Armor question

sakkakth · July 3rd, 2017, 08:29 AM

How many of you replace the insert armor (not talking back protectors) in your suits to something higher rated than what comes from the factory? I was looking at the Forcefield Isolator 2 products and it's not that much $ to replace out the CE1 pieces for something that is CE2 and I assume it's also more comfortable due to its flexibility.

I've not crashed yet but in my head it seems to make sense for such a minor investment to add the extra protection. I'm curious as to what others do...

Thanks

CaliGrrl · July 3rd, 2017, 09:53 AM

So far, my answer is "it depends."

My jacket didn't come with a back protector, so we put one in. I think the jacket also got new elbow armor. The knee armor in my riding jeans is decent, so I haven't replaced any of them yet.

sakkakth · July 3rd, 2017, 10:19 AM

Thanks! I'm thinking more track specific applications if that makes any difference?

csmith12 · July 3rd, 2017, 12:40 PM

Your question may be answered by reading the gear specific rules for the orgs you plan to ride with. For example; in my area "hard" back protectors are required for the I and A groups. Meaning the included "back pad" will not get you past tech to ride.

Aside of that, it is VERY common to upgrade your armor for track specific applications.

adouglas · July 3rd, 2017, 01:01 PM

Chris, does it actually specify hard-shell protectors? There's armor out there that's CE-certified but not hard, e.g. Sas-Tec, D3O.

You could even make a case for stuff like Forcefield not being truly "hard shell"

csmith12 · July 3rd, 2017, 01:17 PM

No, not specifically "hard shell" nor do we look for a rating or brand name either. We are mainly trying to get away from the lame, thin foam pads they put in suits claiming it to be armor. imho, that is a piece of padding filling in as a placeholder for true armor. It's a lot like a "cup check" before a sporting event. If we knock it and here a thunk sound, the normally passes.

Burphel · September 17th, 2017, 04:19 AM

I've upgraded all my gear to D3O. Track and street. My race suit has Level 2 everywhere but the knees (which has a Level 1 made for Rukka that covers the shin more). Your main issue is going to be fit. The armor pockets in suits are usually a bit less flexible than in street jackets and it's even more crucial that the armor is in the right place. If you're going to do it, be prepared to sew some velcro to make sure they stay where they belong.

sakkakth · September 17th, 2017, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burphel

I've upgraded all my gear to D3O. Track and street. My race suit has Level 2 everywhere but the knees (which has a Level 1 made for Rukka that covers the shin more). Your main issue is going to be fit. The armor pockets in suits are usually a bit less flexible than in street jackets and it's even more crucial that the armor is in the right place. If you're going to do it, be prepared to sew some velcro to make sure they stay where they belong.

Thanks

I ended up replacing everything with the Forcefield Isolator 2 (except for the back since I had a good one already). Got it to work well with some heavy duty velcro. I like it a lot better than the more rigid inserts!

tfkrocks · September 17th, 2017, 07:46 PM

If it's not already something well rated and is removable, then yes I replace it. I personally like Forcefield armor.

July 3rd, 2017, 08:29 AM	#1
sakkakth ninjette.org member Name: cat Location: Norrath Join Date: Nov 2015 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250, K7 GSXR600 Posts: 24	Armor question How many of you replace the insert armor (not talking back protectors) in your suits to something higher rated than what comes from the factory? I was looking at the Forcefield Isolator 2 products and it's not that much $ to replace out the CE1 pieces for something that is CE2 and I assume it's also more comfortable due to its flexibility. I've not crashed yet but in my head it seems to make sense for such a minor investment to add the extra protection. I'm curious as to what others do... Thanks

July 3rd, 2017, 12:40 PM	#4
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Your question may be answered by reading the gear specific rules for the orgs you plan to ride with. For example; in my area "hard" back protectors are required for the I and A groups. Meaning the included "back pad" will not get you past tech to ride. Aside of that, it is VERY common to upgrade your armor for track specific applications. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 3rd, 2017, 01:01 PM	#5
adouglas Cat herder Name: Gort Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 6 MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13	Chris, does it actually specify hard-shell protectors? There's armor out there that's CE-certified but not hard, e.g. Sas-Tec, D3O. You could even make a case for stuff like Forcefield not being truly "hard shell" __________________________________________________ I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem.

July 3rd, 2017, 01:17 PM	#6
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	No, not specifically "hard shell" nor do we look for a rating or brand name either. We are mainly trying to get away from the lame, thin foam pads they put in suits claiming it to be armor. imho, that is a piece of padding filling in as a placeholder for true armor. It's a lot like a "cup check" before a sporting event. If we knock it and here a thunk sound, the normally passes. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

September 17th, 2017, 04:19 AM	#7
Burphel ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: NW USA Join Date: Aug 2016 Motorcycle(s): Triumph Bonneville, Ninja 300 Posts: 204	I've upgraded all my gear to D3O. Track and street. My race suit has Level 2 everywhere but the knees (which has a Level 1 made for Rukka that covers the shin more). Your main issue is going to be fit. The armor pockets in suits are usually a bit less flexible than in street jackets and it's even more crucial that the armor is in the right place. If you're going to do it, be prepared to sew some velcro to make sure they stay where they belong. __________________________________________________ Let he who has never re-used a crush washer cast the first stone...

July 3rd, 2017, 09:53 AM	#2
CaliGrrl ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kerry Location: Ventura, CA Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16	So far, my answer is "it depends." My jacket didn't come with a back protector, so we put one in. I think the jacket also got new elbow armor. The knee armor in my riding jeans is decent, so I haven't replaced any of them yet.

July 3rd, 2017, 10:19 AM	#3
sakkakth ninjette.org member Name: cat Location: Norrath Join Date: Nov 2015 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250, K7 GSXR600 Posts: 24	Thanks! I'm thinking more track specific applications if that makes any difference?

September 17th, 2017, 07:46 PM	#9
tfkrocks ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rebecca Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13	If it's not already something well rated and is removable, then yes I replace it. I personally like Forcefield armor. __________________________________________________ My Ninja 300

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