Back protectors, chest protectors and body armour...

Scuzi · 17 Dec 2013 at 00:52

When I sold my last bike I stupidly got rid of all of my gear except my lid and gloves. It's time to buy some new gear and one of the things I didn't like about my last setup was the lack of flexibility I had with protection. I had a 1 piece race suit with loads of built in protection or I had a 2 piece textile suit with your basic foam and plastic protection.

I want more flexibility this time but I don't want to skimp on protection. I'm looking at combined chest/back protectors or full body armour setups such as the Dainese Wave Pro or the Leatt Adventure Body Protector and even some motocross oriented gear like the SixSixOne Rage Pressure Suit.

What are your opinions on these bits of kit? It seems they would be easy to stick on underneath any jacket really - but under a decent leather jacket or my current winter jacket, a Buffalo Storm, would offer pretty damn good protection? Is it that simple or is there more to it?

Having been involved in a pretty bad bike crash a while ago and realising first hand exactly how all my gear saved my ass, I'm tending to err on the side of being over equipped rather than under equipped.

edd1e · 17 Dec 2013 at 06:56

I don't think they are designed for road riding? if so, they look bloody uncomfortable to me.

I'm sure they would offer better protection, but the downsides would probably outweigh the upsides for me.

I use a race suit + Knox back protector.

VoG · 17 Dec 2013 at 10:37

Ive often wondered about using a chest protector, as chest injuries are one of the biggest killers ( next to head injuries ) of bikers, i might well take the plunge myself one day.

spp · 17 Dec 2013 at 21:27

I too was wondering about this sort of protection. I just need to find (read actually get around to googling) somewhere close by that sells them so that i can try them on.

iron_monkey · 17 Dec 2013 at 21:36

The problem is MX armour is designed for different types of protection, its usually hard plastic to protect you from rocks, trees etc where as road riding armour is more designed for blunt force injuries.
I use d3d armour in my textiles and race suit and i cant fault it. its soft and flexible and moulds to your body but firms up on impact to spread the force.

Scuzi · 17 Dec 2013 at 21:36

I know they're mostly off-road focused but surely some protection is better than no protection? I bet they're more comfortable than a fencepost through the breastbone

I used to wear body armour when I was into motocross and it never was uncomfortable or got in the way, certainly no more so than a stiff leather suit.

Where do you draw the line though? I started looking at neck braces as they seem to be a really good idea in theorey but at £300+ for a decent one they're hard to justify.

edd1e · 17 Dec 2013 at 21:43

Why not take the car, it's safer ;p

Scuzi · 17 Dec 2013 at 21:55

Why take the car when you can strap all sorts of space age materials to your body to keep yourself alive in the event of a numpty pulling out?

There is a balance to be struck. A few doctors commented that I'd be in much worse shape after my crash had I not been kitted out. With a wife and a kid now, I'm definitely more of a sucker for playing it safe.

edd1e · 17 Dec 2013 at 22:06

Completely agree, it's a balance.

For instance, for me... I will not ride without a back protector, ever. Even that is hassle to put on in the summer heat when you have a nice sweaty back. I could not wear the sort of stuff you're linking to, it would just ruin the ride for me.

Just depends how safe you want to 'feel' and what kind of riding you do and when.

Scuzi · 17 Dec 2013 at 22:10

Aye, I suppose it's entirely down to personal preference.

Before I go and drop some hard earned dough on one of these, I was hoping to see some reviews or research to show the tangible benefits. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot out there though.

I'll just buy a good pair of boots in the meantime and worry about armour in a few months I think.

So.... Sidi Adventure. Anyone got them?

Tefal · 21 Dec 2013 at 15:12

forcefeild do some nice stuff, plus it's ona great under armour style sweat wicking stuff, do shorts , long pants or full body suit too.

http://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/clothing/body-armour/ff3006-pro-shirt-with-back-protector.html

not as obtrusive as the motocros stuff you posted as it's meant for sports bike riding under leathers, rather than just under a light shirt like that armour.

Craig321 · 21 Dec 2013 at 15:15

Those knight suits are a bit much IMO. I won't go without back, shoulder & arm protection and also have knees protection in my trousers + boots but I definitely wouldn't go for full body protection like that, especially on the outside. As mentioned above, it would just ruin the ride for me.

For offroad, maybe. If it's comfortable and flexible.