Product Review

Back in day, people used to rock football helmets and strap pillows around their legs to provide some protection on rowdy mountain-bike lines. Times change, though, and what used to be considered a gnarly line is a now a mellow cruise, so repurposed helmets and pillows just don't cut it anymore when it comes to protection. POC's Joint VPD 2. 0 DH Knee Guards are designed to keep up with the ever-rowdier trajectory of DH riding. Don't get the VPD 2. 0 DH confused with the regular VPD 2. 0. The DH version has the same stretchy neoprene sleeve and hook-and-loop closure strap, but it brings in a hard shell to provide extra protection and less friction against the ground, so you slide rather than shred if you fall onto your knees. Both pads also share the same VPD padding, which is soft and flexible until impact, at which point it hardens almost instantly to absorb the impact that your knees would otherwise take. The upshot? If you're planning on getting gnarly, the VPD 2. 0 DH pad is a good investment.