body armour - adventure riding?

[DirtBoy12]

Seeking opinions on body armour (must be neck brace compatible) for adventure riding.

Must fit underneath jacket. What do members use, has it been tested - personally, recommendations,

thanks

[bill9117]

Body armour is probably only useful for Moto cross riding where there is a risk of flying bikes spearing into bodies. For normal dirt riding I don't see any advantage and in fact it could be a disadvantage in that it can impede movement and comfort levels which can degrade response times for instances where a quick reaction is necessary. The padding and armour built into our normal riding jackets provides reasonable levels of protection when we do the offs.

[bully1]

Leatt do one that is neck brace frie dly. I use a Fox system that has great chest and spine protection. Trust me it is money well spent imho.

[_Wilks]

Respect your views Bill but to be honest, having worn both, the full adv jacket is way more cumbersome than my kit below.

I have this rig. Not neck brace compatible. Really, really good kit. Cool and very easy to put on.


Which allows me to wear this type of lightweight jersey (only) when in the warmer climes.


This combo reduces potential for dehydration and massively improves my comfort which all adds up to safer/better riding outcome for me after a week or two of 500km days. Also, I can remove the protection inserts from my regular adv jacket and still wear that for the inevitable colder days when further south (eg closer to home). My adv jacket, minus inserts, rolls up small and fits in my camelbak. Those who saw me on the DQB ride may have noticed the adv jacket was retired on Day 2 after reaching Murchison Roadhouse.

Whilst I'm not inclined to wear a neck brace, I'm curious what those who use them think about the day-to-day pro's/cons of wearing them (apart from the obvious safety assurance). A few guys had them on the DQB ride... Jamie, SteveB... want to comment?

[Cookie]

Hello guys

I agree with Wilks for off road adventures and think Bill has the right idea for dirt roads or black top, my opinion is wear the most appropriate gear you can for the planned route.

I recently started wearing a Leatt neck brace and initially found it a bit frustrating in suburbia when trying to quickly glance over your shoulder, but very comfortable - you forget that it is there, only remove it if we are parked up for an extended period.

[bowewilson@gmail.com]

I have been using a Leatt neck brace for about 3 years, so long as they are adjusted properly (allen key) for an acceptable amount of movement they are no problem at all, the only issue is if you are in the habit of changing your attire ie switching from a jacket to a jersey or visa versa, changing the thickness of material around the shoulders and neck affects the amount of movement you have. You get the hang of fitting them pretty quickly.

[Digger]

, SteveB... want to comment?

I do not wear a neck brace...Chris did to DQB but he does not lurk on this forum too often so you may not get a comment from him. As for body armour, i bought a set off Fleabay and as has been mentioned, i take out the armour in the jacket and wear the body armour under a jersey. As for the pros and cons, i am a fan of the body armour. Typically, you dont know you need it until after an off. I also wear knee gaurds and cracked one after a tumble on the Holland Track (one of many tumbles). If i did not have the knee gaurds on at the time, who knows what damage i would have caused to the knee.

[Swampy]

I have being wearing a Leatt for over 12 x months now (Thanks Jon ) and have found it to be completely unobtrusive and very comfortable in all conditions.

I would now never ride without one again if I was given the choice because of it's lifesaving benefits.

I guess now someone will say we have gone off the subject again , However I do not think the Leatts benefits can be underestimated in the question of personal safety.

Swampy

[DirtBoy12]

Bought this Leatt body armour and tested it recently, its neck brace compatible - all I can say it fits under a jacket and it works although is a bit warm...

"The Body Protector 3DF is body armor that combines a moisture-wicking fabric chassis with CE-certified impact foam in a jersey-like piece that’s designed to be worn under all other gear"

http://leatt-brace.com/blog/leatt-body- ... -into-one/