KNEE GUARDS VERSUS KNEE BRACES

ÿAs any smart rider knows, there is a lot of different gear necessary to make sure you are safe when you hop on your bike. Helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, chest protector, elbow pads. One of the most important pieces in your gear bag is your knee protection. There are different levels of protection and many different styles to choose from. In this week’s article, we will take a look at the features of knee guards and knee braces and discuss when to choose each one.


Knee Guards

Knee guards offer basic coverage of the knee cap and sometimes offer shin coverage as well. They are the simplest form of knee protection and also the most used. They are popular for their inexpensive cost and their lightweight, non-structured designs. Knee guards are extremely comfortable to wear for any rider.

There are many different types of knee guards or pads. Many brands offer different features, fits and colors. One main feature common to all knee guards or pads are a hard plastic knee cup to cover your knee cap. Some fairly common materials used in knee guards are neoprene, foam, plastic, mesh and Velcro.

The most basic guards will only cover your knee and directly above and below. There are also guards that have full shin coverage, some with just a soft material that is good for trail riding to ward off cuts and scrapes, and some with a harder plastic that are good for running motos and will protect you more in case of a crash.

There are two basic designs for fit: the first slips on over the foot and is pulled on up over the knee and the second style has straps that will close in the back. There is no style that is superior to the other in protection; it is more based on what the rider finds to be more comfortable. If you purchase the style of guards that have the straps in the back, keep one thing in mind: the most important strap is the one right below the knee at the top of the calf. It should wrap around the thickest part of your calf and is the strap that holds the pad in place.


Knee Braces

It is a common misconception that knee braces only need to be worn post-operatively or after an injury has already occurred. Knee braces are intended for use not only after an injury, but also as a preventative measure. They are designed to absorb impact and keep your range of motion under control.

The knee brace market is growing at rapid paces. There are many companies manufacturing them and many types being manufactured. There are two main features that separate knee braces from each other; these would be the material they are made of and their hinging systems.

The latest technology and best available are braces made of carbon fiber, which are considered rigid-framed knee braces. Carbon fiber is a woven carbon filament that allows the knee brace to be incredibly rigid and to absorb impact and vibration. It is extremely light weight which makes it comfortable to wear for long rides. These braces are the best in knee and leg protection in any sort of crash. The second type of brace is the soft sided brace. These knee braces are made up of a variety of materials such as nylon, foam, neoprene, and TPR (thermo plastic rubber). Most riders will start out with a soft sided brace because it is generally an easier transition from knee guards. Also, the cost of carbon fiber braces is quite a bit higher than the soft sided braces.

The most advance hinging system available is one that has varying hyperextension stops. These are designed to limit over extension and protect the knee from possible injury. Riders that have previous knee injuries (especially ACL) will often times reduce the travel of the brace to 150?? to prevent hyperextension of the tender ligament. There are also hinges that are simply designed with dual pivots to move with your knee and some that limit flexion and extension. Your style of knee brace will depend on what your riding needs are.


How to choose

All riders should have knee protection at all times, whether you’re out for an afternoon practice, early morning moto or just a casual ride. Deciding what to wear is half the battle in preventing injuries. As with any purchase, you get what you pay for. If at all possible, always spend a bit more in the protection department.

Knee pads are a great place to start. They offer impact protection on the knee cap as well as the shin. Keep in mind, however, that they offer no protection against lateral impact or twisting. Upgrading to a knee brace will dramatically improve the level of protection in both of those areas.

A soft side brace is a great balance of knee protection and cost efficiency. Soft side braces can be attained between the $200 – $450 levels. They offer lateral support, impact protection, and also help to prevent the twisting of your knee. Soft side braces are more forgiving than a rigid brace, at the cost of overall stability protection from a twisting fall.

Rigid braces provide the highest level of protection available. They are lightweight, very stiff, and provide tons of support to the knee. They keep the knee moving naturally and virtually eliminate any unnatural motion. When selecting a rigid brace, be sure that it is a motocross specific brace. Medical braces are great for stabilization, but aren’t designed to withstand the wear and tear of motocross. Motocross braces will also allow the brace to “give” in the event of a hard crash, thus absorbing the energy and preventing that energy transfer to the tibia/fibula or femur.


Be informed

Most importantly, when you are purchasing knee guards or braces, you need to be informed. Ask other riders you know, talk to dealers, and research on the internet and discussion forums. Before you make your final decision try the guards or braces on if possible to check for fit and feel and definitely price shop. You will feel safer on your bike and more confident when you ride with your knees properly protected.

EVS ? Winning with safety”


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