Upper body protection

[OreoGaborio]

In the market for better fitting upper body protection for dirty riding.

I currently have a knock-off version of this, where Sylwia has the actual Alpinestars version... https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B074SHD5..._it&th=1&psc=1

Seems nice and the price is pretty smokin' now compared to where it was when these first came out, but I wouldn't mind a little more coverage over the SIDE of the ribcage which seems to take a bigger beating than the bewbs.


What products do you guys like?
What products do you guys NOT like?

Other products that I've come across in my search & have in my Amazon list (cheapest to most expensive):
https://smile.amazon.com/Troy-Lee-De...dp/B0073WBQ4C/
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07TTF6P3W
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B071NPT6HV
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07TCJNBZC
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07XVR3G1P

[tsorfas]

I really was hoping this would be for bulletproof vests

[SRTie4k]

I've been running a Leatt 3DF AirFit body protector (your 3rd link) with a few armor changes for a little over a year. It's extremely comfortable, really to the point of being unnoticed. Flows lots of air, it only really gets hot in extremely technical terrain in >85F. I did swap out the armor, as I felt like the stock stuff, while comfortable, didn't really flow enough air for me. The chest protector especially is better with a D3O single piece replacement.

The downsides to this thing is it doesn't really offer lots of rib protection. I also don't really like the side zip (and the zipper sucks), but it's next to impossible to find a center zip body protector.

You'd need something like a Tekvest for rib protection. IIRC I think Scott may also make an MTB body protector with rib protection that would work.

If I had to do it again however, I'd probably (and will probably...eventually) pick up an Adventure Spec Super Shirt. That might even replace my mesh jacket.

[MattR302]

I have the Leatt 5.5 body protector for dirt days. It seemed to have the most protection, including side rib cage. It’s pretty bulky though and sorta warm. Got it lightly used about half price, I see then fairy often selling for $150-200.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...body-protector

Edit: it mates really well with the Leatt neck brace too, which I also use.

I remember way back you posting a vid of a dirt crash resulting in a giant purple bruise on your side - that pic probably/definitely factored into my wanting maximum coverage.

[OreoGaborio]

I have the Leatt 5.5 body protector for dirt days. It seemed to have the most protection, including side rib cage. It’s pretty bulky though and sorta warm. Got it lightly used about half price, I see then fairy often selling for $150-200.
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...body-protector

Edit: it mates really well with the Leatt neck brace too, which I also use.

I remember way back you posting a vid of a dirt crash resulting in a giant purple bruise on your side - that pic probably/definitely factored into my wanting maximum coverage.

Ahh yeah, Thanks. This is sorta what I had in mind.

https://youtu.be/qQDxETyT-1k?t=257

And that crash is a big part of why I want something fairly substantial in that area. Also had a pretty minor tumble at Texas Tornado Boot Camp last month that FINALLY feels better. It was such an easy lowside but my ribs were aching for a month because my elbow got driven right into my ribcage.

[Spooler]

I have a Leatt 5.5 body protector that I wear for gnarlier stuff and a Leatt 3DF Airfit body protector for more ADV type stuff in hot weather when I don’t want to wear an ADV jacket.

[loudbeard]

Do you want to do a neck brace or no? For me that's the most important part of upper body protection when I'm riding woods, most of the other protection I just rely on my sweet dad-bod.

[Crconnor18]

I run the bionic tech with for most times but unsure how it’ll do in the hot months when doing some more single track riding. I felt real comfortable in it for a few laps at Hop-EV in November.

I have a Leatt 5.5 but want to get the arms for it before riding.

[Kurlon]

Leatt 5.5 user here as well, got it after breaking ribs on both sides within a month of each other doing the sumo thing a couple years ago.

[Sheppo]

I believe mine is by FLY, I haven't ridden dirty in a bit I need to get a dirty ride. But same idea full chest, zips on the side. I love it. I also recently started with the neck brace too. I'll too old and don't bounce back like I used to

[Paul_E_D]

The heavy duty Leatt stuff is much more actual protection. Astars and other long time moto brands have some catching up to do IMO. I did see a revit unit that looked nice. Not many cover the ribcage though.

[SRTie4k]

The heavy duty Leatt stuff is much more actual protection. Astars and other long time moto brands have some catching up to do IMO. I did see a revit unit that looked nice. Not many cover the ribcage though.

If you mean the Rev'It Proteus, from everything I've read it's extremely hot. and it doesn't have any rib protection.

[sdog30]

I've had the Alpinestars one for a few years. I use it mostly for j days and supermoto and downhill mtb. It's very breathable and I feel it gives good protection for your arms in a crash. Also has the back and chest plates. It's very breathable and comfortable to wear.

Does not have any rib protection though. Also can cause arm pump when layered with an undershirt and mx jersey if the jersey fits tight.

[typeone]

It was such an easy lowside but my ribs were aching for a month because my elbow got driven right into my ribcage.

broke a rib the same exact way when i ate it on my kids PW80 showing off in the grass in front of my visiting sister

-----

on topic, i can't wear any of the jackets mentioned, freak out from heat. i still prefer the old skool, external/over jersey plastic CPs like the Leatt Adventure Pro i wear + Leatt neck brace. always look for an upgrade each season but keep repairing the current one. it has zero rib protection though.

our buddy Chris (Sideshow on here) swears by his older Dainese DH MTB jacket. it looks super airy compared to the moto stuff but i'm not sure it's made anymore. real open mesh design.

other buddy Chris really likes his TLD CP that has great rib protection, i believe that is also no longer made. seems TLD is all in on the RockFight at the moment.

this is a very tough piece of gear to figure out.

[OreoGaborio]

Do you want to do a neck brace or no?

It's def a consideration. Leaning towards that Leatt 5.5 body protector but the price of that plus a neck brace are a little steep. Wouldn't mind something cheaper... but if it's something that's gonna save me 2k or more in medical bills, well...

[Jewcati]

Don’t know which model, but I have the fox CP that covers the side of ribs, similar to leatt. Works great.

Switched to my forcefield stuff BP with CP and it had no side rib coverage. The one day I wore it I broke 4 ribs.


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[hpw22077]

Big fan of my airfit, and have tested it multiple times.

[Mustang]

Ahh yeah, Thanks. This is sorta what I had in mind.

https://youtu.be/qQDxETyT-1k?t=257

And that crash is a big part of why I want something fairly substantial in that area. Also had a pretty minor tumble at Texas Tornado Boot Camp last month that FINALLY feels better. It was such an easy lowside but my ribs were aching for a month because my elbow got driven right into my ribcage.

I got the Leatt 6.5 after handling that and the 5.5 multiple times, and trying whatever Heider has. Heider's was too tight in the forearms, but otherwise was cool. The Leatts are relatively more spacious.