Mountain Biker's Body Armor | Our Favorite MTB Torso Protection
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- Опубликовано: 23 июл 2024
- Chest protectors, spine guards, body armor, no matter what you call it, mountain biker’s have long searched for ways to stay safe and reduce the chances of serious injury without being too hot or uncomfortable. Over the years protective gear has improved greatly, from being thick and bulky plastic pieces, to the Dainese Pressure suit era in the early 2000’s to today’s minimalist mindset, mountain bike protection has evolved and styles have changed. Technological advances in impact absorbing materials like D3O, VPD, and other non-Newtonian “foam” that stiffens upon impact has changed the face of protection from shoe insoles and knee pads up to these torso and chest protectors.
Not all riders feel the need to wear upper body armor when mountain biking, and understandably so. Not everyone is pushing the envelope day in and day out, and the heat and discomfort may not be worth it for your 15 mile XC pedal. If you’re anything like us though, you know sometimes a little extra sweat and discomfort is worth it. We’re sure there have been more than a few riders who have said those same words after a crash, “I should’ve worn my pads today.” Here’s a few options we’ve been testing out over the last couple of years that we think are worthy of your consideration. From long sleeve to sleeveless and minimalist spine protection, brands have just about anything you could want to keep you safe and offer some peace of mind.
OUR ADVICE
Our two biggest tips are to really consider what you want out of your body armor. Meaning, what do you land on most, or what are you most afraid of injuring?
Second, we’d suggest you really evaluate how much protection you really think you’re going to wear. Buying the thickest, safest most heavy-duty protector is just a waste of money if you just keep it in your gear bag because you hate how hot or uncomfortable it is. Sometimes a thinner layer of protection that you always wear is better than the burly one sitting in your car.
Here are a few of our favorite bits of mountain bike body protection we’ve been wearing over the last couple years.
CONTENTS
0:00 | Intro
1:03 | Protection Levels
3:55 | POC VPD System Torso | alnk.to/dAgFbNp
6:15 | Leatt Airflex Stealth Body Protectors | leatt.com
9:23 | Fox Baseframe Pro SL & SS | alnk.to/bEck7dV
11:51 | 7 Protection Flex Suit | alnk.to/fHfKGcl
12:27 | Critiques
13:36 | Which to Choose
Be sure to use LOAMWOLF15 for 15% off any qualifying items, body armor and more, at Competitive Cyclist's link above.
Head to the site for the full write up:
theloamwolf.com/2021/08/28/mo...
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store.theloamwolf.com
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Not valid for poc chest protector ;-(
First and foremost, thank you guys for all the excellent quality videos you put out!
As far as upper protection, I tried most of these and ended up with the Leatt long sleeve stealth protection. Have taken a few hard crashes and thankful I had it on🙏
Hello from San Antonio, thanks for the video. This has helped my search!
I have the short sleeve version of the Leatt and it's awesome. I don't notice it when I'm going down and barely notice it when I'm going up. A few things not mentioned that I think is worth a mention is the that the material in the armpits is cut out which means free air flow and no annoying tight material that can cause chaffing and also more range of motion in your shoulders. Lastly, the Roost protection on the chest (while not certified armor) does offer some solid protection for your sternum.
How is the shoulder padding on the Leatt body tee? It looks pretty thin so I'm concerned it wouldn't do much to protect my shoulders
@@TrailTrekker shoulder protection is plenty fine. Gotta remember the material stiffens on impact and disperses the energy. It's not about how bulky they are.
Hi, can you tell me your measures and size are you wearing? Im 178cm with 65kg, and cant deside wich size to choose (M/L)? thanks
@@JozefJoVa hey mate, I'm 6ft 180 lbs and wear a large and it's tight but not uncomfortable.
Best review on youtube for sure. You help ti decide what bdoy armor I'll get. Other reviews are full of critiques and only bad references and jokes, This video was practical, thanks a lot!
Thanks so much Jorge. Glad we could offer some practical help.
I am riding the Fox short sleeve… easy trick - you don’t need to be a yoga master to wear the “empty” t-shirt and place all the desired pads afterwards. And the reverse process to take it off - pads first. It’s simple, no car park comedies any more :-)
So I’m watching this video while I A) recover from crashing my mountain bike and fracturing six ribs, and B) am putting my shoes and socks on to go drive up to Bellingham to pick up my new Transition Patrol :-) so perfect timing for me. Thanks for all the service you do to the community.
Almost the same here. No broken bones, but crashed at Galbraith (on an easy trail, of course). Luckily it was on my last run there. Unluckily I was heading to Silver Mountain the next day, so couldn't ride there.
Pat,
I totally feel and empathize with you!!!! I’m sitting watching this too recovering from a bike crash on 7/10/21 with 7 broken ribs and a fractured right elbow radius. 6 of my ribs are held together with titanium plates and screws. #7 is a floating rib so it doesn’t need it!! From what the surgeon says. Perfect timing is an understatement as I have started riding/training again to get back into some sort of shape to hit (not literally) the trails!!! Lol!!! Safe riding!!!
Cesar
@@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_ ooh, bummer! I had booked last week and this for a bike park tour - first week in MT going to Silver, Whitefish and the new Legacy.. and this week at Galbreath, etc. Sigh. Ive been watching LOTS of MTB videos at least.
@@cesarlomibao2662 Boo, That stinks! No hardware for me, but it’s wild that the healing model is “take pain meds, breathe deeply, and good luck sleeping” 😅
Think I’ve broken ribs for the second time this season 🤬
Brilliant review, very wise words at the end 👍
Thank you kindly!
Great review. Glad that you commented on the difference in hip protection between the fox SS and SL options, that detail isn't included on other reviews or on sales websites, cheers
Glad it was helpful!
@@TheLoamWolf do you think that you could wear either the Leatt or Fox shirts without a jersey over the top from a durability or appearance perspective? I'm in Queensland in Australia so it's hot/humid a lot of the year and looking for something to wear as a single layer without looking too "undressed".... From your vid it looks like the fox might work for rides then throw on a shirt when in public areas, cheers
Did you end up buying either on? How hot are they in qld?
as always, very informative video. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
What helps me with taking off the Fox D3O shirt is to first take out the front and back protector and then take off the shirt itself.
Great review and sound advice
Thank you!
Great stuff as always
Appreciate that
LOL Sour looks thrilled to be the model.
This vid is a summery of my spring. I tried a shirt style protector from Evoc, just like the Fox in this vid it was impossible to get of, I needed help getting it off. I tried a few Poc ones and they were just uncomfortable, as a swede I am bias to POC since it's a Swedish brand but I really cannot like their products. In the end it was Leatt sleaveless backprotector that won my shoot out. My main goal was to have it when riding a bit more gnarly trails.
I am recovering from skateboard injury, some fractures on the ribs and its the 2nd time! I could use something like this :)
I have been looking into some additional armor, however I am a always a sweaty mess when riding and need ALL the ventilation. Over the years my injuries have been a bit all over and some of it things that armor would not have helped with (dislocated thumb, torn lat) and others do not appear to be very well covered by any of these (side of ribs causing fractures twice). My only chest injury was caused from landing on my forearm and shoulder hard and it compressed my sternum causing pain for a few days, but there was no direct impact there. My search continues.
It seems to be a never-ending search, luckily options keep getting better.
So far my big issue is rib protection. Third time of no sleep because my ribs got smashed. I had the POC VPD and it either moved up or the impact protection didn’t work. Impact was toward the left front below the chest clearly maybe worse if I had nothing on.
The best under jersey protection I have used so far is the 661 Evo compression shirt. Zippered with good back and shoulder protection and front pads as well. Super comfy and breathable.
Been looking at everything on this table as well as the 661…thanks for the feedback
How comfortable is it to climb in on warm days with longer climbs? I'm looking at the evo compression shirt for doing some enduro racing and just want to make sure I won't over heat on long days lol
@@TrailTrekker if you can for go shoulder pads checkout Scott Softcon Air Body Armor Body Protector it's mint. I have the 661 it's hot and i havent worn it in summer just BC winter. The 661 back protector is 6"shorter and chest protection is garbage. I still have it the 661 will only get worn if i feel I need shoulder protection for park days and i will wear the Scott over the top for the better back and chest
I was wondering about it and by looks of things according to the video I just saw the POC comes with 2 sets of straps so you can remove the torso and go back only. It's not obvious from photos. So .. that sounds good as I'd only wear the chest sometimes.
So I love riding rockgarden and steep tech stuff. But I don't ride bikepark since the nearest one is like 5 hours away and my parent don't bike. So I do much climbing. I stad between the poc or the protective t shirt. Wich should I pick.
Thanks for the nice overview. The problem with most protectors is, that you can only wear them without a backpack. And protectors INSIDE backpacks are generally too short, barely protecting the lower spine. Solution? Do not know any......except a short protector is better than none.
Interesting, the D30 stuff is great for impacts, but I think I would feel safer with hard parts esp in the back for compression?
Not sure, after watching someone go over the bars at fairly low speed and break his back/neck in 2 places, ribs, sternum, and collar bone, seems unbelievable, maybe the neck brace is the key..
I'm riding in POC vpd and its actually better to wear it over the jersey. When you rest or go uphill, its just clicking two buttons on the side for taking it off, no hustle of taking off the jersey and than trying to get that sticky sweaty compression material off, possibly tearing it apart, like with leatt. The only con i found was that the lower edge of breast plate sometimes hurts the belly.
Also, the badge on it states that it's made from XELION, like Kali's kneepads, and vpd is just their branding.
@@Error-hc7mp It’s light and flexible, does it’s job(hit a tree in it). However, for the price of 270 for 2 rubber d3o like plates - it’s overpriced. Maybe if you want it to be super light for enduro - it’s a good choose. For torso I’d go for for raceframe impact, saw many dh riders wearing that($100-160). For full armor I’d take a leatt airfit lite, the chest protector on airFlex looks like a thin roost guard and doesn’t cover ribs on the front/back.
Hi Vesell11, or anyone else, I'm looking to get the POC vpd chest and back, what size do you wear? I'm 6 foot (183cm), 200 pounds, would a Medium fits me better, or the Large is the way to go? Regarding protection, I often find the larger stuff more cumbersome than usefull. Thank you!
@@TheMatfo555 can i ask what size u ended up buying and how it fit?
Don’t even worry about looks. Looking around the hospital waiting room is worse. Just get covered up.
what size is the fox tee? some great options there thanks
The prices are INSANE!!!
Great video 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
rocking the TLD UPS 7850-HW for DH.... like it but INSANLEY difficult to remove after a day of riding. I'm 100% going with Leatt next time for the zippered entry.
Thanks for sharing.
Does chest and back protection help against rib fractures?
4:03 I tested it underneath my jersey, as I suspected it was not optimal, I felt the straps, it was not torture, nor was it very comfy, but i can't recommend it.
The back felt fine, but I could really feel the straps, also the chest plate made slushy sounds like someone does when chewing loudly. But wearing it on top eliminates all the discomfort and noise issues.
It still slides up a bit when worn directly on the skin.
So might as well wear it on top. I see most people wear it on top at least that's what I see on Instagram.But it's a great product.
When I breath and move I feel air coming underneath and flowing trough the vents, also during easy riding, you can loosen the straps a bit, let the plate sag to the front, and let air in, if so you really need to wear it on top of a jersey.
Thnks for the information dude, How does it fell going u phill?
As long as it's adjusted properly it feels fine, it of course gets hot if it's really hot outside, but then I can just pull it to the front make air flow trough it on the easy stuff. So overheating has not been an issue for me, nor comfort. Anything specific you wanna know? @@rodrigo9968
How is the durability on the Fox short sleeve ?
Appreciate your videos. Used them to pick out my p23 carbon and couldn’t be happier with it. This said, ive noticed a common theme on body armor videos where people are looking for Rib protection. Recently broke some ribs at Highlands so I am in that camp desperately looking for the best rib protection (without going full moto hard shell etc) I can get. Anyone have any suggestions on the best MTB armor with rib protection? Just picked up a Leatt AirFlex Chest protector, which has more rib coverage than a lot of others, but leaves the sides pretty exposed. I find it wild that not a single company has directly addressed this issue when I constantly am seeing MTB rib injuries.
Sorry to hear about your ribs. Unfortunatley, no one really makes a slim/soft style protector with adequate rib protection. Hard shell is gonna be the way to go. On the plus side, most of the hard shell mtb chest Protectors are still slim enough that you would be able to wear it under a jersey. Fox Raceframe and TLD rockfight would be my suggestions. The TLD 3900 looks like a soft shell vest with rib protection, but just looking at the photos, comfort might be a concern. -Sean
@theloamwolf great video. See if competitive cyclist will send you the Scott Softcon Air Body Armor Body Protector and Scott sports softcon Air Protector Jacket Body Protection too review its mint👌. The way scott have developed the back and chest Protectors allows lots of Air flow. The back Protector extends down to the bottom of layer lumbar regain. Where as I found the D3O of the fox stops at the lumbar. Trust me it will be your go to armor.
That would be cool
Do the soft flex rubber shoulder pads on some of the models work if you fall on shoulder? They look like to protect against scratches than falling impact. I would like an opinion before buying. Thanks!
Hi, good review, thanks. Did you try wearing these and a hydration pack?
Some of them we did but not all. As long as they're not too slim/tight they shoudl work alright.
👍🍺 Great Review Thanks - I'm a 61yo beginner MTB kook looking for connected "shoulder/elbow hard pad" still looking.
Glad it was helpful!
just did my collarbone - seriously considering riding with NFL shoulder pads, MTB shoulder protection for the collarbone and AC SC joints is very lacking. shame because it's such a common injury for riders.
After crashing on lava rock at Bachelor,,, I’m looking into some new protection lol
As ususal great review! I was wondering what size people are wearing for the POC chest and back combo? 6'0 foot, 200 lb... should I go with Medium, or Large. I hate when protections are combersome, why I'm leaning toward Medium...Thank you in advance!
Leat makes one with shoulder protection
After I poped my shoulder out at fort bill which was the worse accident I have had so got my self a Troy lee T-shirt
missing leatt 4.5 protection. That is real cool
Yeah it's good stuff. Thanks for bringing that one up.
I ragdolled at 20 mph this past weekend. Now I’m watching this. 😂
Sorry to hear but at least you're able to do that and will be back on the bike soon.
@@TheLoamWolf walked away with just soreness. Good to go by this weekend.
I'm watching this whilst recovery from a broken neck 🤒🤕
Heal up quickly man! Damn that sucks
Chin up 😆
Had two mates break their necks this year - one C5 the other C6. Tough recovery for both, but both back on their bikes and riding. Hope your recovery went well
Hope you are improving, prayed for you
Thank you. Coming off a big crash in June and not gonna roll naked anymore. Have been looking at these and this was helpful.
Any opinion on the six six one Evo short sleeve?
Sorry to hear about the wreck. They happen. The 661 stuff is pretty good actually we have enjoyed some of their units. The last Evo we wore had some goods and some not so goods but it's certainly a pretty solid option!
@@TheLoamWolf they definitely do happen. I'm a old and have had my share. This one however set the bar for me. 5 broken ribs. 4 segmented ribs. Fractured pelvis. Punctured lung. Ac separation. And then the Morel-Lavallee...the worst. 5 hours on the ground.. Terrifying heli extraction and 4 days in the ICU. Fortunate to have been with a super solid group of guys that day or my outcome would have really sucked. The IXS trigger ff I bought based on your reviews literally saved my life.
Lessons learned.
1) When it's high consequences the fullface AND armour.
2) When it's remote gnar have satellite communications.
Wow man… happy to hear you made it out of that. Gnarly
@@DizzyBone3030 thank you! Back on the horse and no regrets but definitely more prepared
@@SeanKWhite-lk5zf This is scary, I think I wont be going back to the trail park solo.
Super disappointed the POC unit doesn't have more perforating in the front. That unit would have been a slam dunk.
An electric drill is your friend :)
Man, there really needs to be better shoulder protection for riding. I got a class 3 shoulder separation that I have to get surgery for and I cant seem to find any shoulder protection that would have actually protected me.
I’ve done grade 3 and 5 AC. Besides a shoulder brace, it’s hard to protect
Omg same here. I’m looking everywhere to get some pro 10 months after my AC surgery. Nothing I’ve seen really covers that part of your shoulder.
Hi. Great review. Any opinion on the TLD 7855 hw upper body armor?
Please
Its really good, your entire torso is covered in pads. The downsides - You'll get really hot. Very hard piece to wear in the summer.
Hi guys, fantastic review. I'm struggling find this lighter style of padding that offers protection for the ribs.
My last couple of crashes I've hurt my ribs pretty badly.
Any recommendations?
Thanks & keep up the great work
Thats a tough one, alot of softer pads are more for core protection verse rib protection. I've been wearing leatt's new airflex chest protector which has a bit more rib coverage than the t-shirt style ones, but the should straps aren't awesome. I think for best rib protection, you'd want to go with the hard plastic, moto style chest protector. -Sean
@@TheLoamWolf thank u for the fast reply, really appreciate it.
What's your thoughts on the fox raceframe or TLD rockfight?
While we haven't tried either of those, just looking at the product pages the Rockfight looks to be the better of the two. Has a little more side protection and the CE version has a D3O back piece which will add an additional layer of comfort and protect. Breathability would be my only concern on both, but if it's mainly for gnarly days, probably wouldn't be too bad.
@@TheLoamWolf thank you again for the quick reply. I really do appreciate it.
I think I'm going to hammer the credit card + order a few different body armours to see whats most comfortable.
I'll be wearing it most rides as my last crash was on a "warm up" trail + ended my weekend in the ER 🤦♂️.
Keep up the great content, it's a fantastic channel & site you guys have created
that is good
Does this type of protection help prevent rib fractures?
Depends on how the fracture occurred. If it’s from an object hitting the ribs, some of them
Will help, if it’s a “crushing” type from massive force of your body hitting a tree or ground from high up or high speed, it’s possible by distributing load over wider area, but not a guarantee. One things for sure, it won’t hurt to try!
What is the misfit style Leatt one? Can’t find anything on google about it
Spray Paint bro!! Full custom haha. Just got a white one and painted black over it.
I was wondering too and came to the comments looking for the answer. Now I’m sad that I can’t just order it!
Haha can we just send @theloamwolf our body armor to custom? Nice work bro. But does the paint effect the armor in any negative way?
How were sizing on them? True to size?
Yes we'd say they were pretty accurate but the Fox would be slightly snug and Leatt is slightly big.
CC rules!!
how meny time can you yoos the cood
One per email address sadly…
Where is BlueGrass D3O?
I've handles Bluegrass knee protector that is the same material as the backprotector and it was really nice, but expensive. I would guess that the back protector suffers from the same problem as the Baseframe i e really difficult to get off.
To much Armour and you be called a storm trooper. 😆
Wear the armor under your jersey and no one will know 😉
Fox for me.
The other one ☝🏻 You get what you pay for. Except for $7,000+ mountain bikes,,, those are just for bragging rights 😂
haha
55
Typical fox ime
Leatt 👎, the M size is so small don’t know why they use South African size for Americans
They forget Americans are fat huh😂