Need advice....

[JoniJo]

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

[Fletch]

you will like it a lot when you fall in the rocks

[sam i am]

I picked up the SixSixOne Evo Suit (here) 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?

[Bogus Jim]

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

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! 

[jacin theis]

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.

[The Yeti]

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'

[JoniJo]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I've got a little research to do.       JoniJo

[Osnabrock]

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.

[Sportfaller]

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.

[JoniJo]

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! 

JoniJo