Body armour

JoeBlow

JoeBlow

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Just getting my confidence back after a 3 year lay-off due to personal circumstances. I mostly ride Blues and Reds at FOD in the UK as well as the Malverns and Penyard. I think I have finally mastered the small drops that one encounters on these trails. I do the Blues at a fair lick so I'm becoming increasigly aware of the consequences of a fall, especially on the off-piste trails. Consequently I recently invested in a full face helmet and now wear it all the time (It's an order of magnitude better than my Bell convertable so feel encouraged to do so). I've also recently bought some Leatte knee pads which are light and comfortable so again this encourages me to wear them. I have abandoned my Fox D30 elbow pads for some GForce ones that I had lying around again because of temperature control and comfort. I'm 77 years old so my ambitions are modest but I am wondering if it would be wise to invest in some chest and back protection along the same lines as the above i.e. light and comfy and I might add easy to put on and take off. I would also like it to be not very noticeable when wearing it, perhaps under a jersey. Or is this overkill for my very modest skills? Sometime in the near future I would like to visit CwmCarn and BPW. My very first MTB trip was to CwmCarn before it became more extensively developed. I do not feel that I am ready for the Blacks yet they are too intimidating to be enjoyable to me.

This rambling post is to give you some idea of where I'm coming from so I'm looking for recommendations and advice even if that advice is no you are too old and crap to warrant full body armour, save your money.
 
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Done a bit of on-line research and purchased a Leatt Tee shirt. Not heard a bad review except for that they don't offer maximum protection. If that's the price of comfort I can live with that. I have Leatte kneepads and I literally forget I'm wearing them. Not sure that proficiency on the bike should be the criteria by which to make the decision. I've fallen a couple of times in the past it's usually been on some benign section of trail with no visible obstacles whatsoever. Go figure :)
 
I ordered loads, tried them on, and nearly died of heat exhaustion just trying them on!!!

Ended up with this: ROCKFIGHT CE CHEST PROTECTOR | Troy Lee Designs?«

Less protection, better heat control. I don't look forward to wearing it however. I was glad of it recently when I went skidding down on my chest across rocks in bike park wales!
 
I've tried on loads in shops. Ones without zips are hard enough to get on and off even when not sweaty. I don't worry too much about whether it's noticeable or not as I would rather walk away from a crash.

Oakley have a shirt with D3O ghost and a zip up front which is very comfy, CE level 1 and relatively cool. Chest, back and shoulders. My partner has been wearing it in the bike parks this summer in 30+ degrees and she hasn't been entirely miserable!
 
I have the fox baseframe pro d3o vest chest and back protector, just done a week's riding in morzine above 30'c every day and it wasn't uncomfortable to wear or really noticeable at all.

It has a zip on one side to ease getting on and off, the pads are removable to wash the actual vest. Much nicer than wearing an over the top back protector like I used too
 
Thank you to everyone for your input but as I said above I have purchased the Leatt Tee shirt.
 
Curious, do most folks ride with the chest protector underneath a jersey or on top.
 
I wear fox back and chest protector, ff helmet and knee pads for bike park, and only knee pads and half helmet when riding ebike.
Seems to work pretty well.
 
volts said:
I wear fox back and chest protector, ff helmet and knee pads for bike park, and only knee pads and half helmet when riding ebike.
Seems to work pretty well.
Click to expand...
What's the logic behind that? Do you not ride an EMTB at the bike park?
 
JoeBlow said:
Just getting my confidence back after a 3 year lay-off due to personal circumstances. I mostly ride Blues and Reds at FOD in the UK as well as the Malverns and Penyard. I think I have finally mastered the small drops that one encounters on these trails. I do the Blues at a fair lick so I'm becoming increasigly aware of the consequences of a fall, especially on the off-piste trails. Consequently I recently invested in a full face helmet and now wear it all the time (It's an order of magnitude better than my Bell convertable so feel encouraged to do so). I've also recently bought some Leatte knee pads which are light and comfortable so again this encourages me to wear them. I have abandoned my Fox D30 elbow pads for some GForce ones that I had lying around again because of temperature control and comfort. I'm 77 years old so my ambitions are modest but I am wondering if it would be wise to invest in some chest and back protection along the same lines as the above i.e. light and comfy and I might add easy to put on and take off. I would also like it to be not very noticeable when wearing it, perhaps under a jersey. Or is this overkill for my very modest skills? Sometime in the near future I would like to visit CwmCarn and BPW. My very first MTB trip was to CwmCarn before it became more extensively developed. I do not feel that I am ready for the Blacks yet they are too intimidating to be enjoyable to me.

This rambling post is to give you some idea of where I'm coming from so I'm looking for recommendations and advice even if that advice is no you are too old and crap to warrant full body armour, save your money.
Click to expand...
Get a knox action shirt Men’s Action Pro Shirt - Knox I have had loads of armour over the years, this is for road motorbikes but its the best and most comfortable. Im in uk so a bit hot on sunny days but otherwise brilliant. If you want chest armour check out the fox titan range.
 
In mid summer some of the area I ride are very hot, especially the slow speed stuff where there is no cooling breeze. I discovered that putting the chest protector on first allows for an air gap between the 2 and it makes a huge difference with not overheating when I ride. I can feel the air circulating under the jersey and it is so much cooler.
 
Coming from a dirtbike background I wear back and chest protection with shoulder guards. Made by Fox and one of their cheapest lightest ones. On and off easy and well vented. I also wear a full face helmet. Why? Because I have a friend that did a full face plant at speed on his MTB and de-gloved his entire bottom lip from his jaw. It was BAD! . I’ve also taken falls or even tip overs where my chest/back protector or shoulder pads helped reduce scrapes and impacts. I’m 67 and do not choose comfort over protection when riding anything.
 
I am a 58 yr old rider who does bike parks and fast decent, I don't do big jumps or drops as things tend to snap these days instead of bend, so I definitely prioritise safety over comfort and this allows me to enjoy some really exciting riding. I use a ff helmet, d30 level 1 knee pads and wear this suit which is level 2 protection https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/pr...-v2-full-anthracite-black-red-chest-protector. But everyone is different, so what's uncomfortable and hot to 1 person is perfect for others. I used to use fox baseframe which is d30 level 1 apart from the back protector which was level 2, I only changed as this suit is level 2 and offers greater shoulder protection which i like as I've had my shoulders rebuilt following many dislocations
 
JoeBlow said:
What's the logic behind that? Do you not ride an EMTB at the bike park?
Click to expand...
Several reasons.
Lighter bike = funner bike.
My dh bike doesn't break as easily.
My dh rig is much less expensive if it does break
My dh rig is 200/200 travel = more fun on dh track
 
JoeBlow said:
Just getting my confidence back after a 3 year lay-off due to personal circumstances. I mostly ride Blues and Reds at FOD in the UK as well as the Malverns and Penyard. I think I have finally mastered the small drops that one encounters on these trails. I do the Blues at a fair lick so I'm becoming increasigly aware of the consequences of a fall, especially on the off-piste trails. Consequently I recently invested in a full face helmet and now wear it all the time (It's an order of magnitude better than my Bell convertable so feel encouraged to do so). I've also recently bought some Leatte knee pads which are light and comfortable so again this encourages me to wear them. I have abandoned my Fox D30 elbow pads for some GForce ones that I had lying around again because of temperature control and comfort. I'm 77 years old so my ambitions are modest but I am wondering if it would be wise to invest in some chest and back protection along the same lines as the above i.e. light and comfy and I might add easy to put on and take off. I would also like it to be not very noticeable when wearing it, perhaps under a jersey. Or is this overkill for my very modest skills? Sometime in the near future I would like to visit CwmCarn and BPW. My very first MTB trip was to CwmCarn before it became more extensively developed. I do not feel that I am ready for the Blacks yet they are too intimidating to be enjoyable to me.

This rambling post is to give you some idea of where I'm coming from so I'm looking for recommendations and advice even if that advice is no you are too old and crap to warrant full body armour, save your money.
Click to expand...
It's a good idea. My old man is 80, understandably a hard bail would likely mean a year off and possibly end his appetite for riding his newly acquired Orbea Wild M-Team - so he wears an Endura MT500 & 7idp Full Face. Very comfy, and there is a noticeable improvement in his speed on Blues / Reds here in Peebles. I wear the same armour, and while he wears his under his jersey, I happily wear outside as it's low profile, and nice colouring in Orange D30/Black material - plenty of people here and at Innerleithen wearing obvious body armour now. As I've increased my speed, I've taken a few smacks in the past 2 years and a combo of Full Face + Low Profile body armour has me smiling as those bits remain protected while the rest of my body flailed about. Buy buy buy :) (NB I am 58, protection =confidence + speed)
 
JoeBlow said:
Just getting my confidence back after a 3 year lay-off due to personal circumstances. I mostly ride Blues and Reds at FOD in the UK as well as the Malverns and Penyard. I think I have finally mastered the small drops that one encounters on these trails. I do the Blues at a fair lick so I'm becoming increasigly aware of the consequences of a fall, especially on the off-piste trails. Consequently I recently invested in a full face helmet and now wear it all the time (It's an order of magnitude better than my Bell convertable so feel encouraged to do so). I've also recently bought some Leatte knee pads which are light and comfortable so again this encourages me to wear them. I have abandoned my Fox D30 elbow pads for some GForce ones that I had lying around again because of temperature control and comfort. I'm 77 years old so my ambitions are modest but I am wondering if it would be wise to invest in some chest and back protection along the same lines as the above i.e. light and comfy and I might add easy to put on and take off. I would also like it to be not very noticeable when wearing it, perhaps under a jersey. Or is this overkill for my very modest skills? Sometime in the near future I would like to visit CwmCarn and BPW. My very first MTB trip was to CwmCarn before it became more extensively developed. I do not feel that I am ready for the Blacks yet they are too intimidating to be enjoyable to me.

This rambling post is to give you some idea of where I'm coming from so I'm looking for recommendations and advice even if that advice is no you are too old and crap to warrant full body armour, save your money.
Click to expand...
i use knee pads and and shin pads. shin pads in case i need to walk bike and dont get tore up by pedals.
The pads give me a little more confidence so i can ride harder and not worry about crash as much.
Im in colorado. Lots of great trails in this state. 2 hours to Moab, great trails. Rode in scotland in April for two weeks, never rained one day. perfect weather
bodyprox knee and shin pads
 
Here’s what Im wearing every ride. I practice riding downhill fast so I test my stuff out somewhat often lol. So far all Laughing as I get up.. I wear a super light jersey and Leatt pants. TLD stage full face. I get out fairly early so it’s not too warm. Usually in the 70’s by the time im done and Im comfy. Im 66 yo and getting better every week still. Just started last year
IMG_7889.jpeg
 
Snoggin said:
Here’s what Im wearing every ride. I practice riding downhill fast so I test my stuff out somewhat often lol. So far all Laughing as I get up.. I wear a super light jersey and Leatt pants. TLD stage full face. I get out fairly early so it’s not too warm. Usually in the 70’s by the time im done and Im comfy. Im 66 yo and getting better every week still. Just started last year
View attachment 166357
Click to expand...
What model is your upper body protection? I've been wearing Leatt Body Protector 5.5 Evo for rock gardens. On the e-bike is fine, but a little heavy on the "acoustic".
 
Carl_W said:
I am a 58 yr old rider who does bike parks and fast decent, I don't do big jumps or drops as things tend to snap these days instead of bend, so I definitely prioritise safety over comfort and this allows me to enjoy some really exciting riding. I use a ff helmet, d30 level 1 knee pads and wear this suit which is level 2 protection https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/pr...-v2-full-anthracite-black-red-chest-protector. But everyone is different, so what's uncomfortable and hot to 1 person is perfect for others. I used to use fox baseframe which is d30 level 1 apart from the back protector which was level 2, I only changed as this suit is level 2 and offers greater shoulder protection which i like as I've had my shoulders rebuilt following many dislocations
Click to expand...
Like the look of that for park, back protection looks very long though, do you find it restrictive at all?
 
Ponzy said:
Like the look of that for park, back protection looks very long though, do you find it restrictive at all?
Click to expand...
No not at all, but maybe that's an attitude thing as im very conscious I need good protection so I am going to wear it anyway and therefore I may not be as critical of fit etc., but I find it comfortable and it doesn't restrict my riding and I won't ride now without it even on some blue runs I do to warm up
 
I made the decision yesterday to buy a Level 2 back protector after seeing too many Instagram reels of paraplegics o_O. Seems stupid that I went with level 1 now that I think about it, such a minor inconvenience to stop life-altering accidents
 
dirt-diggler said:
I have the fox baseframe pro d3o vest chest and back protector, just done a week's riding in morzine above 30'c every day and it wasn't uncomfortable to wear or really noticeable at all.

It has a zip on one side to ease getting on and off, the pads are removable to wash the actual vest. Much nicer than wearing an over the top back protector like I used too
Click to expand...
What do you use for shoulder? That's my dodgy area
 
Carl_W said:
I am a 58 yr old rider who does bike parks and fast decent, I don't do big jumps or drops as things tend to snap these days instead of bend, so I definitely prioritise safety over comfort and this allows me to enjoy some really exciting riding. I use a ff helmet, d30 level 1 knee pads and wear this suit which is level 2 protection https://www.dirtbikexpress.co.uk/pr...-v2-full-anthracite-black-red-chest-protector. But everyone is different, so what's uncomfortable and hot to 1 person is perfect for others. I used to use fox baseframe which is d30 level 1 apart from the back protector which was level 2, I only changed as this suit is level 2 and offers greater shoulder protection which i like as I've had my shoulders rebuilt following many dislocations
Click to expand...
Are you wearing this under or on top of a jersey?
 
Ndanger said:
In mid summer some of the area I ride are very hot, especially the slow speed stuff where there is no cooling breeze. I discovered that putting the chest protector on first allows for an air gap between the 2 and it makes a huge difference with not overheating when I ride. I can feel the air circulating under the jersey and it is so much cooler
Click to expand...

calnearlyebike said:
on top of first layer. under the rest.
Click to expand...
How many layers do you wear. It must get very uncomfortable in the current temperatures.
 
Raptor said:
Are you wearing this under or on top of a jersey?
Click to expand...
I were a stretchy thin base layer t shirt undernear and a jersey over the top, I wear the base layer just to stop any possible chaffing, have never worn any protection jackets without a base layer so cannot say if it rubs if you don't wear something underneath
 
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