less bulky overall I am all ears. I was considering the C-brace from Leatt with the knee pad instead of the fixed cup. But if all the braces are at least as bulky and cumbersome than my Ultra Cell 2.0 I will just wait for the part to be in stock and keep on using them. 

I've got medium size legs and I tried Asterisk Ultra Cell 2.0 carbon and they were the probably the lowest profile braces I've tried. They were light weight and relatively short. 

The braces I've worn most consistently were the Pod k300 and the k4 and they were great for me. But probably a little bigger than the Ultra Cell 2.0, particularly in the size of the patella cup. I would say that Asterisk and pod virtually disappear for me, when riding. 


The mobius braces were amongst the biggest braces I've tried on, would not recommend if you're looking for a low-profile brace and if you're a medium to small leg size. 

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