These pads have a Lycra-like snug fit, and the Visco Elastic Polymer Dough (VPD) material moulds itself to your body very comfortably. As with POC’s knee pads, the dough is flexible to slow user movements but solid – like the surface of a pool under a bellyflopper – to fast impacts.
There’s just one strap across the top of the forearm gently holding things in place, minimising constriction and chafing and maximising comfort over VPD’s hard-shell plastic competition. A rubbery gel around the inside top keeps the pad well stuck to your arm, preventing slippage.
The VPDs are slim enough to be worn under a jacket or a baggy jersey, though strong yet minimalist styling means they work well with short sleeves too.
Any pad has to deal with copious sweat, and POC sandwiches a sheet of Polygiene in these – an odour-free membrane – to keep them fresh. They’ve been niff-free so far, and we’re long terming them so we will keep you posted on any signs of breakdown.
The price is a little high, especially as the matching knees comfy, stylish pad that’s tougher than it feels, but there are quality alternatives for less.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.