Body armour suit users..

Hector · 31 Dec 2010 at 00:14

What have you got and what do you think of it.. Also if you have had a mishap while in the armour, in your opinion how well did it function; for example did it move from position leaving you exposed or did it stay put firmly and continue to do it's job. And lastly was it reusable. Be as detailed as you'd like.

Update: When I set out this post, I had in mind Pressure suits but it would be of far more use for all if it includes any item with armour be that fitted inserts or strap on. So I'll update the format to include Knees, Shins, Thighs, Buttocks.

Readers: Be aware that accidents have variable results, some poor soul could get badly hurt at 30mph while a lucky git walks away from a 90mph mishap, in the exact same kit. If we get a repeat reports of an armour model failing (i.e. solid armour shattering) then maybe thats a model worth avoiding.

Format (Quote the next post for ease):
[-------]
Make: blah
Model/Year: blah
Cost: blah
Protected areas: B,Cx,K,S,C,UA,E,FA,H,Bt,Th,Kn,Sh (Back, Coccyx, Kindey, Sholder, Chest, Upper Arm, Elbow, Forearm, Hip, Buttocks, Thighs, Knees, Shins) Remove items not applicable
Arena: Steet, Track, Trail Add or remove as required
Pros: blah
Cons: blah
[-------]
Mishap Result: NA
Reusable: NA
[-------]

Peronaly I'm looking to upgrade from my fitted armour to a suit and looking at MCN's CE lab tests of backplates in 2008 it would seem cost/brand does not equal worthiness.. But then lab tests and real world ain't quite as black and white. We tend to hit things at an angle, not square on. Also we tend to tumble and slide rather than just fall flat on our backs.

Thanks for any Input.
Hector.

Hector · 31 Dec 2010 at 00:14

[-------]
Make: ...
Model/Year: ...
Cost: ...
Protected areas: B,Cx,K,S,C,UA,E,FA,H,Bt,Th,Kn,Sh
Arena: ...
Pros: ...
Cons: ...
[-------]
Mishap Result: ...
Reusable: ...
[-------]

Hector · 31 Dec 2010 at 21:04

Thanks for the input Fireskull, sounds like the kit earnt it's keep with that one. When I posted I had in mind the pressure suit type armour but I think it would be prudent to include all gear that includes armour such as leathers, textiles and stand alone items (back protectors, knee-pads, ect.).

PS: could a don please change the subject title to "Armour user feedback", I think that would better reflect the topic and it's the best I can think of currently

.. Thanks.

Hector · 1 Jan 2011 at 15:45

There is no need to be sorry Fireskull, it done us all a favour exanding the topic

Hector · 6 Jan 2011 at 13:10

[-------]
Make: Forcefield
Model/Year: Limb-Tube Knee Protectors/2010 (double strap)
Cost: £49.99
Protected areas: Kn,Sh
Arena: Steet/Track/Trial
Pros: Stable fitting, good frontal coverage and tested using both knuckle bashing and wall thumping, I wouldn't dare of doing what I've done without the pad because my knee is pretty tender still from my last mishap: They work

They are designed to be reusable after impacts with a lifespan of 2.5-3yrs.
Cons: Lack of side protection (like most pads) and while standing, they press against the shin a slight bit. Maybe after 3hours you might want to slip them off for a rest but my old Knox strap on pads I wanted to take off within a few seconds! Avoid exposure to abrasion (must be worn under kit) and exposure to chemicals (petrol/detergents).
[-------]
Mishap Result: NA
Reusable: NA
[-------]

Hector · 6 May 2011 at 15:47

[-------]
Make: Sixsixone
Model/Year: Evo 2011
Cost: £200
Protected areas: B,S,UA,E,FA
Arena: Steet/Track/Trial
Pros: Easy to put on.
Cons: Sizes are misleading. Coverage minimal. Shoulder pads are small, unstable and chest protector is flimsy. Back protector has no precurve and hangs away from the lower back. Body straps go over lower ribs and cause compression pains due to restriction of the diaphram, which is very bad for your heart! I like it's look but for safety, it's often said that anything is better than nothing but I think that is not true for this bit of kit.
[-------]
Mishap Result: NA
Reusable: NA
[-------]

[-------]
Make: Forcefield
Model/Year: Extream Harness Adventure with L2 back protector.
Cost: £200 (from a snow boarding store)
Protected areas: B,K,S,C,UA,E,FA
Arena: Steet/Track/Trial
Pros: Stable with good coverage. Fairly slim and can be worn all day without any compression pains. Best worn over an item with long sleaves; baseball shirt, ect. Reusable design, lifespan of 2.5-3yrs.
Cons: Takes a few minutes to put on, like the kneepads avoid exposure to chemicals.
[-------]
Mishap Result: NA
Reusable: NA
[-------]

[-------]
Make: Forcefield
Model/Year: Action Shorts pro (extra layer of Nitrex, 100j)
Cost: £99
Protected areas: Cx,H,Bt,Th
Arena: Steet/Track/Trial
Pros: Stable with good coverage. Worn with their Kneepads makes for a great combo as the armour starts where the other ends. When off the bike you can walk about all day with no ill effects. Easy to put on and wash. Reusable design, lifespan of 2.5-3yrs.
Cons: On a supermoto, due to being sat upright the Coccyx and Buttocks pads can start to dig in over time but it's not too bad. Supermotos tend to numb your bum anyhow and so getting off the bike for 5mins every half an hour is fairly normal.. Again avoid exposure to chemicals.
[-------]
Mishap Result: NA
Reusable: NA
[-------]

Forcefield have won me over, a bit more costly than many other makes but I feel it's worth that bit extra for the quality and coverage they offer. Worn with some Icon superduty2 Jeans and a casual bike jacket, you'd only notice the armour through the clothing due to the upper part of the back protector. Going this route with leathers, you'll want to try the stuff on together as it's not super slim.