Body armour advice?

[JhnBssll]

Hi all,

I'm keen to get out on my stumpjumper but having not ridden off road for about 15 years I'm expecting to be fairly rubbish. Due to some health complications last year I'm quite sensitive to any impacts to my body so armour is going to be a must. Specifically in the pancreas region, so lower left hand area of the rib cage.

I've read a lot of reviews but I'm struggling to see the wood for the trees so thought I'd ask for your input and experiencd, good bad or indifferent Thanks!

 

[fossyant]

Your biggest issue is heat as most armour is full torso. TBH, unless doing down hill, then the most you need is elbow and knee protectors. I don't use any, other than a camel back (with spinal padding) and a skid lid, and suffered a broken spine 18 months ago (on a road bike).

You could see if there are any shorts with hip protection. In my case I'd be better off with shoulder protection as that's what I tend to hit !

Is it worth going into a specialist MTB store.

 

[ChrisEyles]

When I used to ride a motorbike, there were lots of jackets with built in kevlar plates and padding on the back, elbows etc Don't know if there are any MTB specific lighter weight similar things around? Otherwise it will have to be a full torso affair if you need the protection on the ribs.

Getting some knee pads (I wear these after a nasty knee injury) and possibly elbow pads (don't personally wear these despite a nasty elbow injury) while you're at it isn't a bad idea either.

Might also be worth thinking about investing in some MTB skills classes if you are just starting out, since the best way to avoid getting hurt is definitely to stay on the bike (easier said than done I know)!

 

[Threevok]

It all really depends on what type of riding you are going to do.

If you intend to dive straight in to downhill (not a good idea yet) then you are going to need more protection, than if you intend to do mostly XC.

 

[JhnBssll]

Cheers guys. I'd like to avoid the hardshell stuff if I can but I'm not ruling anything out at the moment. I guess I'll have to find a shop that has a range of bits in to try. Since I'm in Suffolk I'm guessing that's going to involve a decent bit of travel

Riding-wise I suspect I'll be doing mainly XC biased trail rides with some bits of downhill to start but I'm pretty sensible, I'm not going to go all out the first time I start rolling down a slope! I'm sure there will be a learning curve, I'm not expecting to pick it up where I left off all those years ago I'm just hoping to have some fun with some mates without putting myself back in hospital

 

[marzjennings]

Sixsixone make some great protective kit, you may find something like their 'blaster sleeveless' could help.

 

[Kestevan]

You could also look at some of the padded undershirts developed for Rugby players. May be thinner/lighter and less sweaty than full d/hill armour kit.