So I recently sprained my knee MCL (just setting up my kite, not pulling some mega trick on a board, I can't even ride the thing yet!)

I'm walking on it OK now and just about to start physio. It was a minor sprain, but as this is the 4th time I've had an issue with that knee following a full dislocation 20 years ago I want to get a decent brace to use when I'm kiting.

I'm probably looking at off the shelf, possibly used. I can't afford over a thousand on a new custom brace.

A quick look round has turned up a few obvious candidates:

1. Donjoy. Variations of the Armour/Legend/4titude. (click here)

2. Medi M4s (click here)

3. Ossur CTi (click here)

Any experiences with these? Any clear winner?

Robinson- I really like my donjoy braces you can see them in my avatar- one came from an acl surgery and I found the other used on craigslist for $25. As you can see in the pic you can add kneepads as well and they are actually fairly comfortable. I would recommend the ones designed for a ski boot (shorter calf attachment) makes it much more comfy.
good luck
Scott

Robinson- I really like my donjoy braces you can see them in my avatar- one came from an acl surgery and I found the other used on craigslist for $25. As you can see in the pic you can add kneepads as well and they are actually fairly comfortable. I would recommend the ones designed for a ski boot (shorter calf attachment) makes it much more comfy.
good luck
Scott

Thanks Scott! When you say you can add kneepads...are they an extra as part of the brace, or just regular knee pads over the top of the brace? (can't tell from the pic!)

the are an attachment for the brace from donjoy- be prepared to be bent over- If I remember right each pad was maybe $65 and it attaches to the brace- the way it attaches is really comfortable and the pad/knee cup is suspended away from your skin so it does not chafe which is nice.

here is a link with a better view- notice that the right is much higher than the left- right is the ski boot version and left (cheap one I found) is the standard it tends to slip down over time due to my massive muscular calves:D

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bxs6pchpdoxs3ax/IMG_8229.JPG?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xtkt8rabudmb5rr/IMG_8385.JPG?dl=0

and another where you can see the slippage on the left one

And lastily because I have a big ego a little series of shots:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s3i67oyb0z8upis/IMG_8646.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n0i17c0qcpikiau/IMG_8647.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/k9lgzgwor6rjytg/IMG_8648.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mqozw0kftku5xm8/IMG_8649.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fqlnoh0c1watk1s/IMG_8650.JPG?dl=0

Thanks!! Great shots, I see what you mean about the slippage. Man you are flying in some of those pics!!

Asterix. OTS and fit better than any of my custom braces. Has an integrated knee cap for added protection. Fully adjustable harness system, can be used in water, customizable fit via wrench adjustment.

Fit so well I can wear them without liners. Very little slippage once you dial in the fit.

Pricey but cheaper than custom and unlike my multi $1000 customs braces I have yet to have one of these fail on me.
http://www.asterisk.com/buy/protection/cell-knee-protection-...

You get the pair for the cost of one CTI. (Made by same company last I heard)

Woah those moto x braces look good!!!

And they have A.R.C technology. It's fate!!!

Wouldn't steer ya wrong.

Have you tried the ultra version with the Boa fasteners? Worth the extra $?

@chris- those look really nice and comfy