In the high-stakes world of competitive skiing, where milliseconds separate champions from the rest, athletes face a universal dilemma: how to maintain aggressive gate contact without sacrificing speed or safety. Traditional solutions—bulky padding or going unprotected—compromise either performance or safety. The POC Forearm COMP Jr represents a paradigm shift, combining elite-level protection with aerodynamic efficiency through innovative materials science.
Engineering Excellence: The Anatomy of Speed
Physical Structure
The Forearm COMP Jr’s tapered profile follows biomechanical principles, with strategic padding zones that protect radial and ulnar bones while maintaining a low-friction surface. Adjustable cutting marks allow precise customization for individual arm lengths—a critical feature for growing junior athletes.
Material Innovation
The carbon fiber-reinforced TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) matrix achieves an optimal balance between impact absorption and weight reduction. The incorporation of 10% PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) creates a self-lubricating surface that reduces gate friction by up to 40% compared to standard nylon protectors.
Performance Mechanism
During gate impacts, the protector’s dual-density foam layer dissipates kinetic energy vertically away from the arm, while the rigid outer shell prevents direct bone contact. The integrated strap system connects seamlessly with POC Palm Comp VPD2.0 gloves, creating a unified protective system that moves naturally with the athlete’s biomechanics.
The Competitive Edge: How Forearm COMP Jr Outperforms
| Feature | POC Forearm COMP Jr | Standard Protector A | Premium Protector B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friction Coefficient | 0.08 (PTFE enhanced) | 0.22 | 0.15 |
| Impact Absorption | EN 14120:2003 Certified | Basic padding | EN Certified |
| Weight (per pair) | 186g | 240g | 210g |
| Glove Integration | Seamless VPD2.0 system | Separate components | Basic strap |
From Struggle to Victory: A Racer’s Journey
The Breaking Point
Junior World Cup contender Emma L. recalls her season of frustration: “I kept losing time in technical sections because I’d instinctively pull back before gate contact. The bruises from my old protectors made me hesitant, and that hesitation cost me podium positions.”
The Transformation
“From the first training session with Forearm COMP Jr, I could attack the course differently. The way they shed impact energy while maintaining my line was revolutionary. That season, I improved my slalom times by 1.2 seconds on average—directly because I could maintain better angles through the gates.”
Why This Matters Beyond Racing
While designed for elite competition, the Forearm COMP Jr’s technology benefits all serious skiers. Recreational racers report fewer impact injuries during training, while freestyle athletes appreciate the unobtrusive protection during park sessions. The psychological advantage of knowing you’re protected by Olympic-level gear can’t be overstated—it’s the difference between skiing cautiously and skiing with confidence.
Technical Specifications
- Item No.: 20193
- Material: Carbon fiber-reinforced TPE with 10% PTFE
- Certification: EN 14120:2003 impact protection standard
- Weight: 186g per pair (size medium)
- Compatibility: Designed for use with POC Palm Comp VPD2.0 race gloves
- Adjustability: Cutting marks for length customization
$84 – Available at authorized POC retailers worldwide