I’m looking to replace some old armour for Downhill/park use. Ideally I’d like a short sleave style armour with shoulder, chest and full length back protection. Due to multiple back injuries and surgery, full length back protection is critical for me. For regular enduro rides I use a Dainese motorbike protector like this.
https://www.motocentral.co.uk/products/dainese-wave-13-d1-air-back-protector-black?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21802441882&gbraid=0AAAAAD-wlZ2XlF_IExmQpJM9lneu_ux_W&gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCAkISFKaJhkkyKmzUXeBP2qWIrvSqrl2Tp5ZHYCH-xAaSseXq5K6fhoCDTsQAvD_BwE
I’ve ordered the Evoc Protector Jacket Pro but the back protector stops 2/3rd down my back.
The only product I’ve seen that might be close is the POC VPD System Torso MTB Protection, but it doesn’t shoulder protection (I could live without). I’m less keen on the armour over riding top style, in my experience armour moves around in the even of a crash, so either you have to have it incredibly tight or it won’t protect against secondary impacts.
https://poc.com/en-gb/product/vpd-system-torso-uranium-black
Has anyone got any recommendations? I’ve tried looking at motorcross and ski options, I’ll consider anything.
I have a POC Spine jacket, fill arms and POC oseus tshirt both have full length back protectors. I also have a EVOC backpack with a full length spine protector as the jackets are over kill some times
keenly following this, i agree, mtb back protectors arent long enough, especially if youre over 6 foot. i am currently doing as mentioned above, evoc backpack in XL.
Sounds like you want the Fox Baseframe Pro. It’s got D30 armour on the back, chest & shoulders.
I have the sleeveless version, but that only has regular foam on the chest & kidneys.
Can confirm the back protector does what it’s supposed to. It does get a bit sweaty though.
For dirt bike riding I used two-piece Acerbis Cosmo armour with an integrated kidney belt. It's not going to be cool on an mtb, but the belt keeps it firmly in place. Also has provision to add a neck brace.
Sounds like you want the Fox Baseframe Pro. It’s got D30 armour on the back, chest & shoulders.
I have the sleeveless version, but that only has regular foam on the chest & kidneys.
Can confirm the back protector does what it’s supposed to. It does get a bit sweaty though.
I have a Fox Baseframe Pro T-Shirt (back/chest/shoulders). I'd say the back protector is pretty small / short and it also doesn't have a zip so is a pain to get off when sweaty.
I also have a Leatt Airfit (which has arms as well, other versions are available). I think the padding and comfort/features on this trumps the Fox.
I have a bliss upper body armour where the back protector goes all the way down - not many do. Its flexible d30 type stuff - level 2 certification. I`m not sure if they still make them but it helped save me on a really bad descision at the start of last year
+1 for Bliss. I've for the long-sleeved ARG top and the back protection is right down to my coccyx.
Fox Titan.
If you can find a Racer1927 Motion Top or Motion Jacket that’s worth a look.
I have the Motion Top, jacket with D3O back, shoulders and elbows but the arms zip off above the elbow if you only want short sleeves.
The boys have the Motion Jacket which has the German equivalent of D3O (it’s yellow, D3O is orange - at least with the Racer1927 stuff). Similar, but more protection, but less breathable, but the arms don’t zip off on their “a few years ago now” ones.
If you can find a Racer1927 Motion Top or Motion Jacket that’s worth a look.
I have the Motion Top, jacket with D3O back, shoulders and elbows but the arms zip off above the elbow if you only want short sleeves.
The boys have the Motion Jacket which has the German equivalent of D3O (it’s yellow, D3O is orange - at least with the Racer1927 stuff). Similar, but more protection, but less breathable, but the arms don’t zip off on their “a few years ago now” ones.
PS - looks like the new version is called Alpha and they also do a couple of vests.
Well made stuff.
https://www.racer1927.com/en/14-bicycle-protections