Good knee braces?!??!

I haven't been on th board for a while because i haven't been on my board for a while. In the past 8 mos. I've managed to injure the meniscus on both of my knees. I've been through physical therapy but my knees just aren't the same. I have 2 questions for everyone who's been through this.

1) Do you know a top notch orthopedic specialist in the Ventura/Los Angeles area?

2) Can you reccommend a waterproof knee brace that will help me get back out there?

Any input is appreciated.

I've only wore my Cti2 in the water once, but I barely even noticed it was there, and I had it on as tight as it would go.

Thane dogg it's ironic that you posted right after me re: orthos. Please let me know what your experience is with any docs you find. I have to do something, I'm just not sure if it will be now or 6 mos. from now (we have a new baby coming in Jan.)

CTI 2

orthoscopic surgery for just your meniscus has a pretty quick recovery, I was praying for just orthoscopic on my meniscus, but had the acl replaced as well. I was boarding again 3 months later.

I am using a Breg X2k custom brace. It is very sturdy and hardly notice it. The only complaint which I think is the same for all braces is that the velcro comes undone on crashes, and you have to constantly make sure it is tight. The straps strectch a bit when they get wet!

I have found a knee brace with no velcro and you can get a pair for around $500 bucks, super comfy. The brace is made on the same platform as the CTI. I put one on this weekend, And it was way more comfy than my CTIs. Im trying to procure a pair to try out I'll let you guys know how they are.

Allen, any more info? Manufacturer, etc.....?

I have a Donjoy Defiance and like Gordon, constantly have to tighten it in the water after falls and such. I'm definitely looking for something better. Obviously none of these braces were designed with watersports in mind which I'd like to see change with as many ACL's as we all go through.

I'm workin on it

I had a CTI2 but i got tired of how much it sliped esp in the water. I just got and EBI Alliance a few weeks ago and i love it. It never slides down, it is lighter, and the fit is much nicer than the cti2. I think it is much better than the cti2

Check out townsenddesign.com (Premiere model). This is the brace that was recommended to me. It is somewhat local to me and they have just redisigned their brace. They even have a picture of a guy wakeboading with their brace which means they may have a design that holds up well in water, or maybe not. I dont have any experience with this brace yet but I'm considering it. From what I hear it is much less than the DJ if your insurance doesnt cover it.

The barce is called the Cell by Asterisk. they were designed for Moto so they have a knee pad that is removable. Only problem is they are hard to find. I got a hold of the rep in Nor Cal and he said that we had to get they through a shop. I figured that I would talk to a guy that runs al ocal shop here and see if he might bring in a few so that we might be able to get them in our grimmy little hands. I figure that there might be enough of us on here that might want them that the shop wouldn't have to sit on a bunch of braces that I talked him in to getting so I could get one set.
It looked like a perscription style brace, and the one I tried on was really nice.

The Asterisk has some sort of close company relation to the Cti2, that's probably why they feel similar.

I've seen one person that had one, and the strap system was very interesting.

The son of the guy that started CTI is who started Asterisk from what I understand

Yeah, looks like the Cell brace is just a cheaper off the shelf version of the CTi2. I am going to have to order a pair of the undersleeves though. I've been cutting the sleeve off of a long sleeve rash guard and using that.

CTi2, get the water straps so it doesnt slip or come off while riding