Body Armor

[Kokosun]

I'm interested in how many people wear body armor in addition to their normal riding gear?

I wear (zip together) textile jacket and pants, both of which have CE approved armour. So, under normal circumstances I have armour at knees, shoulders, elbows and back with (good) padding at thighs and chest.

But, I'm still thinking of getting an additional back protector to wear under my gear. Provided that it isn't too bulky, my view is more protection is a good thing.

What do you think?

[TheDementedDrummer]

Unless you T-Bone a bus, the extra armor isn't really necessary, IMO

[ninjamunky85]

I plan on getting one soon. I've looked at a lot of back protectors lately. I tried on the Icon stryker field armor vest the other day and really liked it. Seems like the best bang for the buck, and I like the vest better than a strap on back protector.

Forcefield and Knox are also popular. Never can be wearing too much armor if you ever go down.

[dfox]

Aside from my jacket with CE sholuder and elbow, and cheap back padding (which I might upgrade to CE rated soon), I wear CE knee protectors and boots. I don't trust the knee padding in my pants, they're so loose that I doubt they'd provide any protection for my knees. After watching my father go through torn cartilage rehab from a waverunner accident and my uncle recover from a shattered knee from a low speed lowside on a motorcycle, I don't want that to happen to me, I appreciate my knees too much..

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by TheDementedDrummer

Unless you T-Bone a bus, the extra armor isn't really necessary, IMO

Check back in with us if you ever go down and let us know how you feel then.

[adouglas]

My use of armor has evolved over time. I used to wear mesh textile jackets, which I never felt were good because the armor obviously would not stay in place if I were to hit the ground and slide. Not to mention that the back pads are a joke. I do NOT want to end up in a wheelchair.

I ditched all the padding in the jacket and got an armor shirt with full back protector, with the jacket worn over it. This was good... the armor would certainly stay in place. However, it was a hassle to get geared up for my commute.

Soon after I got a smokin' deal on a decent leather jacket. Leather fits tightly enough and is stiff enough to keep the armor where it's supposed to be. I upgraded the stupid back pad with an A* CE back protector insert. The armor shirt doesn't get used now.

I wear textile pants with knee armor and hip pads but am not satisfied with them for the same reasons I didn't like the stock textile jacket. It's too easy to move the armor. Still trying to figure out a good alternative... one that isn't super-inconvenient to use.

[Kokosun]

I'm actually pretty happy with my jacket. The armour is well placed at shoulders, arms and back, and stays in place quite well. It has straps at upper and lower arm that can be tightened to provide extra hold for the armour. My pants are less good. They're reasonably tight, but no straps to keep the knee armour in place. I'm guessing that at speed they could move around. I may get some velcro straps of my own, and see if I can fashion something similar to my jacket to hold the knee protection more firmly in place.

I looked at the Icon Field Vest (as suggested by NinjaMunkey85), and it looks good. I could probably fit that underneath my jacket without it getting too bulky.

[ninjamunky85]

I have the same problem with a pair of textile pants I have. The armor would basically be useless in a crash because it moves around too much.

I'm looking at getting some knee guards like these http://pro1.rs-taichi.com/product/TRV038.html

[NevadaWolf]

My leather suit has the usual shoulder, elbow, and knee armor plus a cheapy foam back pad. While I was at our local shop, they had the Icon Stryker back and chest armor vest and I tried it on. LOVED the fit and it is comfortable under my jacket/suit. And on its maiden ride, I wrecked. LOL

The tourMaster gear I wear has the same key points, but it's a bit loose so I worry about it shifting a bit in the even of a wreck but I did lowside while wearing that and slid on my back so didn't notice anything or feel any raw spots.

Once I get my bike back on the road, I'll be wearing the vest under my gear. I value my spine too much to not use it.

[dfox]

i went with these for knee protection..

http://www.alpinestars.com/shop/cate...ee-protectors/

i wanted straps instead of the slide on, mostly because I want to be able to pull them off to walk around without having to take off my sidi boots. Just something to consider.

Worn under jeans for low speed, and under textile pants for higher speeds/colder weather.

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

My leather suit has the usual shoulder, elbow, and knee armor plus a cheapy foam back pad. While I was at our local shop, they had the Icon Stryker back and chest armor vest and I tried it on. LOVED the fit and it is comfortable under my jacket/suit. And on its maiden ride, I wrecked. LOL

Hmm! Another endorsement for the Icon Stryker. Comfortable is always a good feature.

[NevadaWolf]

It's very comfortable for me and I got the guys version (didn't know there was a women's) and being so adjustable made it fit tight without binding.

Looks like all positive reviews on RevZilla though i don't know about wearing the vest alone over a t-shirt. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/i...r-stryker-vest

[alex.s]

i have an A* BP in my dainese street jacket. i use a Kobe BP on the track, but i just got a new dainese BP that im thinking i will switch to....... (i'm a gear whore)

[Kokosun]

For those of you that have actually worn (or tried on) the Icon Stryker Vest; does it provide some side (kidney) protection too? Ibn pictures/videos It seems to fasten quite high up, almost above the waist. Is that true?

[psych0hans]

So for the track, what would y'all recommend? A* or Knox or icon?

[dooby]

I like the concept of knee protection (well duh!), but I found when I use the knee protector inserts in my bike jeans, they slightly impair my ability to hug the bike with my thighs/knees.

I'm hoping some tank pads may give back enough grip to counteract this feeling of less grip with knee protectors fitted but was wondering if any of you guys had found similar?

I hope this isn't too much of a thread hijack, it seemed related.

Cheers, Pete

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by dooby

I hope this isn't too much of a thread hijack, it seemed related.

Cheers, Pete

It isn't exactly what I'm asking about, but it's definitely related. I'm starting to focus on the Icon Stryker Vest now anyway, so I just wanted to hear one more response with regards to the waist level.

I'm also looking into tank grips, so I'm actually interested in the responses to that line of discussion too. I've been looking at the Gripster brand. They don't make pre-cut versions for the pre-gen 250, so I was going to buy 'a square' and cut by hand.

[TheDementedDrummer]

Originally Posted by adouglas

Check back in with us if you ever go down and let us know how you feel then.

Got rear ended by another bike a couple of months ago.
got up, and rode away.
i was wearing leathers, though.
and boots.
and a helmet

[ninjamunky85]

@Kokosun check out the video review.

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

@Kokosun check out the video review.

Yeah. I saw this review, and a few others. They are what made me think that it seems to have a very high waist. That's why I wanted to hear from somebody that actually has one (or has tried one on in a store).

I can't find anywhere in the UK that actually stocks this vest, but I can buy online from JC-Moto in Germany.

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by Kokosun

Yeah. I saw this review, and a few others. They are what made me think that it seems to have a very high waist. That's why I wanted to hear from somebody that actually has one (or has tried one on in a store).

I can't find anywhere in the UK that actually stocks this vest, but I can buy online from JC-Moto in Germany.

Why don't you buy a Knox Instead? I saw some for sale on eBay for £115

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Why don't you buy a Knox Instead? I saw some for sale on eBay for £115

I saw those knox gilet vests too. They look nice, but they don't look as good as the Icon Stryker despite the fact that they're more expensive. They do look as if they'd be a little less bulky under a jacket though.

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by Kokosun

I saw those knox gilet vests too. They look nice, but they don't look as good as the Icon Stryker despite the fact that they're more expensive. They do look as if they'd be a little less bulky under a jacket though.

Track vest is good. Especially if you're wearing it under a jacket. What I like most about it is it has an awesome back protector.

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by psych0hans

Track vest is good. Especially if you're wearing it under a jacket. What I like most about it is it has an awesome back protector.

Grrr! I was all set on the Stryker, and now you've made me think all over again.

It hurts to think!

:-)

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by Kokosun

Grrr! I was all set on the Stryker, and now you've made me think all over again.

It hurts to think!

:-)

Lol I've been checking out all kinds of vests too. Unfortunately I can't afford any right now. I recommend Knox because it has a ce lvl 2 back protector. Also it's made in the UK so availability won't be an issue.

[Surferboy120]

Originally Posted by adouglas

My use of armor has evolved over time. I used to wear mesh textile jackets, which I never felt were good because the armor obviously would not stay in place if I were to hit the ground and slide. Not to mention that the back pads are a joke. I do NOT want to end up in a wheelchair.

I ditched all the padding in the jacket and got an armor shirt with full back protector, with the jacket worn over it. This was good... the armor would certainly stay in place. However, it was a hassle to get geared up for my commute.

Soon after I got a smokin' deal on a decent leather jacket. Leather fits tightly enough and is stiff enough to keep the armor where it's supposed to be. I upgraded the stupid back pad with an A* CE back protector insert. The armor shirt doesn't get used now.

I wear textile pants with knee armor and hip pads but am not satisfied with them for the same reasons I didn't like the stock textile jacket. It's too easy to move the armor. Still trying to figure out a good alternative... one that isn't super-inconvenient to use.

Check out Taichi gear their quality is super high and in their textile jackets they have adjusters for the armor in the jacket and they have snaps on the outside to snug it upto prevent armor movement which you are worried about rightfully so. I run their leathers and textile products and both are super and I feel very well protected.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by Kokosun

For those of you that have actually worn (or tried on) the Icon Stryker Vest; does it provide some side (kidney) protection too? Ibn pictures/videos It seems to fasten quite high up, almost above the waist. Is that true?

My anatomy sucks so I'll try answering the best I can.

The sides of the Icon vest are just the thickened fabric of the vest with velcro for adjustments. The only stiff part is the ends of the piece that actually provides the adjustment. I have my shoulder straps cinched high to keep the chest plate just above and between my breasts so i may be wearing it too high. The bottom of the vest sits about a half inch below the tops of my pants that typically sit above my waist.

Happy to provide any angle pics of my vest if it'd help you.

[Kokosun]

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

The bottom of the vest sits about a half inch below the tops of my pants that typically sit above my waist.

That's very useful. Thanks.