Donjoy Vs CTi knee braces

I've just replaced my CTi knee brace with a Donjoy Armor knee brace, the difference is incredible in favour of the off the shelf alloy frame Donjoy.
Hinges are better and stronger, frame is engineered better and has a better more supportive design, as you can see one part of the alloy frame passes on top of your thigh and the other or bottom half goes around the back of the calf.
The CTi is just a shell that sits on top of the leg and that you then need to tightly strap in place to get the support. There are issues relating to comfort and circulation with the tightness required on the CTi straps.
The Donjoy does no rely on the straps tightness for support, the straps just hold the leg above and below the hinge, into the frame. You have to actually step into the Donjoy, it does not just sit on top of your leg.
The other thing I really liked about the Donjoy was I could bend the frame with a bit of effort to accomodate the slightly weird shape of my knee and calf muscle.
CTi is carbon frame, had to be custom made to fit me and cost over $1000, Donjoy is stronger and more supportive and cost just $625
They have a high lower frame and they fit with snowboard bindings and wake board boots, which can be an issue with the CTi frame.
If anyone else out there needs info contact Donjoy 02 9479 9306 I have no affiliation, do not sell them etc.
I just wanted to pass on the contact as I know many people have asked me about knee braces over the last 5 years since I began wearing one (CTi).

Interesting I have been using CTI's for nearly 10 years off road with no issues after custom fit and wearing them for up to 12hrs a day up to 1000km's at a time.

One issue i can see with the donjoy How does it stop hyper extension with no strap or brace above knee, granted it would offer lateral support so i suppose if thats all you need it would offer support.

CTi can be adjusted "minor adjustments" with a hot air gun by the distributor.

Good alternative at a cheap price though.

Im on my second CTI now and wouldnt have anything different after trying alot of off the self braces,the first CTI2 lasted through 5 years of beach and snow abuse..
CTI's have come down with the weak US $$$$..
I dont see the difference with the Donjoy steve the frame is still pushing on the back of your calf!!! And if you do require ligament suppot they advice on the option of 2 top straps..

No worries, just wanted to share, as I know a lot of people have knee issues and wear braces.
The frame is padded and and yes it does sit at the back of the calf, the upper half of the frame in opposition to the lower half, sits on top of the thigh. This is the major design difference to the CTi, and means that the straps do not need to be nearly as tight, and I'm just reporting that the result is that the Donjoy is more comfortable to wear.
If a person has only ever tried the CTi, I'm suggesting they check out the Donjoy, when it comes to replacement time, or if they find that the strap pressure on the CTi is uncomfortable.

I find with my CTI that after about an hour kiting I have to loosen it and lift it up again as the hinges drop down below my knee even when I crank the straps up, except in winter when it is under my steamer and it sits well. Which consequently doesn't encourage me to use it on the water much especially in summer but mainly at work if I have to lift things. How is the Donjoy for staying in the one place for an extended time while riding, Steve. It seems a way more logical brace that you have to step into rather than strap to the top of your leg.

I never read these articles because my knees have always been fine, but after 2 days into this years snow season Ive got a suspected torn ACL.
Its still early days, just waiting for the swelling to go down before the Dr decides if an MRI and then surgery are required.

Just thought Id ask a few questions about why people wear these, is it more for peace of mind or because you have to? Im assuming my Dr will give me advice on what to do but I like getting a second opinion.

I know footy players tear ACL's all the time and they dont wear these but have them strapped up while playing.

How do you guys go wearing these under a full length wettie? Wearing one under snowboard pants wouldnt be an issue but a wettie is a different story.

cheers

Yeah, but it was just a piece of foam, everyone reacting to it just had a filthy mind!
Donjoy - 1300 667 730
Gall Bros Medical for CTi - (07) 5593 3340

There's an Australian company that initially developed braces for FOX Racings MX market, they are now being used by Athletes in a wide range of sports. Check out podmx.com or just search for what others are saying about the POD MX K700.

Speak to a Physio or surgeon. They both come with warning that they will not prevent injury, so you don't get the idea that you become indestructible :-)
They do prevent over extension up to a point, the straps being the weak point and side impacts are protected the most due to the strength of the brace and the hinges.

On another note, when my CTi broke a plastic strap buckle I decided to look into getting another brace and settled on the DonJoy armour off the shelf model.
I called Gall Bros the distributor for the CTi in Australia, they said the hinge and buckles had a lifetime warranty as did the frame. I told the the hinge was very worn and lose and they said to send it back. Sent it to them, they said it would be repaired under warranty, so long as I paid freight back to and from the US. Total bill for a literally new brace was $232, part of which included a complete new strap set ($82), very impressed check out the pic, the brace is like new (I think it is a new one)

ive never used these donjoy ones but im ready for a new brace and id say i will be getting another cti one. the last one didnt get used heaps.. mainly just behind boat but it did everything i needed. i cant comment on the donjoy ones but im pretty sure the main thing is personal preference.. im sure steve problem is just caused by all the protein shakes hes been drinking