Does anyone wear "armor" or "plates" When riding?

[capt_bugaloo]

Originally Posted by lavid2002

do any of you wear these clothes with the "armor" stitched into them at the joints.

Absolutely, I have for many years. You can find both leather and textile riding gear with insertable or sewn-in armour. Currently I have a riding jacket that is heavy nylon with armour padding in the elbows, shoulders, and spine.

I've usually owned textile gear. With most of these you can pull the plastic foam armour pieces out of their pockets, and then drop your jacket or overpants in a washing machine! Very convenient.

When looking for armour, keep an eye out for 'CE' certification: this type of armour has been certified by a safety agency in Europe and is usually good stuff.

[capt_bugaloo]

Looking at that HJC, I have to say I'd be a bit torn too - it looks like a brand new helmet!

I've read these claims that the various components tend to fail with age. Hmmm, maybe - but it also sounds like the helmet company is just trying to get you to fork out money for a new lid!

If it was me, and I was on a severe budget, I'd probably hang onto the helmet and use it while I acquired other good gear: jacket, gloves, boots, pants, raingear, etc. Only when I had all the other riding gear would I then scrap the helmet - it looks like it still has a lot of life left in it... IMHO.

[Broom]

Originally Posted by lavid2002

I dunno. I never knew you retired helmets. Just like im sure I know allot more about the shooting sports than you do. You know allot more about cycling than I do. Thats why im here askin you guys.


So the ultimate reason why I should throw this thing out is because the glue has aged and become useless?

i have a closet full of helmets that i could probably still use, but don't because i'm unsure. some just have a few little skid marks, some have solid impacts that resulted in a concussion, and others even got worn long enough to wear out the liner.

either way, it wasn't worth the risk and i retired it. thats why i shop around and i buy the helmet i can find the best deal on that is still of good quality... like the HJC AC-12... its a track/race worthy helmet, but i can find it in various solid colors (and even in kawasaki trim) for about $100.

in my opinion, theres no need to spend 4-600 bucks on a helmet. if you're on the street, and you want a cool helmet you can pick up a cool shoei or something on closeout for 2-300, or you can buy the ugly one thats the exact same model for 1-200. i buy the ugly, high quality helmet cuase i know i'm going to trash it sooner than later.

the bottom line is that your helmet is too old. it's impossible to know how much its deteriorated, but a 10 year old helmet can't be the safest option. i'd recommend you get a new lid as soon as you can gather up 1-200 bucks. AC-12 is my suggestion for the best value.

[Buffalony]

Get a new helmet yet Dave?

[CC Cowboy]

Joe, nice avatar. They just opened a Santora's Buffalo Pizza & Wing joint here. I hear they are big up there. Pretty good grub.


If I get the "armor" protection can I still wear shorts and flip-flops or is that still taboo?

[tjkamper]

I use these and love them.

[tjkamper]

Originally Posted by Broom

i have a closet full of helmets that i could probably still use, but don't because i'm unsure. some just have a few little skid marks, some have solid impacts that resulted in a concussion, and others even got worn long enough to wear out the liner.

either way, it wasn't worth the risk and i retired it. thats why i shop around and i buy the helmet i can find the best deal on that is still of good quality... like the HJC AC-12... its a track/race worthy helmet, but i can find it in various solid colors (and even in kawasaki trim) for about $100.

in my opinion, theres no need to spend 4-600 bucks on a helmet. if you're on the street, and you want a cool helmet you can pick up a cool shoei or something on closeout for 2-300, or you can buy the ugly one thats the exact same model for 1-200. i buy the ugly, high quality helmet cuase i know i'm going to trash it sooner than later.

the bottom line is that your helmet is too old. it's impossible to know how much its deteriorated, but a 10 year old helmet can't be the safest option. i'd recommend you get a new lid as soon as you can gather up 1-200 bucks. AC-12 is my suggestion for the best value.

Helmets should be changed every three years at the least. You should also not use a helmet if it has any visible blemishes or damage to the outer plastic shell. Even small chips can compromise the structure and cause the helmet to crack on impact instead of evenly distributing the blow.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Joe, nice avatar. They just opened a Santora's Buffalo Pizza & Wing joint here. I hear they are big up there. Pretty good grub.

Santoras is okay. The Buffalo wing supposedly originated from the Anchor Bar. I dont like their wings, though not many other people I talk to care for them much either. La Novas is more well known from the area. I should add that there are alot of other places here that have even better wings than La Novas. I think Bush had La Novas ordered and delivered to airforce one when he was in term. Butt screw Bush lol.

However, If any of you are ever in Buffalo I recommend you do find a La Novas and try their Pizza. Thats really their specialty. Buffalo Pizza has evolved into something between a chicago deep dish and the NYC thin crust. It just doesnt taste the same when I go outta town. But that just might be the water

While I'm on the subject We also have good pasta houses here but theyre becoming few and far in between these days. La Bella's and Santasiero's being two of the older ones.
BTW. You also should try Mighty Taco if your ever in town.

Flip flops and shorts is your game. I might have shot out in shorts really quick but I'd never do the flops

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Santoras is okay. The Buffalo wing supposedly originated from the Anchor Bar. I dont like their wings, though not many other people I talk to care for them much either. La Novas is more well known from the area. I should add that there are alot of other places here that have even better wings than La Novas. I think Bush had La Novas ordered and delivered to airforce one when he was in term. Butt screw Bush lol.
However, If any of you are ever in Buffalo I recommend you do find a La Novas and try their Pizza. Thats really their specialty. Buffalo Pizza has evolved into something between a chicago deep dish and the NYC thin crust. It just doesnt taste the same when I go outta town. But that just might be the water

While I'm on the subject We also have good pasta houses here but theyre becoming few and far in between these days. La Bella's and Santasiero's being two of the older ones.
BTW. You also should try Mighty Taco if your ever in town.

Flip flops and shorts is your game. I might have shot out in shorts really quick but I'd never do the flops

As far as the Bush thing, I don't swing that way. As far as the water, I agree. You can't even get good bread down here like you do in the north. It's got to be the water. All I can remember about Buffalo is the great bars, great girls, and great hangovers.

[Buffalony]

U caught that huh. I deleted it then put it back when I thought about it.
He got most of us up the arse. imo

[randomwalk101]

anyone use DAINESE "Knee V" Armor ? Is it comfortable?

[wyckedflesh]

Originally Posted by lavid2002

When riding on the roads...do any of you wear these clothes with the "armor" stitched into them at the joints. Like at the knee and elbow? If so how do you like em? What kind do you have. Anyone have a story where these have saved your hide? Seems like a plate sewn into the fabric would be ultimately more effective than leather.
Thanks

When the hard armor is no longer part of the equation...

[Techno250]

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Yeah It still really was my fault. Cold Rubber just didnt come to mind. But hey thats why were here. To share these experiences with other riders. I wonder how many lives have been saved because of these gathering grounds? I'm sure a lot of dollars.

I have no doubt that what I'm learning on this FREAKIN' AWESOME forum will literally save my hide someday. I want to use the bike for commuting sometimes, so the Tourmaster Flex 2 Jacket and Overpants look perfect!

Originally Posted by muffinman

shark - I also rock the ICON field leg armor on occasion... i feel like robocop when i'm rocking it

Talk about rockin some gear! (In case some people haven't yet seen it. ) I think I'm developing a gear fetish!

Originally Posted by Jiu Jitsu Player

My cousin just got in a serious accident- collapsed lung, surgically removed glass shards from his back, shattered rib cage, etc. but for whatever reason I'm still stupid.

Take it from experience, a collapsed lung SUX! I had a spontaneous collapse -- not due to injury -- and I was in the hospital for 28 days. The surgery to fix the collapse was hideous. Not to be too graphic, but they could not fix it laproscopically, so they basically filleted me. Awesome scar, though! And all the chest tube scars look like gunshot wounds, great for fake street cred. I can make fun of it, but you do not want to go through this.

Originally Posted by Broom

in my opinion, theres no need to spend 4-600 bucks on a helmet. if you're on the street, and you want a cool helmet you can pick up a cool shoei or something on closeout for 2-300, or you can buy the ugly one thats the exact same model for 1-200. i buy the ugly, high quality helmet cuase i know i'm going to trash it sooner than later.

Was thinking of the HJC IS-16, because it looks a lot like my brother's flight crew helmet, and under $200.

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by Techno250

Was thinking of the HJC IS-16, because it looks a lot like my brother's flight crew helmet, and under $200.

I think I just found my next helmet.

[lavid2002]

Get a new helmet yet Dave?

Nah not yet, I finally got my motorcycle license. All I need is 800 bucks more then I can get my bike, then im getting a whole bunch of new gear, textile jacket, helmet, pants, the works : D

[Buffalony]

Originally Posted by lavid2002

Nah not yet, I finally got my motorcycle license. All I need is 800 bucks more then I can get my bike, then im getting a whole bunch of new gear, textile jacket, helmet, pants, the works : D

Congrats on the pass
+1 on getting a whole get up. Your life is what matters and all that new gear could end up saving it. Keep us posted bud.

[thsadmin]

I am getting armor and that will go over the leather, armor is below :



The full body armor ... with jacket underneath, it's more Moto X than road though.



And leg armor ... need pants to go under or over though and to match the body armor.

I think the mix of both leather and armor should be sufficient and cover the Robocop look.

[Buffalony]

Or you could start a Mortal Ninjette tournment.

"ROUND ONE" ... "FIGHT"

"GET OVER HERE" POW

[wyckedflesh]

Not all armor is meant to withstand direct contact with the road. The Fox set show above for instance, the armor pieces will be fine, however, the material that holds the pieces together is not rated for that kind of use, it was designed to be worn UNDER the leathers. Trust me, I HAVE seen that armor come apart and recently on the street because someone thought it was the only thing they needed to wear.

Just something to think about. (The leg armor is excluded from the above.)

[Sound Wave]

Originally Posted by thsadmin

I am getting armor and that will go over the leather, armor is below :

I think the mix of both leather and armor should be sufficient and cover the Robocop look.

that is a nice jacket! i really like the look. it wouldn't match me though. it really reminds me of the new kamen rider.

[thsadmin]

Not all armor is meant to withstand direct contact with the road. The Fox set show above for instance, the armor pieces will be fine, however, the material that holds the pieces together is not rated for that kind of use, it was designed to be worn UNDER the leathers.

Yeah that's what I though or knew - really, I am hoping that the actual armor will detach from the jacket and then I could use a leather jacket with armor over the top - I like the Robocop look ... if that fails - then I will just wear the jacket over the top. I just like the look of the armor.

that is a nice jacket! i really like the look.

Thanks !! Hence why I want to show it off ... should match my Lemon Yellow Ninja.

[Buffalony]

I just snagged a set of the icon leg armor. Pretty cool gear to throw some jeans over.

[wyckedflesh]

Originally Posted by thsadmin

Yeah that's what I though or knew - really, I am hoping that the actual armor will detach from the jacket and then I could use a leather jacket with armor over the top - I like the Robocop look ... if that fails - then I will just wear the jacket over the top. I just like the look of the armor.



Thanks !! Hence why I want to show it off ... should match my Lemon Yellow Ninja.

That jacket is there just for show, if you look close you can see the seperate straps for the set. The kid I saw the other day had it on over a wife beater...and he made one hell of a mess when I caught back up to where he went down at.

Something else to think about, when the ambient air temp is 103F...what kind of burns do you think that pavement is going to leave on bare flesh

[thsadmin]

That jacket is there just for show, if you look close you can see the seperate straps for the set.

Yeah you are right, should go nicely over a well fitted leather jacket then, with leather pants to match.

[Purspeed]

Again, you want to stick with T-Pro armor and Helimot makes a great backprotector and chest protector, too.

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of companies that make good armor. Many companies either private label out TPro or create TPro clone armor. You want soft armor, not hard armor.

Don't be stupid. Don't cheap out on this.

When it comes to helmets, the reason to upgrade is due to changing technology. Helmet technology almost coincides with Moore's Law, so a two year old helmet is almost ancient in a technological sense.

Sweat, lotion, hairspray, sunblock (should never be worn while riding) all serve to break down the foam that slows impact forces to the brain. So, wash your liner (if you can) frequently and keep the helmet from extreme heat and UV light. This will keep a helmet lasting nice and long (if you are someone who wants to).

Make sure that the helmet fits properly first, is comfortable (especially at high speed). The higher price helmets are generally better (think about the wind deflection when turning your head at 85 mph to check your blindspot...many cheapie helmets will show their price points at one point or another), though I would steer clear from Snell rated helmets.

As posted above, you can get a high end helmet for peanuts if you are not too picky on color.

[thsadmin]

Don't be stupid. Don't cheap out on this.

But some of us are strapped for cash, so a cheaper alternative is the only option or the next option is no protection at all. Sure we can upgrade as we go along ... but like me ... buying the bike, rego and keeping the bike roadworthy is expensive enough and that's especially true when starting out.

[Racer x]

The last time I tested my armor. I had a jacket with hard elbow pads . I landed on my side . Not a big deal really just a low side but I landed flat on my elbow pad. I broke the ribs on my side . You could see the circular pattern in the x ray.

I now ware a Joe Rocket jacket with soft elbow pads.and know about center stands and ground clearance when braking hard for a corner. LOL.

[mcteague]

This is my hot weather getup. I tried black pants but they just soaked up the sunlight. I have non-mesh, waterproof, jacket and pants for cooler temps. When I rode back in my 20s I often wore shorts and a t-shirt, ugh. At least helmet and gloves were always used.

Tim

Joe Rocket Phoenix 5 jacket and Fieldsheer Four Season Mesh pants.

[thsadmin]

The last time I tested my armor. I had a jacket with hard elbow pads . I landed on my side . Not a big deal really just a low side but I landed flat on my elbow pad. I broke the ribs on my side . You could see the circular pattern in the x ray.

Ouch ... nice heads up and good point that you raise ... mmmm. But if you landed on your elbow would the soft or hard break the fall more ? Is there an advantage to the hard armor - in any cases ?

[Racer x]

Originally Posted by thsadmin

Ouch ... nice heads up and good point that you raise ... mmmm. But if you landed on your elbow would the soft or hard break the fall more ? Is there an advantage to the hard armor - in any cases ?

I like hard armor for knee pads A hard spine prote tor is a must. to keep from bening backward. I kinda think my injury was a reek thing.

[Purspeed]

Originally Posted by thsadmin

But some of us are strapped for cash, so a cheaper alternative is the only option or the next option is no protection at all. Sure we can upgrade as we go along ... but like me ... buying the bike, rego and keeping the bike roadworthy is expensive enough and that's especially true when starting out.

I am only putting the information out there. What readers wish to do with the information is up to them.

I would suggest working a few extra hours or even (I really shouldn't be recommending this) putting it on a credit card. Good protection is that important.

But, don't take my word for it. Just go through all of the sportbike forums and read the crash stories. Let me know what you discover.

To answer a question about soft armor, it slows down impact forces thereby reducing the blow to your bones. With hard armor, it transmits the energy almost directly to your body. Hard armor is excellent for sharp objects and objects that pierce; however, for preventing broken bones, you want soft armor.

Some companies combine the two, but I have not yet found a TPro level soft armor that is combined with kevlar/carbon based hard armor. If anyone finds anything like this, let me know.

Good leather is the best for abrasion (road rash and worse).

Incidentally, you should note that the "softer" helmets (i.e. DOT or non-Snell) tend to protect your brain from G's far better than the harder Snell-rated helmets. Again, soft is the way to go.

Hard armor is interesting from a standpoint on how clever it is. It feels like it should be able to protect you very well when in fact the protection is rather poor.

Again, I do suggest that you question my findings and do the research yourself.

http://www.johnsonleather.com/armor_main.htm


(this backprotector can be customized to fit you exactly and has both hard armor protecting the spine and soft armor...it's incredibly lightweight, very comfortable and high quality)
http://shop.helimot.com/shopexd.asp?id=140

[thsadmin]

I am only putting the information out there. What readers wish to do with the information is up to them.

Want to talk to my missus for me ? Here's her number "1800 Grumpy Tight Ass" ... OK given she has the flu. I'm not going into my financial details ... but yeah these times are tough and tight ... and I am still paying off CC after other bike expenses.

I completely understand the valid points above and as soon as I can afford the best protection I will be buying it ... and I appreciate your effort and rounding up the links - you have gone out of your way to provide the in depth "For Soft" argument.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Purspeed

Incidentally, you should note that the "softer" helmets (i.e. DOT or non-Snell) tend to protect your brain from G's far better than the harder Snell-rated helmets. Again, soft is the way to go.

This info was reasonably accurate as of 2 or 3 years ago, but has since become a bit out of date. The older Snell standard (2005 and earlier) did force helmet manufacturers to work with a stiffer shell and cushioning as it was tested at higher G's than the DOT standard, but the new M-2010 Snell standard is much closer to the current DOT regs as well as the European ECE standards. There's no benefit to shying away from a Snell rated helmet nowadays, and it's hard to find a high-end helmet that isn't Snell & DOT rated anyway.

[capt_bugaloo]

The gear should come before the bike. Surely if you can come up with a few thousand for even a used bike with insurance, you can afford a few hundred for good riding gear.

[Purspeed]

Originally Posted by Alex

This info was reasonably accurate as of 2 or 3 years ago, but has since become a bit out of date. The older Snell standard (2005 and earlier) did force helmet manufacturers to work with a stiffer shell and cushioning as it was tested at higher G's than the DOT standard, but the new M-2010 Snell standard is much closer to the current DOT regs as well as the European ECE standards. There's no benefit to shying away from a Snell rated helmet nowadays, and it's hard to find a high-end helmet that isn't Snell & DOT rated anyway.

Thanks, I am aware of this information. But, until I can actually read the data, I prefer to recommend the ECE and DOT.

[Alex]

All of the Snell standards, including the M2010, can be seen in their entirety at this site. The DOT standard can be seen right here, with the results of some DOT testing right here.

[Purspeed]

Have they initiated any testing like this:

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ge...iew/index.html

[Alex]

They all test like that every year, and any helmet that receives the Snell rating needs to go through the external testing for each new model. Motorcyclist magazine hasn't done a followup to that story in the past few years, but they have mentioned that they felt the modifications to the Snell standard were instituted in part because of the magazine's work. I tend to agree with them, as it was quite a big deal in the industry when that was released.

[thsadmin]

The gear should come before the bike.

I disagree ... what if the bike sale falls through ? You are then left with the gear and no bike to ride. I needed a bike to get to work, not gear to ride to work.

Surely if you can come up with a few thousand for even a used bike with insurance, you can afford a few hundred for good riding gear.

That's the thing - I couldn't afford a few thousand for a bike and put my self in some debt to get the bike, sure I scraped up the majority of the cash - but not all of it and insurance ... meh maybe when I am better off ... for now the bike's a necessity.

~~~~~

This isn't aimed at anyone - just a observation - I notice that to some people here it's hard to fathom being broke and struggling with cash, but we shouldn't be judged or condemned for or by our financial situations, some of us don't have a lot of money and weren't born with fat wallets or wealthy families.

[capt_bugaloo]

Plenty of us have been poor; I know I have been, and yet somehow I managed to realize it was important to ride with good gear - or not ride at all.

My first motorcycle was a perfectly decent used 400cc that cost me a measly $600, yet I bought a good helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves to go with it that cost me more than the bike!

If you think riding gear is expensive, just imagine how expensive getting seriously hurt will be in medical costs and lost wages. If you can afford a nice 250, you can afford a used bike with riding gear.