DonJoy Performance Bionic Knee Support Brace: Camo, Large

I compared this to my Shock Doctor 875. They are extremely similar products. I am a Large in SD but a Medium in DonJoy Bionic. The most noticeable difference is that this DJ is inexplicably over twice the price of the SD ($85 vs $40). That will probably be the deciding point for most. With that said, I liked how the DJ had a lower profile where the gear housings are - they are smaller than in the SD and they are covered with smooth neoprene on the outside as well. Of note, the hinges are NOT removable on the DJ - they are sewn in - so the SD has the benefit of you being able to remove the hinges and continue to use the neoprene knee sleeve (e.g. when you are healing and need less support). The SD hinges, specifically in the gear housing, are slightly bulkier - but probably more significant is that they are exposed and subject to snagging on stuff. I'm a hockey goalie and the smooth external service of the DJ interested me because I needed to wear equipment over it. The DJ's bonus is that the back neoprene is Velcro'ed together too at the top and bottom, so you have that additional layer of adjust-ability and you can open it up and lay it completely flat for easier cleaning and drying. The SD does not open up. For better or for worse, the DJ is just a much simpler design (which makes the price difference that much more confusing). It is straight neoprene throughout and it has 2 simple horizontal straps. Whereas the SD is a fancier design with different tech materials for breathability and X-strapping (neither of which convinced me they made much of a difference). I don't see binding in the back knee pit to be a problem on either brace. The DJ has a larger patella hole, which seemed to work better for my anatomical build because my knee cap would poke through it and ensure the brace stays perfectly aligned, where the SD's tighter hole just laid over my knee cap and would shift off-center from my knee cap. This could have just been a visible thing, the actual function and alignment of the hinges were not affected. Conclusion: Again, these 2 braces are very similar, they are both great and you cant go wrong with either one. The differences are nit-picking and are neither objectively good or bad, but more fine tuned to preference. I preferred the DJ mostly because of the smoother and lower profile exterior surface and the fact I was going to wear it under goalie equipment. The larger patella hole worked better for me anatomically. The fact it opened up to be flat was a bonus too since I like to wash and hang dry my braces regularly. With that said, the extreme price difference didn't justify these small design preferences, so I'm returning the DJ and sticking with my SD.

It does provide good support and stays in place well with movement. I recommend ordering a size up. I took the measurements as instructed and it fits but it does not fit well, also the velcro pads are not the same shape which leaves an open patch of velcro to rub on the side of my knee. This issue may be remedied if I ordered the next size up and didn't have to stretch it so much for it to fit. The issue only occurs when I bend my knee 90 degrees. It'll due the intended job, I just need it for occassional support during recovery periods. Overpriced by a lot if you ask me.

The bracevis comfortable and supportive once it's on. The velcro attachment is at the bottom sidte while most others I've used were atvgge top. This makes it more difficult to fasten properly.

I purchased this brace for a meniscus and lcl tear. The brace provided good support but 6 months later and the fabric is shredded by both hinges. I contacted Donjoy and they wouldn’t replace because I purchased through this seller. I feel like for this price it should last longer.

Great brace for the price. Velcro holding up so far.