When you’re out sending it, back protectors have your back, literally. POC’s VPD vests are named for their proprietary material—Viscoelastic Polymer Dough—which conforms naturally to your body while hardening upon impacts.
The VPD Max Vest in Uranium Black.
POC
Gear
Got your back
Gear Spotlight: POC VPD Max Vest
POC puts VPD to work in two protective vests, the VPD Air and the VPD Max. The former is a more lightweight model, while the Max—as its name implies—meets the highest standard of protection at the EN 1621-2, Level 2 certification level.
Despite its protective chops, the VPD Max also retains a high level of flexibility thanks to its unique construction: hollow cylindrical VPD columns in the back plate that provide both structural strength and flexibility. POC says that its VPD stays flexible, even in extreme cold, while traditional foam protectors stiffen up.
The vest itself is made of a quick-dry polyester/elastane mesh with 4-way stretch, offering exceptional wicking properties. It’s fast-drying, easy to pack and lightweight.
In the image to the left, you can see a comparison between the back protectors from the Air and the Max models—Air on the left, Max on the right. The Air is significantly slimmer for a total weight of 285 grams, while the Max weighs 463 grams in the same model (M).
In a nutshell, if light weight and maximum mobility is your primary concern, the Air might be your pick. But if you want your back protector to meet the highest standard, then the Max is your pick.
Air and Max back plate thickness comparison.
POC
VPD Max Vest
€250 on poc.com
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VPD Columns: Hollow cylindrical VPD columns moulded to a durable textile base provide exceptional strength, flexibility, and comfort.
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Certified protection: Meets EN 1621-2 Level 2, the highest level of back protection.
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Cold-ready flexibility: Remains highly flexible in extreme cold, unlike traditional foam protectors.
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Lightweight comfort: The low-profile vest is lightweight and easy to forget you’re wearing.
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Ergonomic fit: Optimised cut and backplate shape ensure comfort, security, and full freedom of movement.
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Waistband free: Supportive, malleable materials eliminate the need for a waistband.
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Quick-drying & packable: Made from recycled polyester/elastane mesh with 4-way stretch for excellent wicking, fast drying, and easy rolling or folding for travel.
The VPD Max Vest in Uranium Black.
POC
The honeycomb structure of the back plate allows it to mold effortlessly to your body while retaining a high level of structural strength.
POC
For more information about the VPD Max vest, visit poc.com.
