POC's Joint VPD Air Elbow Pads are built for cyclists who see protection as a back-up plan, not an inevitable go-to. They incorporate VPD padding, which may very well be POC's initialism for High Velocity Pedaling Demon. The pads don't weigh you down, so your pure XC and climbing speed won't be compromised, but they will catch you in case of a high-speed user error. A neoprene sleeve and hook-and-loop strap secure the pad while pedaling and under impact, so it won't be out of place when disaster comes courting.