CTI Knee Brace Review - Episode 101

[@miketaylor4368]

I wear the Asterisk brand braces for now. I tore my ACL , meniscus and cartilage in my right knee. I was wearing braces at the time so I couldn't imagine the damage that might have been done without. It takes time to get used to braces but I'm a huge promoter of people wearing knee braces. Braces are far superior to any knee pad. Just remember that braces are often cheaper than an ER visit.

[@andrewpardo301]

I used to wear the FOX Titan pro knee guards but they chafed the back of my legs and they didn’t offer much in protection aside from a good hit. So last year I bought the POD K8 v2. I chose them over the Leatt braces even though they’re pricey. Compared to knee surgery $759+/- US isn’t that bad. I’m pretty new to trail riding and I dab quite a bit and these braces definitely work. I don’t mind them and feel way more confident with them on. I wear UnderArmor compression pants instead of sleeves/knee socks. No problems with the braces moving or sliding. No chafing either. POD braces can be somewhat covered by insurance with a proper doctor’s script. Now if only there was a sciatica brace. Cheers!

[@martinh2075]

I'm really glad it wasn't any worse and you are still able to go ride bikes! Wish you a speedy recovery!

[@PNWEnduro]

@Martin H thanks. Yes, I'm really thankful I did not need surgery.

[@DirtBikingwithDonnie]

I bought the off the shelf CTI braces, wore them twice and sold them. I couldn’t deal with the heat of the extra layers and the pain of getting my pants on over the exposed Velcro parts. Your custom ones look much better. Great video.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes the heat is a concern for me but it's something I'll have to deal with. These seem to fit inside my Klim pants just fine though.

[@paulranderson6369]

Yeah, my Klim pants fit over just fine, and I have the standard ones. The heat is not really an issue, either and I ride in Texas and New Mexico. Just sayin....

[@gilleslesage1008]

Thanks for this. Doing research on the best solution to keep riding this year. Too funny as I tore my MCL in the exact way you mentioned. Few riding buddies decided to go to Mcnutt for a nice break from winter non riding season. Helping a bike up an obstacle and bike fell on my leg sideways.. CTI seems the way to go.

[@PNWEnduro]

After two years mine are still as good as new and wearing them is as natural as boots or a helmet. The extra cost of the custom fit braces was totally worth it IMO.

[@7arkhwf]

@@PNWEnduro How could one get a custom, online I mean, if possible?! Thanks & ride safe 👍

[@gophop]

I've been using POD K4 2.0 for about a year. I hate being on the bike without them now. Aside from the obvious safety advantages, there is comfort in them for me. The bike would beat my knees up, when I pinch the seat, before the braces. Riding over boulders would make me flinch. Not anymore. Besides, they feel like moto boots for my knees, shins, and thighs. I smash through branches, push against rocks for balance, fall over with the bike on my leg. None of it matters. To me, riding without braces is like riding in sneakers - terrifying. Best $600 ever spent on bike related gear.

[@davestutzman3126]

I have been wearing Pod braces for a few years and noticed that my knees have improved off the bike also. What used to pop out of place 2 to 5 times a week is now 2 to 5 times a year. Braces are worth every $ spent. The Leatt knee socks have lasted as long. I fold over the top and bottom part and tape the top. Sometimes they have migrated loose at the top. I don't find it out until I go to take them off. The best part I like is now I can squeeze my bike with my legs.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks, I'm looking at the Leatt socks as an option.

[@johnlastname2895]

@@PNWEnduro I have been trying to get custom cti braces sorted out for the last 3 years, I have had 12 yes 12 sets of braces made and they still don't fit as of today, it has been one of the very worst and most frustrating customer experiences I have ever had and I wouldn't recommend even my worst enemy to get cti braces. I am actually in the process of returning all the braces as I give up on ever getting a set that actually fit.

[@enablerdave]

I wear POD K4s 2.0 size XL. Luckily, they seem to fit me really well. I'm 6'1". I've got larger quads and average calves and knees. They fit me without much extra bulk and fit under every pair of riding pants I've tried. It took a good couple of months to get used to them. They definitely needed some break in time before the straps quit cutting into my legs. Now I don't even notice them. At first I had to ride with the straps kinda loose. Now the straps are softer I can snug them up a bit more. I use Thor knee brace sleeves. Fold the bottom over the brace. They tuck into the top of my boot about an inch, which seems to help keep them in place and makes them pretty solid with the boot. I actually like the way gripping the bike feels now. Less rubbing and chaffing on my skin. And when I fall on rocks, they protect the side of my knee much better. :) One day, when I have a few grand extra, I'd like to get some custom braces.

[@PNWEnduro]

@David Potts thanks for sharing your experience with braces.

[@enablerdave]

@@PNWEnduro You're welcome! Feel better!

[@brianlundstrom1845]

I have the CTI customs and I ordered the Thor knee brace sleeves and really like them.

[@stevejones6647]

I’ve been wearing some asterisk knee braces for a couple years now after a mcl tear. Other then the how bulky the braces are I have no complaints. I use asterisk knee socks and they have held up really well. Only took a few rides to get used to the braces and i won’t ride without them anymore. I do a lot of pivot turns so the extra stability of the braces are really important to me

[@ardhorenaissance1580]

CTI's for 25 yrs!!! Wouldn't ride without them

[@markgunnison]

I have some Leatt C-frame braces I have been using for a few years. They came with sleeves that I replaces after a year or so. I really like them.

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks Mark!

[@RickGreen_McNutt]

I started wearing the Mobius braces in November, with the Klim 'knee brace' socks underneath. I tried the Fox knee brace socks, but where the upper part meets the lower (the sock part), it's not stretchy like the rest of the material and was too tight. The Klim's occasionally seem to bunch up a little on the sides of the knee which causes a little pain, combined with the braces seemed designed for a smaller knee. Mobius suggested stretching the knee out with a sharpie lengthwise between the knee portion, which has helped.

[@fmtnic]

I use EVS and Rocky Mountain MC brand knee brace socks and both are great. The rocky mountain ones use a little thicker material and a little warmer but it's really hot where I live and they don't bother me in the heat. I prefer the EVS just slightly. A good tip is to wrap the sock down over the brace so it doesn't feel so constricting on your upper thigh. I am wearing holes in my riding pants from gripping the bike with my POD braces but I love them and don't like to ride without them.

[@krazed0451]

What's really hot to you? 45deg C (113f)?

[@fmtnic]

@@krazed0451 40 is really hot to me. Plus humidity.

[@jamesg5059]

I’ve been wearing pod k4 braces for 3 years. It didn’t take very long to get used to them and now I don’t even notice. I’ve tried using the long socks, bunch of different brands and didn’t like any of them. I use the asterisk sleeves now, very thin and work great. The trick is to fold the top of the sleeve back down over the knee brace, really seems to lock them in place. Good luck and speedy recovery!

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks, I'll look into the Asterisk sleeves.

[@johnlastname2895]

@PNW Enduro I have been trying to get custom cti braces sorted out for the last 3 years, I have had 12 yes 12 sets of braces made and they still don't fit as of today, it has been one of the very worst and most frustrating customer experiences I have ever had and I wouldn't recommend even my worst enemy to get cti braces. I am actually in the process of returning all the braces as I give up on ever getting a set that actually fit.

[@PNWEnduro]

I’m sorry you had such a bad experience with CTI. Mine fit perfectly right away. Thanks for sharing though, it’s good to hear other people’s experience with a product good or bad.

[@johnlastname2895]

@@PNWEnduro it's a real shame because the braces look nice but they don't fit (like at all) and I am dealing with the northeast rep for ossur and also with the manager of the custom bracing department at ossur and neither one can get the braces even close to fitting, one set was soo small they wouldn't even fit on my leg (so far every single set has been too small) honestly it might be closer to 14 sets of braces I have lost track since I started dealing with my first ossur rep in early 2019

[@SingleTrackTherapy]

Sorry to hear about your knee. I purchased Leatt X frames before I hurt my knee (have never injured them yet) and have gotten used to them, they are comfortable for me. I found it was difficult holding the bike with the knees so I grip more on the ankle boot area than before but seems to be okay for my riding. I lock them out at 10 degrees I believe, so I can’t straighten my leg out, They always seem to loosen off a touch throughout the day.

[@4stevenies]

I wear X-frame Leatts as well. No injuries yet, but that's the point right? Took a little getting used to and get a little warm with the sleeves but worth the protection.

[@inthepumpkinpatch5383]

I've been riding with the Mobius knee braces for the last two years I often forget that I'm wearing them sometimes in the summertime they get a little uncomfortable around the velcro but nothing too bad I use seal skin socks that go up to my knees in the winter time but in the summertime I have a pair of fox socks that go up past the knee brace and then I roll them over the top of the knee brace. I started wearing knee braces before I had a major injury I knew it was inevitable thanks for sharing

[@PNWEnduro]

It sounds like most people are wearing the socks over long shorts. Thanks for sharing.

[@tjpighin]

Klim makes a nice knee brace riding sock. They also make padded riding shorts

[@paulranderson6369]

The little sleeves CTI sends really suck. Tore my pair on the first run as well. I went with the Under Armour Heat gear 3/4 compression leggings. Much better for me. I love my CTI braces. If I could afford them, I’d get the custom as well.

[@ArizonaDesertRat426x]

I too run the under armour compression pant leggings! They’re great!

[@petterandersson7296]

thank you, now i know i will go custom

[@dazaladz]

At 6:41 when the knee brace bends forward, u should put in one of the stoppers u got so it locks out just before your leg is fully straight. Would help reduce risk of tearing ACL as it most vulnerable when your leg is at full extension. I tore mine and medial meniscus, not one bit fun. off the bike for 9 months

[@madman432000]

Using Mobius braces since 2016, with Mobius compression sleeves or Thor ones for warmer weather. Only thing I don't like about the Mobius is you have to slide them up onto your leg, so have to put them on before pants. I think asterisk are made by former CTI employees/engineers.

[@miketaylor4368]

You should place any brace on before your riding pants.

[@madman432000]

@@miketaylor4368 But it's the difference between taking shoes and pants off , then pulling on the brace, pants back on and then boots vs just pulling riding pants down and wrapping brace around leg and pull pants back on and then the boots. Don't really like driving with knee braces on. I usually wear riding gear to the trailhead when driving. Not an issue when riding from home. It's worse if it's raining. I've taken to wearing the knee braces when driving to trailhead in the morning to save time.

[@miketaylor4368]

As long as you dont wear your braces outside your pants.... yes it's a thing. I've seen it 🙄

[@madman432000]

@@miketaylor4368 Me too.

[@chrismarshall4814]

Your doing the exact same as I have done. Bought braces after an injury instead of before. What do we do this?? I was being recovered by a quad after drowning my bike at an event. And he dragged me off the bike dislocating my knee. The same knee I have had surgery on before and had Cartledge removed from. The physio couldn’t believe looking at my history that I escaped without damage. So took it as a warning and bought some pod braces. First ride and I didn’t even know I had them on but they saved my leg twice that day alone. Trying to convince my riding buddies to invest but they will go down the same route as me no doubt. Buy after an incident.

[@PNWEnduro]

I have a couple riding buddies that are getting braces now. I've thought about getting them in the past myself but like you I waited until after injury.

[@chrismarshall4814]

PNW Enduro at least your buddies have listened. Mine just gasp at the price and say I don’t need them

[@PNWEnduro]

@chris marshall yes, the guys who can get them paid for with extended medical benefits are much more likely to get them.

[@chrismarshall4814]

PNW Enduro we don’t have that sort of thing over here in the UK

[@jase1911]

Don joy A22 is the best brace out there but depends on how much you value your knee... I'd say asterik and cti are a close 2nd

[@j01vno]

I wear Rab PolarArtec thermal leggings, there very hot, but unbelievably comfy, there thick and give very good support and grip for the brace. Excellent for the skiing and bike in the colder wether. Tad worm on the hot days though... (Had the same CTI knee braces for over 20 years now and there still working well!)

[@spymaine89]

i purchased right leg for busted ACL , i suppose they will keep you from injury. but dont expect any support , or off loading of your weight from knee ................ it will still hurt to walk.

[@scottbrown4928]

I just got my first brace (I'll get the second when ins resets) after a knee injury too.. same brace set as yours but in mat grey. Maybe its because I'm taller 6'4" but I find holding the bike more comfortable, I don't feel as pigeon toed. I have some Adidas 3/4 length compression pants I've worn with it twice now but I'm actually on the fence if I prefer it with no sleeve, time will tell.

[@user-fm8vv8tj2q]

I use compression tights with knee high moto socks with my evs knee braces

[@danielpineda3656]

¡Hello! What's your opinion on the pods brace, they seem to be a good choice!

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

I tore my mcl bad last fall, I couldn’t even load my bike up into the truck because it felt like my knee was going to fold and give out. It was a very scary experience and was the first time I was timid getting back on the bike after a crash. I still don’t wear knee braces because of the high cost so it’s always in the back of my mind.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes it was very unsettling (and painful) to get out of bed and have my lower leg just fold over. Phsyo and doing strengthening exercises 7 days a week helped me a lot.

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

PNW Enduro I took about 2 months off from riding. I didn’t do any phsyo other than taking the neoprene knee brace off and doing nightly stretches and then short walks with the brace off.

[@ashmyrmidonsminions9271]

Thanks for sharing, hope its doing better.💪 Good job on the details in the video and not the standard sale pitch . The comments were very helpful as well so thanks for starting the discussion and adding your thoughts.🤔 Are your going to be doing a 6 months review on them or or wait till you have a 100 hours on them too😂 Thanks again, just found your channel so gonna continue binge watching 😵

[@PNWEnduro]

They have been great for me and I'm really glad I got the custom braces, fits like a glove. They are now just another part of the gear I wear to ride and I don't really notice them other than the inside hinges when I'm squeezing the bike with my legs. I bought the Leatt knee brace shorts and they are great for keeping the braces from sliding down. Thanks for watching!

[@chiptaxfree]

What do you expect I would have to pay out-of-pocket for custom braces like yours. The CTI ones.

[@hlm_shyaa2330]

Looking for somthing like this I ride bmx they dont make bmx knee braces. just need somthing strong,slimfit

[@PNWEnduro]

I rode BMX for many years before getting back into Enduro riding. I always used skateboard style knee pads or similar but they offered no protection from twisting your knees.

[@gophop]

Don Joy are slimmer.

[@claudioteixeira5917]

Só how match you pay for the par of costume cti knee braces?

[@Greg_383]

After spending a year in the braces, do you feel they offer a significant increase in protection? There doesn't seem to be a lot of data on how much they help. I can only find 1 study from 2011.

[@PNWEnduro]

I think so. I've had a few awkward falls that I feel would have twisted my knee pretty badly without the braces. It's so natural to ride with them on now it would feel strange without them. Spending the extra money for the custom fit braces was worth it 100%.

[@mygsadventures5792]

I just found out that I will be getting a CTi Custom after an ACL Tear and surgery. Apparently there are 3 versions of the CTi Custom. The Vapor, Standard, and Pro Sport. I saw you were saying in the video that you can get them a bit shorter to fit better in your boots. Did you get the Pro Sport? My Orthopedic doesn't seem to know much about these and I just want to make sure they will fit ok in my Gaerne boots and want to be correct if I tell him I want the Pro Sport but shorter on the bottom. Thanks for any info.

[@PNWEnduro]

Sorry I don’t know of different models for the custom braces. I was just given the option of 1/2”, 1” or 1-1/2” shorter and I went with 1-1/2”.

[@mygsadventures5792]

@@PNWEnduro Thanks. I will tell them that.

[@hskishore1244]

hi!, thanks for your opinion and insights. what's the price difference between custom and off the shelf? also, please tell us what material you used making your custom one's(I heard there are lot of customization's available with cti), thanks again

[@PNWEnduro]

Custom's are $500 more per leg. They are manufactured to fit your legs exactly, you do not get to choose the material used.

[@hskishore1244]

@@PNWEnduro thanks!

[@TheBIKEDEALZ]

Say pal, would it be ok to ride them on mountain bike?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah for sure. They are used for many sports. For mtb I'd suggest you also get the optional knee cap protection.

[@paulranderson6369]

Who did the sizing for the custom CTI set? Was it or orthopedist or did you do it yourself?

[@PNWEnduro]

I discuss this in the video.

[@MrDleverett]

You'll get used to them and not even notice that you're wearing them

[@lonsomecrow]

Where di you buy it from?

[@ketchupsos5817]

so you road without knee protection before your accident ?

[@PNWEnduro]

I always had knee pads but not braces.

[@ketchupsos5817]

@@PNWEnduro ya i got knee brace but not side to side protection. either way woultnt ride without them

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I have no ACL at all so...

[@spencerkrogh2839]

Be healed

[@billb295]

I think I saw BIG FOOT on your ride.