Weak.

By D.Chu Ranked #385 - Alpine Skiing December 17, 2009

When I first got these things, I was pretty excited. They fit nice and low profile, they have solid (but well articulated) padding on the side of the thighs and hips. The patch of VPD seemed small, but it covered the tailbone so it let it go. I was stoked to use it. After a couple days with it on the mountain, I'm less stoked.

First, there is a function issue. There's not nearly enough padding coverage on the backside. If all you're concerned about is coccyx protection they're fine, but if you've ever slipped on on a rail, you know soft tissue impacts on a hard, sharp surface hurt plenty. At least a little bit more padding (not even the VPD) would have helped. Lame.

Second, no fly. I knew this coming in, but this drives me batty about impact shorts. Why would you not give them a fly? Guy lame.

Third, and most importantly, the spandex material surrounding the "pocket" where the VPD piece rests is tearing in two different places. I could stitch it up, but based on where it is, I think it's likely to get worse. SUPER lame.

It's sad because the VPD is really an incredible material. It's comfortable and pliable (much more so than D3O), while CE-2 certified for motorcycling. POC just hasn't found a way to make it work yet. I also bought the VPD vest, which I also had problems with. POC has a lot of great ideas with this incredible material, but they need to execute better.

View Details: POC Hip VPD Impact Short

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes