When it comes to protective gear, the Swedish company POC is one of the most innovative manufacturers in the industry. With their proprietary VPD polymer, they offer an alternative to D3O or SAS-Tech. We tested the Oseus knee pad from the VPD range for you.
Construction
The high-quality POC Oseus VPD boasts a minimalist design without sacrificing sophisticated details. Particularly striking are the additional side protectors, which provide additional protection for the knee in the event of side impacts. The central VPD protector plate is permanently integrated and unfortunately cannot be removed, which makes it difficult to maintain. Wide elastic cuffs with silicone prints on the top and bottom ensure a secure fit. The fabric is reinforced in the impact area, while the rest of the material is made of a thin, pleasantly soft 4-way stretch fabric that conforms smoothly to the leg.
Protection
At the heart of the Oseus is the CE Level 2-certified VPD plate, a proprietary POC development. The material, called Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough, flexibly adapts to the body when at rest and suddenly hardens upon impact to absorb energy. Additionally, small protector plates are located on the sides to provide additional protection in the event of a side impact.
Fitting
The slip-on design makes it easy to put on and sits comfortably on the knee. On the trail, the Oseus impresses with a stable fit without slipping. The protector shell is more rounded than many other models, resulting in a better anatomical fit.
Movement
In terms of mobility, there's nothing to complain about. The protector stays reliably in place, even during intense movement. The stretch material creates slight wrinkles on the back, but thanks to the thin fabric, these are barely noticeable and don't restrict freedom of movement.
breathability
One minor drawback: The Oseus VPD doesn't have any dedicated ventilation openings, which means that air can barely circulate at the front. The thin stretch material provides some temperature regulation, allowing at least some heat transfer.
robustness
The build quality is excellent, with the finest materials and clean seams speaking for themselves. The reinforced fabric makes the front particularly durable and, thanks to its low coefficient of friction, offers comparatively good gliding properties during falls (for protectors without a hardshell plate), which can benefit energy distribution. The thin back, on the other hand, could be susceptible to damage from contact with thorns or undergrowth, significantly compromising the durability of the protector.
