I'm thinking about getting one of these full upper body protection gear "shirts". Kinda like this... http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/15869/ITEM/Thor-Motocross-Impact-Rig-SE.aspx
Anyone have any advice or experience with these things?
Please let me know! Thanks Joni
you will like it a lot when you fall in the rocks ;)
I picked up the SixSixOne Evo Suit (here (http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661Bike.aspx?id=46000965-d1f3-4875-ac43-0ea0ee9aff46&product=5b8eaa4e-58b7-4e36-8d47-fd71fa59be68)) last year and it has definitely saved my arms from some potentially nasty scrapes and bruises. Haven't really put the chest or spine protector to the test...yet. It is a little awkward at first, but after a few minutes on the trail, you really don't even notice it. I guess I haven't felt any lack of mobility either. One thing you will notice is that you will be sweating a lot more than usual. Even when riding in 60 degree weather, I find myself quickly soaked with sweat. However, this while working a little harder on the singletrack. I guess that's the price you pay for the added protection (and confidence?) of full upper body armor. Maybe some of the other protection brands vent better?
I have the Alpine Stars. It's made of mesh fabric, not solid. Like Fletch says, if you go down in the rocks you'll appreciate the extra protection.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/10600/ITEM/Alpinestars-Bionic-2-Protection-Jacket.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/10600/ITEM/Alpinestars-Bionic-2-Protection-Jacket.aspx)
To help with the heat issue, I wear a long-sleeve UnderArmour HeatGear shirt underneath the suit. This is a moisture-wicking fabric that's supposed to keep you cool. It works really well, as long as the bike is moving or there is a breeze. You need to drink more water than usual when wearing this stuff.
I think you can buy UnderArmour at Cabela's and there are probably other brands with the same fabric. If you try it, make sure to buy HeatGear and not ColdGear! ;)
I purchased an Evo after watching it save Josh during his off in Moab. I think it is a basic piece of gear, like a helmet. The last thing i want is the neck/compression guard like Yeti has. I like mine, and its cooler than wearing my armored jacket.
I've got the Aceribs Koerta - http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/acerbis-koerta-roost-deflector?utm_campaign=Roost+Deflector&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=base&utm_keyword=acerbis-koerta-roost-deflector
Been using it four about 3 or 4 seasons now. I like it. It saved my spine when I landed on that rock I think. Has saved my elbows and shoulders multiple times. It's quite difficult to get in and out of, and can get sweaty under the armored spots, but I don't really notice it once it's on. Works well with a neck brace. I used to use underarmor underneath, but now I use LD Comfort and like it a whole lot better - http://www.ldcomfort.com/
I just ordered one of these Spidi mesh jackets the other day to use on hot days instead of the Koerta on the "less technical" trails - http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-multitech-armor-jacket - I haven't got it yet, so not sure if I'll like it or not.
I've read good things about the A-Star Jim linked to. I've also read a lot of very glowing reviews of the Tekvest and have toyed with the idea of getting one to check it out, expensive though - http://www.tekrider.com/rm_1.html
I like the idea of pressure suits because it keeps the armor where it should be when you fall, unlike a jacket where the armor can shift around on ya. If you haven't yet, search ADVRider for 'pressure suit' or 'body armor'
Thanks everyone. Looks like I've got a little research to do. :cheers JoniJo
The biggest part of researching for me was actually trying them on. Every single one had a completely different fit. I mean oddly so. I tried on about a half dozen and ended up getting the only one that actually fit me.
I also wear a wicking layer under it, mostly to help with chafing. The pink areas of the upper body can really hurt after a long ride. Not fun.
I believe fox has a female fit...
Mine is a velocity brand juggernaut, they are really nice, and they replaced it for half price after I wrecked. However, the company has been having shipping issues as of late, and there are a lot of unhappy people on ADV.
Sent from my smarter-than-I-am phone.
OK......... I made a decision........drum roll please!
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/23113/ITEM/Fox-Racing-Titan-Sport-Jacket.aspx I bought it in white........
I bought this because:
A. It looks cool
B. It's vented nicely to stay "cool"
C. Looks like it has great protection
D. It looks cool! 8)
JoniJo