Initial
Concerns:
When you reach full extension the brace does not snap
abruptly like all of the others I reviewed, it felt
rubbery. This was somewhat of a concern so I called
Brad Freeman, General Manager of Asterisk and voiced
my concern. Low and behold it was not a flaw it is
an engineered revolution. Before the brace locks at
full extension there is a buffer that begins to slow
the action (about 5 degrees before locking). In addition
to buffering once you lock at full extension the brace
flexes inward to make the condylar padding tighter
on the knee for added support. Once you understand
it and trust the fact that it works you will wonder
why it has not been done before, it is like suspension
for your hinges.
Setting
up the Brace:
The Cell will take more time to get set up right than
traditional braces because it is NOT a traditional
off the shelf brace. It is a custom/traditional/alien
hybrid. You adjust it to conform to your leg the way
a custom brace does. One Allen head drive fits all
adjustments and it is included with the brace.
The
two most crucial points of a knee brace to be tight
when strapped on are directly above and below the
knee. The lace up system works really well and I was
able to get the brace tighter because it disperses
across a larger area than a strap. However it feels
like the brace is tightest near the clasp which is
great for directly below the knee (calf) because it
laced "up" out of the box, but not so great
for directly above the knee (hamstring) because it
laded "up" as well. It took a bit of lace
tugging to get the brace to be tight right above the
knee so I unlaced the hamstring lace and laced it
downward. Much better fit now and I have the two most
crucial points of my knee cinched the tightest.
TIP:
Set the brace up at home before you get to the track
or trail so you don't rush to go ride. Proper set
up will ensure maximum support and comfort.
Weight
lifting and running:
During
leg workouts and running the Cell feels great, no
migration down the leg. Smooth fluid motion in the
hinges and the lace up system allows you to wear the
brace tighter without discomfort so it feels super
supportive. The knee sleeve that is worn under the
brace is very comfortable. It is made of a different
material than the others and breathes very well, after
3 hours it still felt good. The sleeve itself is long,
extending from my ankle to my upper thigh. I fold
the excess below the brace up and the excess above
the brace down over the brace to hold the laces in
place.
Riding:
The brace fits well under normal riding gear (2000
MSR Rage pants) only slightly more bulky than the
Edge. Pinching the tank with the brace feels awkward
at first but with in minutes I had forgotten I was
wearing it. The brace does tear up tank and/or shroud
graphics, after a day of riding with the Cell I noticed
a tear on my shroud graphic. Range of motion was very
good but somewhat stiff when I try to start the bike.
I suspected that the ROM was limited at an acute bend
because I was able to cinch the brace tighter than
the others. I tested my theory by loosening the Cell
and going back to the others and pulling them tight
to the point of being uncomfortable... I was right,
You can just get the laces SO much tighter than the
traditional strap it is easy to over do it. The knee
cup is the awesome, fully covering the knee, there
is no gap to allow an unprotected impact to occur.
Support:
The brace felt as strong and as molded to every curve
of the leg as the CTi2 did. If you are recovering
from an injury you will rebuild muscle that has atrophied
you will then need to re adjust the brace to fit because
an accurate fit is key to maximum support. There is
no doubt in my mind that this brace would have saved
me from an ACL injury... if I had only known then
what I know now, but hind sight is 20/20.
Maintenance:
Wash with mild detergent let air dry. Water sport
friendly.
Likes:
•
Ultra custom fit
• Easy to adjust everywhere
• Smooth action
• Buffering action at full extension
• Very fast putting on and faster taking off
• Fits well under riding gear
• Very comfortable brace
• Completely innovative knee cup is awesome
• Lace up system
• The knee sleeve is wonderful
• The cost!
• Customer support
Dislikes:
• Hard on graphics
Contacts:
Asterisk
19762 Pauling
Foothill Ranch, CA. 92610 USA
Tel: 949.609.0084
Toll Free: 800.459.2999
E-mail: athletes@asterisk.com
www.asterisk.com
