What does everybody use for a chest protector? I rode the Hammer Run dual sport today in NJ. Great ride. But, between layers of clothing, enduro jacket, backpack and typical plastic roost deflector I could barely move without choking myself. I use a roost deflector as a chest/shoulder protector. I know the day I decide to not wear it I will crash and injure myself. I realize they are not really designed to do what I want but wear it anyway. I saw somebody wearing a Kali protector today. Looked pretty good and not obstructive. Anybody have experience with the Kali? I'm also looking at the EVS under-jersey deflectors. I go about 5'11", 210 lbs without equipment. Concerned whatever I pick won't fit if I order online. Not many shops with a lot of choice around here. Thanks.
FWIW, I think the enduro jacket causes the most restriction unless it's sized very large. I have had two and cannot stand wearing them. I rode the Hammer Sat in the rain, in the 40s. Under Armor, sweatshirt, chest protector, and a light windbreaker. Drink system/pack on the outside. Only cold on the long fast road section near the end. What's nice is if it warms up or your in a long tight section the wind breaker wads up and stuffs into the pack easily.
That sounds like a good idea, thanks. One of my buddies rode about 20 miles yesterday and kept falling in ruts. Went back to the field. Beat up today and didn't ride. I stayed home yesterday.
I'm not overly considered on true roost but I do want shoulder protection so I wear a chest protector with shoulder protection... Do not line up straight behind any one when riding is what I do to help avoid too much roost ... If I'm riding with anyone with a new knobby or any 4fitty riders, I take note before we start riding ... -- Kids here think I'm a power-ranger with all the plastic I wear ...
The very first time I wore a chest protector I felt like robots cop. But when I went to put my right foot down as I stopped on the trail I didn't notice the ground level dropped off. I fell down into rocks chest first. It wasn't fun but I got right up started the bike and off I went. I wasn't focused. The dad's and there little guys on bikes come flying through this intersection. Sometimes there are two little guys were the smaller one will lag behind. But I lookout for them. I didn't focus on me. My chest protector is size adjusts from 2xxl to3xxxl.
I wear a Forcefield Pro Jersey. Works as a base layer but with removable back, front, elbow and shoulder protection. Shoulders, elbows and back are now CE protection and the front is multi layer rubber/foam. It's comfortable and similar to wearing a base layer or compression top depending on size/fit. First one I bought had stitching come loose under the arms. Was 2 weeks past warranty. Johnson Leathers in San Fran, the importer, had another improved sent to me under warranty. Material was more reinforced under the arms. I use their knee protectors as well. I'm not racing so might not suit your needs for full on rocky onslaught but an option http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/pro-shirt/2407
My riding buddy just got a new combo roost guard, chest plate with integrated backpack/hydration system. Pretty cool setup. Pricey but slick. http://www.themotostop.com/ZAC_Speed_Sprint_Pack_With_Chest_Protector_p/und-zacspr10p.htm
motocrossvest.com they are good and dont move around much.... I really dont wear one anymore.... 90% of the chest protectors out there are roost protectors only.... they rotate around when you crash and I've broken ribs a few times while wearing one..... When I wore a jacket with c/p a wore a xxl over everything so you can still unzip it to cool down if needed but a better route is a sweatshirt under and a windbreakbreaker over..... I also put at least 1 set of extra gloves in a zip lock bag in the jacket.... dry gloves do wonders....
If this new high tech protectors are thinner why not wear an inner soft protector and outer hard protector on the more rough Rocky courses?
Bill per the local shops. Did you see cheap ass racing there on Sat/Sun. Bill the owner is a local rider and generally offers 15% off to most. He's at at the local events and does have store where you can try things on. I have a Leatt brand chest protector that I got after I broke the attachment points on the Fox twice. I didn't have issuers with it in use but the shoulder straps are to easy to crack in the woods. The Leatt stuff is NOT cheap but the fit is just so much better and if you end up getting a neck brace they are designed to fit. Bill does carry them and other brands so you may want to check him out. I've tried a few of the all in one zip up soft jackets but didn't like the fit of the two I tired on. Also if you ride in the summer those things must SMELL worse then knee guards and you'd want to get one you can throw in the washer. Joe
The best quality body armor that is the least restrictive especially around the neck is the Troy Lee stuff designed for use with the neck braces.
Personally i use the predesescor to preasure suit by 661 with a mx jersy over the top any more an in sweating like a pig. The back protectors removable so washings easy. Wouls love some leat gear but afraid to spend more on armor than my bikes worth my stuff is beat up tho.. Was looking at kali protectives when buying a new lid they look amazing and are the lightest dot helmet ive see . Not looked for 6months tho.
His full name is Bill Ward. The website is in the process of being redone but it's here http://www.cheapassracing.com/ The store is in Lower Bank. (855) 582-0219 but call him for hours. I generally call him with what I'm looking for and if he doesn't have it he will txt or call you with a price. I recently had him order me a neck and chest protector and picked up at Sahara sands. Joe
