Asterisk Ultra Cell braces

[gasgasman]

Way back in 2011 I bought the Asterisk Ultra Cell knee braces.

Here's my review.
http://www.gasgasrider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10868&highlight=asterisk

Fast forward to Jan 2017.
I noticed the braces were a little wobbly and the extension straps were frayed.
I e-mailed Asterisk and they said they were a month out before they would have the capacity to refurbish any braces (restructuring the company).
Three weeks ago I got an e-mail saying to send them in. Long story short.
The braces were too far gone to be worth rebuilding. Would have cost $500.

They gave me a 25% discount on the new Ultra Cells. Which I bought.

I put in some hard miles with the new Cell this past Sat.
I'm even more impressed with them. I didn't realize how worn out my old braces were. My knees are totally isolated. I found myself standing a lot more.

Pros:
Excellent patella coverage.
No velcro straps. Has BOA straps.
Brace didn't migrate down.
No pinch points behind the leg.
Comes with knee socks.
More compact frame.
Several adjustment points for a custom fit to your legs.

Cons:
Price.

I know there are other braces out there. But I wanted a brace that I had a history with and excellent customer service.

https://www.asterisk.com/collections/protection/products/ultra-cell-boa

 

[Darkside]

I had a pair of original Cell braces. Then moved to the ultra Cells. My problem is with the Ultra Cells have the boa adjuster knobs and larger outside diameter of the braces it was hard to get my pant legs over them and then they would tear up the liners. I prefer in the boot pants so the legs may be narrower. I switched back to a new set of original Cells.

Any skinny legged riders out there, I have a set of small Ultra Cells available.

 

[Scruse24]

Size, price, how old? I may be interested

 

[Darkside]

Asterisk Ultra Cell, size small, probably 5 or 6 years old but only used a few times

$400 for the pair, shipped in US48

 

[Scruse24]

Ok thanks. Too small for me

 

[Jakobi]

I should post up a pic of mine, which were purchased in the first quarter of 2012.

They have been good and lasted almost 5 years now, so you can't really complain about that!! however they are all but done.

I find they are very hard on the seat, pant knees, and also the plastics. I have worn my braces down so that the carbon fibre on the side is well and truly exposed. Also as above, have occasional issues with the adjusters tearing the pant linings. If you turn your pant legs inside out and fold them up as opposed to trying to just jam your leg in, it does help though. Haven't found a pair of pants with knee reinforcement that helps though. TLD with leather still wears through in time.

 

[Jakobi]

So much for grabbing a quick pic!

Braces have seen some work

And worked the plastics over

And the seat...

And should note, that while I've had the braces since 2012, the bike pictured was has been around since the start of 2014.