Tested: Pod K8 2.0 Kneebraces

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

WHAT IS IT

The K8 2.0 is Pod Active’s new and improved top-of-the-line kneebrace. It’s actually the fourth generation of Pod’s impact-modified composite-frame brace, and replaces the popular K800 predecessor. This latest iteration of the K8 is one of three kneebraces the Australian manufacturer now produces; the other two being the K4 base-model brace and the K4 Youth brace – whose collective sales makes Pod the biggest kneebrace brand in the world. The K8 2.0 still uses a pre-impregnated carbon frame, and comes in four frame sizes to optimise fit. But it also gets an all-new Impact Guard design (with two low-profile panels, not three), a slimmer hinge housing with improved ligaments, an all-new closed-cell EVA foam liner, and a new Quick-Loc Clip System on two straps, which allows you to anchor the brace to your leg quicker and easier.

WHY WE RATE IT

PROS…

Comfort: It’s an off-the-shelf brace, but being available in four sizes sure helps fine-tune the fit. So do the supplied interchangeable pads and adaptive cuffs, which help conform to leg shapes and muscle movements. The outer chassis is slightly narrower than its predecessor, the K800, which translates into a more streamlined fit inside your duds and better feel when grabbing the bike between your knees.
Protection: Pod’s unique ‘Human Motion Hinge’ is designed to mimic the ligament in your knee and create a smooth action that follows your leg through its entire range of motion. And it’s especially effective in preventing the brace from ‘migrating’ on your leg, even after a long ride. The updated two-piece, CE-certified design of the “full coverage guards” (compared to the previous three-piece design) offers much better kneecap protection from impacts and handlebar strikes. The new design also makes the new K8s more comfortable to kneel in, and less inclined to snag your riding pants at full flexion.
Adaptable Fit: The upper and lower cuffs offer a market-leading flexible fit to your leg once strapped in. And the top and bottom clip-in cuff buckles allow for much quicker fitment and release time, and are a lot easier than doing up all the straps each time. Plus, the new two-piece patella guard design is now more easily removed if you don’t need that added protection (for example, if you want to ‘repurpose’ your brace for watersports, such as surfing and wakeboarding).
Accessories & Spare Parts: Pod’s simple modular design means nearly every part of the brace is replaceable and rebuildable at home. You can purchase and replace worn out liners and straps (and even replace the hinge system and/or impacts guards, if needs be), rather than having to send the braces back to Pod.
Peace of Mind: The K8 is medically certified, so you can take it to your GP and, depending on your health insurance, claim a portion of the cost on your health fund. Plus, you get a five-year warranty on the frame (not something too many other off-the-shelf kneebraces offer). And if you’re someone who makes a habit of leaving foul-smelling riding gear in your gearbag, you’ll also like the fact the K8’s top-shelf Antimicrobial frame liners and pads are designed to minimise moisture absorption and reduce odour.

CONS…

The K8s are a premium product from Pod, which means they are more expensive than the K4 base-model brace. But they are lighter weight, more rigid and come in four frame sizes versus the K4’s three.
Unlike the K4 brace, you can only get the K8 brace in one colour: carbon/silver. But that isn’t much of an issue for us because we think the colourway looks sick.

Pod’s new and improved K8 kneebraces are even more comfortable and durable than their predecessors. And, like the recently revamped K4s, the upgraded K8s also come with noticeably better impact protection. Their modular design makes them really easy to maintain, plus you get a whopping five-year frame warranty! All of which makes these K8s, at $1140 a pair, great value for money.