Armor

Discussion in 'The Adrenaline Factory' started by 92se-r, Sep 21, 2008.

  1. 92se-r

    92se-r Active Member

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    So explain to me what the pressure suit is for and what the difference is between that and regular chest, shoulders,upper arm armor? Any recommendations?

    Also, any of you running neck braces? Thoughts?
     
  2. gooseaholic

    gooseaholic Active Member

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    I think the difference is that the pressure suit has everything attached in one piece. The fit is tighter, therefor, has a lesser chance of the pads moving out of place during a crash. I have a Rock Garden Flak Jacket that works well.I could be wrong, but logic leads me to believe this is the case.
     
  3. Rockinthecasbah

    Rockinthecasbah A.D.D. Unleased

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    pressure suit's also have better back protection then a chest protector at least from what i have seen they are more of the road race flexable style back protector other then just a shield, Like bighit said the elbow and shoulder pads are all connected and arent easily moved out of the way during a fall (if they fit right) I know a few 4x racers who wear neck protectors.

    It just comes down to what you are willing to wear, you can protect almost every inch of your body but it might not be worth it weight and heat wise
     
  4. Bryguy17

    Bryguy17 A little Shaggy

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    they pretty much nailed it. It does come down to what you're going to be willing to wear and ride in. if you don't like wearing it, you wont, so theres no point in getting it.

    Personally, I was quite happy with knee-shin and elbow-forearm this weekend at mammoth. They covered be for all but one of my crashes (which was an overshot jump that ended in a lot of rocks, it would've been nasty no matter what). but then, if you want more protection, and will wear it, get it. Don't necessarily take my advice for what you should wear, as I'm young, apparently crazy, and reckless ;)
     
  5. DirtymikeTDB

    DirtymikeTDB Guest

    Personally I Rather have an Assult suit, I dont like having Elbow pads attached to my armor. The newer stuf is just as protective, and you ger a better feel and fit. But that last part can also depend on the person.
     
  6. DeadlyStryker

    DeadlyStryker New Member

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    I would also agree that Pressure Suit's and the like have more back support. Very important for those steep over the bars!
     
  7. dennis

    dennis New Member

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    I'm looking to invest in some elbow and knee pads but was also looking into the pressure suit. Does the pressure suit affect your breathing?
     
  8. MotoDave

    MotoDave New Member

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    I used a pressure suit back in the day when I was riding a lot of DH. It definitely saved me from some nasty falls, I was amazed when I puled it out of the closet the other day how scraped up the elbow/forearm protection was. I never felt that it restricted breathing, its not that tight fitting. I probably wouldn't wear it for anything but DH, its just overkill.
     
  9. dennis

    dennis New Member

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    Any suggestions on what brands are best for elbow and shin pads?
     
  10. DownHillPhil

    DownHillPhil Team Rider

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    Shin - Fox Launch seem pretty nice, RockGardn are super burly and will keep you safe but the fit wasn't great for me.
    Knee - 661 Kyle Strait / Evo or Troy Lee Lopes Signature
    Elbow - I've had a pretty good experience with RockGardn elbow pads
     
  11. denmother

    denmother Gone riding....

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    It's all about personal preference. You have to decide what parts of your anatomy are worth protecting (if any). The biggest difference between the full upper body armor is the chest protector which can be hard or soft. I prefer the hard plastic as it recently saved me from puncturing my sternum!

    I wear my Dianese race jacket when riding/racing very fast, rocky and technical DH.

    [​IMG]

    I just recently purchased a Rockgardn TrailStar which I wear during less technical riding. It allows me to wear separate elbow pads but still protects my spine, chest and shoulders.

    [​IMG]

    Yeah, I know armor is for girls!!! I so much enjoy watching the guys sit around picking their scabs off their knees and elbows because why???? Cause it looks cool and chicks dig scars???????????? NOT!!!!!

    My husband's (Just_me) favorite saying when we head out to trail ride is "I'm not gonna ride fast" so I don't need them!!!! My answer to him is "I always ride fast" so I'm gonna bring mine!! BTW, ask him next time you see him about the time he rode at Mammoth and fell in the pumice and scraped off an entire layer of skin on his shin after an OTB experience!!!

    I am currently using the new 661 EVO elbow and knee. A bit pricy but comfy and low profile (so you can peddle in them).

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    You can also try using the "Search" feature and check previous posts where wou can find the same topic discussed 15,000,000 other times!!!

    http://www.socaltrailriders.org/for...1-armor-do-i-need-what-kind-should-i-get.html

    http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/general-discussion/14844-what-gets-hurt-more-arms-legs.html

    http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/general-discussion/12792-protection.html

    Okay, on to the shin/elbow pads. I have experimented plenty over the years.....Never skimp, buy what fits and is suited for your type of riding. If you buy cheap, you will be sorry and you will end up buying better quality, so don't waste the money up front.

    Also keep in mind how hot it gets and how much ventilation you personally will require.

    The biggest issues seem to be coverage, fit and comfort. The most important thing is "will it stay in place when you fall/slide or in the case of elbow guards, when you ride fast (the smaller the coverage, the more they tend to slide down). Also, if you have small/skinny arms, it is hard to find them small enough.

    I currently use 661 in varying styles. I use full shinguards when it is rocky and knee only when it is not. As far as elbow, Here is what I have in my stable!

    tomcat knee

    [​IMG]
    race knee/shin
    [​IMG]

    Roger uses the kyle strait knee

    [​IMG]


    chicken wing elbow

    [​IMG]
    comp elbow/forearm
    [​IMG]


    race forearm/elbow

    [​IMG]
     
  12. 92se-r

    92se-r Active Member

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    Thanks for the responses. I already have armor. I just wanted to see if it was worth it to get a pressure suit.

    Do any of you use the Leitt(sp) neck brace or the RCS neck brace? Thanks.
     
  13. Happy_Gilmore

    Happy_Gilmore Blood Donor - Give Life

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    Yes worth every dollar !!!!!, during past Mammoth trips, I went over the bars, smacked a tree, and fallen off a skinny

    I have walked away injury free each time thanks to my RockGardn presure suit.......best $175 ever spent.

     
  14. madrider

    madrider Bike Therapy Patient

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    separate vs connected?

    Also looking to buy armor...

    Do separate chest/back armor + elbow pads + knee pads offer the same protection that a full pressure suit do? Is there a protection difference?
     
  15. DeadlyStryker

    DeadlyStryker New Member

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    Big thanks to Denmother for another amazing post.

    My +1 would go to the 661 race knee/shin, I know they have saved me from shinburgers countless times.


    [​IMG]
     
  16. denmother

    denmother Gone riding....

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    The new Rockgardn Flak Jacket has removable forearam/elbows which gives you options. Very versatile!!!!

    • Wide, ventilated backslider plates, aggressively vented foam, and enhanced rib cage protection
    • Leatt Brace compatible.
    • Chest plates that offer enhanced airflow, and minimize exposure at the zipper.
    • New open mesh fabric keeps you cool, but is still comfortable enough to be worn directly against the skin.
    • PVC-coated mesh kidney belt allows maximum ventilation, but still retains our signature stash pocket for keys, ID, etc.
    • Removable Back Slider.
    • 4-point shoulder adjustment straps have been redesigned to offer the maximum amount of adjustability for a tailored fit.
    • Adjustable length arms and removable elbow/forearm guards. The Flak Jacket can be worn as a full jacket, short-sleeve jacket, or just the elbow/forearm guards themselves.
    • Landing Zone™ Elbow/Forearm Guards act as direct replacements in the event of loss or damage.
    • Available in S/M, L, XL, and 2XL sizes
    [​IMG]


    So does the TrailStar Chest Protector


    Hardcore, lightweight (2.51 pounds), over-jersey protection that can be put on or taken off in a matter of seconds. Can also be worn beneath a jersey.
    • 3-piece chest design offers excellent protection with unrestricted movement. ABS plastic-reinforced sternum pad also aids in diminishing neck hyper flexion.
    • Re-designed back plates are wider and ventilated to keep you both protected and cool.
    • Fully adjustable shoulders for customized fit.
    • Comes with optional straps to allow the attachment of Rockgardn Landing Zone ™ Elbow/Forearm guards.
    • Attachment points for the Rockgardn Neck Roll.
    • Leatt Brace compatible
    • Optional TrailStar Hydropack allows your armor, hydration, and pack to be a single unit.
    [​IMG]
     
  17. Lefty Kev

    Lefty Kev Exiled Brit

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    Here's an older version of a 661 pressure suit that I used to wear back in the day. A little cumbersome compared to what's available now perhaps and without the moisture-wicking properties. Still, a lot less expensive than the new EVO technology and just as effective me thinks :lol:

    [​IMG]
     
  18. Dino Brown

    Dino Brown Sir Smack-Alot

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    Agreed! :beer:
    I prefer my elbow pads to be separate from my chest protector.


    1) It does come down to personal preference
    2) Your body type can affect fit (wide shoulders, narrow waist). They don't all fit the same. If you are short or thin, a YOUTH size may be worth looking into
    3) I do believe the Dainese suits to be the most comfortable (and highest quality) suits available
    4) Don't be stingy when it comes to safety
    5) Try on as many suits as you can. Wear them around the store. Ask yourself: How does it fit? Does it irritate my neck? Does it effect mobility? Is the waist belt in an area that will effect my riding. I asked myself these questions and walked away from a suit. Glad I did! :D

    For those who are still not convinced pads are the way to go: Next person you see wearing pads- Ask them if you can take a look. Every scratch on that elbow pad protected them from a scratch on their arm. Every gouge on their knee pad protected their knee!

    ** A few months ago, I went to Summit. Went OTB on a steep and rocky trail (Stinky knows the name). I was heading face first into a BOULDER. I stuck my right forearm out in front of me. My Race Face pads took 100% of the impact. If I was not wearing them, I assure you I would have fractured my arm.
    By fracture, I mean COMPOUND FRACTURE! :(

    ** I often times wear my hard shell elbows when riding in The San Gabriel's.
    Have you ever taken a YUCCA needle to either the forearm or knee? It hurts! :eek:

    :beer:
     
  19. art23rockpile

    art23rockpile Minus Delta T

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    A friend loaned me this (see below) for Mammoth. It's made by 661; it is lightweight and comfortable. Having this on (along with a FF and armour) inspires confidence. I liked it so much, i'm going to buy one just like it! :)
     

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  20. IDY-Craig

    IDY-Craig Lake Arrowhead

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    While you're at it, buy some CD's and a new alarm clock!! LOL!!!!
     

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