I've just received some POC knee protectors, and despite my measurements being smack on medium sizing according to their size guide, they feel very tight above the knee, even with the straps undone.
I've not tired them on the bike yet, but walking up stairs is noticeably restricted.
Will they stretch / get more comfortable, or do I need to go up a size? I do t want them to slip down obviously.
Knee pads are difficult to find ones that are right for you, if they are uncomfortable just walking up stairs then they probably won't be comfortable after a couple of hours on a hot day.
Try some more and try other brands.
They might stretch a bit, my Enduras did, but if they're really tight I'd swap for the next size up.
They sound too small. Don’t be surprised if the next size is too big just to mess with you though 😉
POCs size up small. I had a (medium) pair bought off the classifieds that had been through about 4 different owners in quick succession, all of whom found them too small. Perfect on my skinny pins though! (Good pads if they do fit though!)
Hmmm... it's rather annoying if they "size up small" when buying based on POC's own measurement guide (measuring legs above and below the knee in cm).
I've never worn a pair of knee protectors before, so I'm unsure how tight they generally feel. Fed up with bashing my knees though 😄
They sound too tight, I hoped some RF pads would stretch but decided to resize, much better decision. New bigger ones fit much better
My IXS Flow Evo+ zips were tight on the top on arrival, but loosened up to be very comfortable with no slipdown after a ride or two. They were only too tight initially when standing up or walking (different leg motions/shape I guess). One side was noticeably tighter than the other and uncomfortable to begin with despite measuring the same and my legs being the same size, but they soon equalised.
I’d just try cycling up and down the road in them (leaving tags on). If they feel too tight / hurt them send them back. They will gradually stretch a bit - but if they hurt then you aren’t going to wear them.
You may find the next size up perfect or too tight - some brands / models fit certain shapes but not other. E.g I couldn’t get an ion k-pact zip to fit me - the proportions top of the pad to the bottom didn’t work for me. I’d suggest buying a variety of knee pads in different sizes and try them on in one big session and pick the best / send the others back.
Not much. Eventually they’ll sag and stretch but we’re talking towards the end of their life. Send them back and try a bigger size.
In our house we normally end up buying loads of different pads in several sizes and wear them around the house before picking a pair to keep.
I’ve yet to find a pair that fit as comfy as the original 661 Kyle Straits (when they were discontinued I bought up about 5 pairs but they eventually all died).
I’ve always found POC too small for me.
