For ardent sports bike lovers out there, riding with top-notch high-grade security gear is as important as the build strength of the gear components.
Well, when helmets are vouched as the top crucial sports fitness gear, knee braces and elbow supports come next in the list for utmost protection.
Buying riding gear is a challenging job for most people, especially if they are not familiar with the upcoming brands and tech they incorporate.
The Pod is one of the most loved biker accessories manufacturers out there. Their knee braces are trusted by many sportbike professionals too.
They are built with fine detailing and design, all scientific measures to yield a snug yet highly protective fit. When you suffer a bike crash, your lower limbs suffer a substantial hit.
Hence, a good knee brace has always been a significant investment to protect your knee joint from breaking apart.
The new Pod Knee brace has been getting excellent ratings from the day it stepped in, but is it all worth it?
If you are not sure about buying a new knee brace, don’t worry, we have thoroughly explained the new Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace, the successor of the previous popular bestseller Pod Knee brace.
We have used the Pod K4 2.0 for around one year now and found many interesting and odd things about it, and we are going to share all of them here in our Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace Review.
So without wasting more time let us study its details.
Table of Contents
Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace Review
The newest knee brace addition to the POD family, the K4 2.0 knee braces, feature medically certified build quality. They are super affordable and comfortable in comparison to protective knee guards.
They are clinically proven to reduce the chances of knee injuries or patella dislocation drastically. The shock-absorbent padding used lowers attack jerk which is a great alternative to knee guards whose tough exterior adds to the momentum.
The patented Impact Modified Frame is the key highlight of this product. The lightweight composite build frames anchor the attached hinges for easy load transfer and impact distribution away from the fragile knee ligaments without making the wear uncomfortable or bulky.
The outer panels are carefully engineered to promote a better ergonomic design than before. The two-year added warranty issued on the Pod K4 2.0 knee brace seals the deal right away!
There’s no denying the fact that POD has always been one of the pioneers of newer innovative ideas that create marvel for its sporty audience.
It has now come up with the New Motion Hinge technology that features synthetic ligaments to help reduce your strain.
They evenly spread out the impact quite seamlessly. The Adaptive cuffs included with the product are designed to fit all kinds of leg shapes and sizes while maintaining a smooth muscle movement throughout.
The frame liners running across the edges of the knee brace enhance the wearing experience to a great extent.
At the same time, its anti-bacterial nature keeps away any brooding microbial growth on the sweat patches of the clothing material. Not only this, but the Pos K4 2.0 Knee Braces are also odor-free.
The knee frame includes interior straps and clasps to securely adjust the brace along with the design of your knee joint easily. All strapping and latches are super-low in profile, which instantly saves a lot of space and effort!
Now, No more waste of time before your sports adventure! The brand new Quick Loc Clipping System makes the entire bracing process smoother than ever before.
Also read: Best Motocross Braces & Knee Guards (Handpicked)
The brace anchorage is DOT certified and delivers optimal support and protection. We recommend that you pick your knee brace size taking the help of the size chart provided by the brand.
For measuring purposes, use a measuring tape to find the knee circumference, going directly underneath the knee cap resting place.
The Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace sizes run as follows:
(Remember, the measurements come apt only when taken in a weight-bearing position with full lower limb extension- a fully straightened laid out leg.)
- XS / S variant: 4.25 inches (108 mm) to 4.72 inches (120 mm).
- MD / LG variant: 4.72 inches (120 mm) to 5.27 inches (134 mm).
- XL / 2XL variant: 11.60 inches (320 mm) to 13.40 inches (340 mm).
Specifications
Here are the quick specifications:
- Weight : 4.00 pounds (approx).
- Unisex: yes.
- Colors: Matte Graphite / Black.
- Clothing size : XS / S, MD / LG, XL / 2XL.
- EAN code: 0815742013498.
- First edition Launch date: 15 March 2019.
- External testing standard certification: DOT certified.
- Model no : K4020 459 MD/LG.
- UNSPSC code: 46180000.
- Closure Type: Hook and Loop.
- Item Dimensions (L x B x H) : 17.8 x 15.6 x 5.8 inches (approx).
Customer Reviews
These Pod K4 2.0 knee braces are better and bolder than ever before. This is a sure-shot investment that you should really go for, trust me, you and your knees will thank them in the long run.
These are some of the most comfortable knee braces available in a similar range featuring Extreme Comfort firm paddings inside. The wearing experience is also very great. It requires absolutely no time to fasten up or adjust accordingly. It just sits perfectly on your knee.
This knee brace requires no complex assembly firsthand. The frame is pretty sturdy and definitely protects from common knee injuries down the road. We are all aware of the fact that knee injuries are severe, take an eternity to recover, and are extremely costly too.
The knee brace came with multiple different-sized pairs of cushioning pads that are interchangeable from the inside so you can play around and select the right fit for you every single time.
One issue that I faced with this pair of knee braces is the frequent rubbing with the motorcycle’s exterior body, especially when performing technical stunts or traversing through rugged terrains.
Also read: Best Dirt Bike Speedometers, Reviews & Buying Guide
To prevent that, you will need to maintain a small space between the safety gear and your bike. Be a little careful while bending your knees to examine types or anything to prevent any abrasions on the bike.
It would be best if you looked for a snug fit on your legs; try squatting a bit to make sure they expand and adjust well. Still, it is advisable to leave a little room inside for natural movement.
The Pod K4 2.0 features a four-strap back design that offers better support. They come numbered, so it is essential that you use them in the correct order while you strap up the gear on your legs.
This not only ensures excellent fitment but also keeps the entire knee brace intact, and nothing moves apart.
The durability of the new Pod K4 2.0 is fantastic, and it has smoothly safeguarded me for the last seven months. The superior exterior still looks as if the knee brace was bought yesterday, and the internal padding is also intact.
The inner fabric used is finely woven, breathable, stretchable, moisture-free, and has not started to wear off till now. The best about this brace is its adjustable synthetic ligaments that take away all the extra load in a jiffy.
PROs & CONs
Overall, the Pod Knee Brace K4 2.0 has a lot to offer. And Like every other safety gear, it misses on a few points.
A con may be a big issue for you, and a pro might be useless for you. Therefore, it is recommended to compare the utility of the product according to your needs.
Here are the perks of the Pod 2.0 model:
- Comfortable front fit does not feel bulky at all.
- Glass-reinforced polymer frames provide enhanced durability.
- Very long-lasting. The robust polymer solid construction build allows no scratches, let alone cracks.
- Superior crush resistance and knee support.
- Flexible joint padding.
- Super helpful self-tracking Patella Guard.
But there are a few drawbacks listed below:
- Backside ends can be a little problematic for people with bulky legs. It can be used with knee sleeves (sold separately).
- It slightly falls on the expensive side.
- It has a limited design variety.
- Protruded side ends may leave marks on your bike.
Differential Comparison between the Pod K4 vs. Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace
- The game-changing central point lies in the differing chassis construction on the front face of both these knee brace models.
With the POD K4 2.0, you get a composite frame structure, whereas, with the older Pod knee brace, you are going to get a carbon-fiber structure. This makes the K4 2.0 definitely more flexible by sucking away all the rigidity from the front covering the frame.
- The weight of both the knee braces lies almost in the same range, with the previous version being a tad bit heavier.
The Pod manufacturing has smartly slimmed down the side hinges in the 2.0 version to keep the low model profile and convenient to use. You can, therefore, enjoy closer proximity between your bike and legs, resulting in a better grip.
- Well, they also amped up the knee cup design. Earlier, a three-piece knee cup design felt a little uncomfortable and too much spaced out for users while bending down frequently.
The much innovative two-piece knee cup design in the version 2.0 brace overlaps on each other and results in smoother, jerk-free, quick knee joint movements. It will stay in place no matter what acrobatics or positions you switch to while enjoying full knee coverage.
- These two pieces from the cup design are detachable as well, so if you are someone who modifies their patella support because different sports demand different impact resistance levels, this is a great choice for you.
This is something that the older Pod K4 knee brace could not achieve. Like the older model, the upper and lower cuffs are made out of plastic, yet they also deliver a great range of flexibility.
As a rider, you may prefer a flexible cuffing throughout so that whenever you wear the protective gear, you can cinch in the brace, and the stretchable cuffs will smoothly adjust along the contours of the rider’s legs better.
- Pricewise, the Pod 2.0 version K4 knee brace is definitely overpriced than its predecessor. On comparing dimensions, the newer variant ends up being slightly less comprehensive, low profile, and almost spanning a similar length as the original knee brace.
- Riding is fun, add that sports element, and it becomes more interesting. It is still a bit risque even for trained professionals. The original Pod K4 knee brace offers dot-certified MX level protection that prevents even the slightest of wear and tear.
The 2.0 model, however, comes with an added impact modifier frame that durably keeps away your skin from the ground even during long slips.
- The multi-strap design on the Pod 2.0 model makes it extremely useful, especially when you take breaks or change bikes.
The knee brace becomes less tiring and probably requires no adjustment whatsoever, so you can be relaxed about the comfort while riding. The Pod K4 original model comes close to the fitment of the 2.0 variant but still lacks behind in back strap support.
Why Do You Need to Buy a Motocross Knee Brace Anyway?
Motocross riding is a very physically demanding activity. There are many risks involved with this sport and injuries can occur as a result of falls or motorbike crashes.
The Knee Brace is one of the accessories that most motocross riders use to protect themselves from painful injuries. Wearing the brace helps in absorbing the impact and offers more protection against injury to the rider’s knees and joints.
A knee brace is an essential piece of gear for your motocross adventures. They are designed to reduce and prevent pain in the vast majority of injuries that can occur in motocross riders.
Also read: Best Dirt Bike Ramp (TOP8) Reviews & Buying Guide
Conclusion
Long discussion cut short, the Pod K4 2.0 Knee Brace is undoubtedly worth all the hype. The newer version is a better and more resilient item. The pod has been known for delivering high-quality knee braces for many years.
The K4 2.0 version provides stunning performance and does justice to its massive price. Customers have lauded the upgrades from its previous versions, all attributed to the enhanced utility.
Nevertheless, the old Pod K4 still is worthy enough to compete with its successor by all means. If you own the old Pod K4 knee brace, it is better to upgrade to the 2.0 version.
Not only has the riding experience been made more comfortable, but also the protective abilities are also excellent.
The former knee brace is more rigid and tougher, whereas the newcomer model prefers to be more flexible and adjustable for support.
Overall, the Pod K4 2.0 variant surely wins the deal, but its older version is way cheaper and still performs exceptionally; therefore, it is a great pick for beginner sportbikes.
Happy riding!