PRODUCT REVIEW
Words : Ray Heron
POD K8 KNEE BRACES
For most of us , there needs to be an obvious reason to buy something , or we ’ re not even going to try it – just not on our radar . Boots , helmet , gloves , they ’ ve all got a reason , and all make sense , but knee braces ... are they really needed ? This was the question I asked myself when I was invited to try out some POD knee braces and , at first , I thought " They ’ re just for top-level riders ", but I went along , got sized up , and tried them out on a few rides .
WHAT ARE THEY ? POD is an Australian company , making a range of knee braces from its entry-level K4 right up to the K8 , which Chris Birch uses . POD stands for Protection On Demand .
The Pod K8 is the flag-ship , top offering brace from Pod . The K8 brace is the stiffest and lightest brace Pod makes , and they ' re usable for more than just off-road motorcycling . Other uses include CrossFit , skiing , snowboarding , and the list goes on . The material they ' re made out of is different to other offerings available . The chassis of the brace is carbon fibre . The top and bottom cuffs are a little more flexible , meaning they fit a wider range of riders . There is also overlapping , removable knee cap protection with a nylon upper and a CE-rated lower , providing protection regardless of whether you ' re sitting or standing . With four numbered straps , showing which order to do them up , the straps directly
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