Body armour. Again!

[JoeBlow]

A year on and I'm still struggling to find the perfect body armour. I've just returned a TLD RockFight as it it did not offer adequate rib protection (It also made me look like an aged Star Wars Stormtrooper ). I'm waiting for delivery of a TLD 7855. This seems to come the closest to what I need. I'm old and don't bounce like I once did. I took a tumble last week and noticed a recurring theme. I ALWAYS seem to come away with at least one bruised rib. Never serious but enough to put me painfully out of action for a couple of weeks which is particularly annoying as I have a new bike, more freedom than before and in consequence more enthusiasm. I ride mostly at FOD although I do plan a trip down to CwmCarn shortly. My incidents typically tend to be at low speed on technical terrain which means I have a tendency to land on my side or hit the bars.

Will the 7855 suit my requirements? Personal experience and views appreciated. The Leatt Stealth I bought last year is very comfy but offers no protection for the ribs.

Al

 

[JoeBlow]

I thing I am resigned to the Star Wars Storm trooper look but it should be well ventilated and offer specific rib protection. If you look into the TLD RockFight there are some that say the side protection is more to do with padding for the buckle than actual rib impact protection.

 

[dcxs]

I gave up on trying to look sensible and got the Leatt 6.5 pro back and chest protector. It has so far worked surprisingly well regarding weight and heat management. Its only the back part that looks a little goofy as its massive. I plan on complementing it with the shoulder and elbow part of a Leatt 4.5 evo

 

[steve_sordy]

@JoeBlow I have never worn as much armour as you, but I used to keep getting rib injuries when I fell off. Then I worked out it was the beefy elbow guard that was doing the damage! I changed to a slimmer elbow guard. No more rib injuries. Something to consider at least.

 

[JoeBlow]

@JoeBlow I have never worn as much armour as you, but I used to keep getting rib injuries when I fell off. Then I worked out it was the beefy elbow guard that was doing the damage! I changed to a slimmer elbow guard. No more rib injuries. Something to consider at least.

Possible but I do not think this is the reason in my cases. I have the Leatt Stealth but don't tend to wear it. Not sure why it's comfy enough but no rib protection whatsoever.

 

[Plummet]

The armour is an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Its not going to compensate for poor crashing technique.

What you need to do is learn to breakfall and ninja roll to dissipate the energy.

 

[JoeBlow]

The armour is an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Its not going to compensate for poor crashing technique.

What you need to do is learn to breakfall and ninja roll to dissipate the energy.

At almost 80 years of age? Give me a break Even if it were feasible it would not have helped in my latest situation. Almost stationary in a confined space with no where to go and off the side of the bike. But thanks.