EVS Neck brace reviewed

[Paul_E_D]

I finally bought a modern neck brace and tried it out yesterday. I went with the new EVS collar because with my discount, it was 130 bucks at my dealer. That's way less than half what a Leatt costs.

I tried on all three sizes and bought a med. Overall, the unit is smaller than I expected. I still has a foam collar just like their older systems, but this one velcroes into the plastic halo. I adjusted my chest protector a little and it fits over the new collar. I will attach the halo to the chest protector. Then you just pull on the whole thing, then put the foam collar in place. It's pretty odd at first, but after a day of taking it off and on, it seems easy and normal.

Riding with it on was a non issue. I barely noticed the change, except that I felt much more heavily protected. Even my shoulders would seem to have more protection as the chest protector rides on top of the collar.

I tried it on the street and it did restrict head checks a little too much for comfort.

The only thing that seems weird about it is that the way it sits on your shoulders isn't a natural fit, but once in use, it goes totally unnoticed.

It think it's a great piece of protective gear at a reasonable price...

[pasta-rocket]

Thanks for the info. I can't wait till they come out with one for roadracing.

[QuarterGig]

which model is it the RC2, or RC3, or Evolution?

[Paul_E_D]

Evolution...I didn't know they had more than one model out???

[GixerJockey]

What was a reasonable price?

[Paul_E_D]

130

[Mr. Kurtz]

RC2 and RC3 are standard collars, not complex ones like the Evolution. Before I left CG, these things were one of the most highly awaited items this year. I got to check one out back in January and it seemed on par with the Leatt for sure.

[QuarterGig]

RC2 and RC3 are standard collars, not complex ones like the Evolution.

what he said.

[TTD]

Not to muck up the thread, but...

I have the Leatt brace up for sale if anyone is interested.

I was hoping to use it for track riding, but just couldn't get it to work. (at least not on a sportbike)

If you have a motard type bike, it might work.

It's also fine on the street, but doesn't fit well with all jackets... at least not if you want to zip the jacket up all the way.

Anyway, it's like new... they sell for $395 new... I'll take $200. (pm so as to not muddy the thread further)

[Paul_E_D]

That's allright Tony, I owe you more than a few!


I rode with the EVS again today. I attached the plastic collar to my chest protector and now it's brilliant. Just drop the whole thing on like football pads, then add the foam collar and go. Easy peasy.

[out thumped]

I have broken my neck twice and after my last neck surgery(5th) my whole neck, 7 vertebra are fused. The EVS Evolution has allowed me to ride again. I wear it on the tallest setting so my helmet is just cradled on it. It absorbs the shocks from landings and jars from rocky trails.
I will never race again, but at least I can ride. I love this brace.
If I had it before I am confident I would not have broken my neck.
Happy Trails,
OT

[typeone]

out thumped, 5 neck surgeries? that about settles it for me, i really need to add one of these to the gear bag, thanks for the review.

paul, what chest protector are you wearing again? is it the same as my Fox? think you'll continue to be happy with the way it mounts?

[Paul_E_D]

Out thumped, what doe you mean "tallest setting?" I actually noticed that it takes some strain off my neck as well. I have 3 herniated disks and riding mx used to give me a lot of muscle spasms for the next few days, but that has not been the case with the brace.

Clinton, I have the same protector. I had to open it up a little wider, but it works percectly with the brace.

[out thumped]

Paul,
I got the x-large, I read the instructions and it said that there are height adjustments that can be taken out if it interfears with comfort.
I left all the adjustments alone, so I assume it is as tall as possible.

I am an EVS man as I got a 1/2 off coupon last year from my club. I love my EVS tacht helmet and pressure suit and I also got a flux chest protector.

Now I am putting on the neck brace on first and fastening it via the shoulder straps, then putting on the pressure suit over it. This really holds down the neck brace. I like the back spine and tail protector on the suit and the wide comfy attached belt. The suit has great forearm and elbow protectors that strap into place and protect my arms very well.

I think I just lucked out the way it all fits together, or it may be an advantage of buying all the same brand,but my helmet just sits lightly on the neck brace, I have full range of motion. ( at least as much as I have left with my whole neck fused straight) The brace has eliminates the nerve damage I was getting during and after riding, numb hands, muscle cramps in the upper back and just exscruciating pain in my neck.
I still ice my neck 1st thing when I wake up and i sleep on 3 big ice packs,
but thanks to this brace i can ride again.
I am very happy.
Paul if you have any tips for the use of this brace as I may have skipped over some instructions.
Thanks,
OT

[Paul_E_D]

Oh, I got a med and I don't think those spacers are in there, though I looked at my instructions and saw them in there. Maybe I chucked em with the box??? Anyway, I don't think I could add any because I have a short neck.

I'm not using the straps. I attached mine to the front of my fox chest protector. It all fits well, but is probably not as tight as your setup. It does seem very protective though and relieves those same symptoms for me completely.