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Hi,
I had a hard crash last weekend onto some pointy rocks.Â
I managed to smack my collar bone, shoulder, two front teeth and both wrists pretty hard and have been limping about feeling sorry for my self. I also feel pretty lucky as if I was going a chunk faster or had taken all or most of the force through one body part it would have been straight to hospital.Â
At 46 with two small kids it's time for a chest and shoulder protector most rides. If I'm riding quick there are either medium sized jumps with tight trees or place with rocks.
I have an old 661 pressure suit for uplift days. It's reasonably comfy but an absolute pain to get off when I get sweaty. Not something I'd want to pedal in for 2-4 hours which is my usual mid week and weekend rideÂ
I appreciate any chest and shoulder stuff it going to be sweaty and a bit annoying.
Any thoughts on which set will be least sweaty and annoying to live with for two rides a week? I've been thinking about
Leatt stealth
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Leatt-ReaFlex-Stealth-Body-Protector_274881.htm?variations=colour:Stealth
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100% tarka
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Or a fox base frame
https://www.biketart.com/products/fox-baseframe-pro-d3o-jacket?_pos=52&_fid=6f15c3c6c&_ss=c
Thanks for any suggestiosn
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https://www.tredz.co.uk/.7Protection-Flex-Body-Protector_100318.htm
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Worth a look if small or medium is any good
Thanks for the suggestion I'm after large or xl
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I bought the Fox hard armour recently for heavier duty riding but have been recommended the Leatt Stealth stuff for trail use.
i`ve got some bliss protection armour (arg stuff) which is pretty light and seemed to do its job when i nailed myself at the end of march (just getting back on teh bike but could have been worse)Â
I`m happy wearing it all day for pedally enduro days.Â
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Following with interest...
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Ive got the Fox Titan body armour jacket and just got back from a very hot Morzine where i sweated loads. It was a bit of a pain so I too have been looking at lighter armour. Everyone else seemed to just be wearing that lightweight D30 back n front protector Scott do. But i always fall on my elbows and shoulders so they need covering too. Add all that back into the mix and i may as well stick with the Titan.
For the 100% gear, go direct to their website. They're clearing out all the protection equipment (concentrating only on eyewear and clothing from now on, apparently)Â
Fwiw, we have a Leatt airflow Stealth in a previous incarnation with the separate back and sternum gilet. The shoulder and elbow pads are only good for abrasion protection. The gilet is used all the time, the jacket not at all.
For hotter weather I take a risk and go with the Endura MT500 back and chest vest forgoeing elbow and shoulder protection. In winter/cooler weather I use a Forcefield Pro Shirt which covers everything. Once you add even elbow protection to a back plate you end up just as warm as a full shirt anyway. My mates have the Leatt Reaflex back and chest vest and rate it.Â
I've been through a bit of a body armour journey over the years.Â
For your purpose I'd suggest a t-shirt type armour which you can dress up with elbow pads if needed. The Fox Baseframe Pro T-shirt is what I currently have here but it has one BIG issue (apart form the material chafes the nips so you need to tape them up) which is that it pulls on rather than having a zip, it's a bit of a wrestle getting on and a total nightmare getting off when sweaty. I'd probably get the vest version if buying again which does away with the shoulder pads but has a zip (I now have other, more protective armour for when needed)
I've tried the POC VPD Air T Shirt. It has the bonus of a zip, but I found the padding bulky, especially the back piece which would get uncomfortable in an uplift vehicle / chairlift.
If you're after a full protection top I tried the 100% Tarka but the fit wasn't quite right for me (and the arm padding felt quite rigid). This year I took a punt on a Leatt 3DF Airfit Hybrid jacket as I found one at a good price. I've just got. back from a very hot Morzine and was very please with it. Yes it got sweaty (but all armour would in 30 degrees plus), but the material was well vented (including cut outs for inside elbows and armpits), it was easy to get on and off (zip), not too bulky (especially when it's got better protection than most soft jackets), and I got no chafing, pinch points etc. It's now back home, easily washed (removable pads easy to remove) and is a big thumbs up from me. I'd still not want to trail ride in a full jacket though.