Review: Mobius X8 Kneebrace

A product the Transmoto team has tried, tested and would recommend to a mate.

WHAT IS IT?

It’s a recently released, all-new kneebrace that uses an injection-moulded shell, 6061-T6 forged aluminium hinges and extension stops, and a unique stainless steel cable (Continuous Cable Routing System) that’s designed to fasten the brace and reinforce the knee’s cruciate ligaments. The X8 is worn and endorsed by Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey, and comes with a 12-month warranty.

WHY WE RATE IT?

Thanks to the fact that certain areas of the X8’s injection-moulded shell is designed to flex and conform to your legs’ movement – but remain rigid where it’s needed – this brace is lightweight and very comfortable to wear for long periods. That comfort is complemented by the extra-wide fastening straps and cushy closed-cell padding, which comes in different-thickness (for both the patella cup and straps) to help customise the fit. We also liked the excellent impact protection that the X8’s broad shell offers both leg and knee, and the novel CCRS (Continuous Cable Routing System) cable, which – much like the ratcheting dial on a snowboard boot’s ‘boa’ system – allows you to quickly and easily fasten the brace evenly to your leg. The X8 is a little bulkier than average and tends to fill your pant leg more than most kneebraces, but because its shell design is streamlined and the brace’s diameter doesn’t grow around the knee when you bend your leg, there’s no restriction to movement.

Any downsides? Well, the shell’s design does limit airflow, which makes for sweatier socks on those hot rides (which is amplified by the fact the closed-cell foam pads don’t absorb sweat). And the patella design can occasionally pinch your nylons when you bend your leg past 90º. Also, you need to be mindful that the brace’s sizing is particularly generous. Transmoto staffers and test riders who usually run a Large-sized kneebrace all needed to move to a Medium in the
Mobius X8 for optimal fit and support.