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Body armour
Hey guys, can anyone recommend a good body armour for doing the odd downhill run, comfort is a must. I've noticed some have a tortoise style shell back protector, but some are shorter than others, why? Any help would be appreciated.
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When I bought mine brands like 661 were to broad for me for my height. Dainesse on the other hand was perfect. Make sure it's snug so if you hit the ground you roll with the armour, don't want to have it roll around you. That's snug but not restrictive.
Different length back protectors are partly about fit. People of the same height can have 2 or more inches difference in back length. This affects how armour can protect you.
Some armour is designed to be integrated with neck braces. This can alter the length and fit around the base of the neck.
Took me a while to find the right armour.
Thanks Simon, Dainese make highend motorcycle gear, so which Dainese armour did you go with? I see they have about 3 different types for mountain biking.
I got myself an Alpine Star kit, with chest, shoulder, forearm and back protection. Really comfortable and breathed really well.
http://m.gumtree.com.au/v?adId=1007205404
Can't remember the name, had it for a few years.
Has zip off back protector so can just wear the back protector only. Nice and breathable.
I suspect its similar to their multisport summer range.
Hey Simon, couldn't see it on that link.
Is the chest protector made up of two hard shells or is it a one piece very dense foam?
Also, how many segments is the tortoise shell?
Thanks for your help.
the Pro Air with 5 segments in the back plate. Rather old now and it seems there are a few variants.
Single chest plate with side zip in front of shoulder. It's grey in colour with a bit of red around cuffs. Wide velcro waste band.
This also shows leg armour but is same model name but with back plate with more segments. Confused if this link has a chest plate.
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId...
Back plates zip off and can be replaced to get correct size or disposed of if taken a big impact. Backplate crumple zone under plastic shell is/was honeycomb aluminium. Light, very breathable but once crumpled needs to be replaced. So far never had to. Minor knocks don't damage it. The link above may show a replaced back plate.
Not sure about current Dainese systems. At the time they fit me the best.
Only thing I have replaced is the zip. Sweat eventually corroded the zip.
A mate has Alpine Star, good too.
Key thing I reckon is to get the lighter weight or summer versions of the moto gear which is generally marketed towards DH. The more full on moto gear can get heavy, hot and more restrictive. There are trade offs.
what is body armour that is for wimips how needs it