Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Body Armour / Pressure Suit recommendations Body Armour / Pressure Suit recommendations
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Body Armour / Pressure Suit recommendations
Anyone have any recommendations for good MX body armour?

I am looking for a pressure suit style, rather than just a roost protector, which ideally has the best combination of protection and breathability for hot climates.

The Dianese Jacket Wave looks good, but pricey. Any experience with the Acerbis / Alpinestars / 661 kit?

thanks
Last edited by Matt Roach; 28 Apr 2010 at 12:41.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Birmingham Alabama USA
Posts: 19
I wear the Alpinestars compression er.. thing. with shoulder elbow back protection and kidney belt. I have fallen countless times in it. I LOVE IT. It saves me every time i ride in the woods.

It can get hot. in july and august... but everything is hot in july and august.

I would buy an alpinestars compression jacket again. I recommend it to you.



Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I can recommend the sixsixone Pressure Suit.
Good fit and the protection stays in place when you crash.

It's getting a bit tired now after about five years use. Some of the straps have lost their velcrow and it's gone a bit baggy. I will replace it with the updated version of the same.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
Hi, i use a 661 for mountain biking and trail riding, at first it felt akward but soon you forget you are wearing it even on hot sweaty cycle climbs. it has saved me from a few tumbles. Andy B
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Apr 2010
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
To make confusion complete I have the Dainese Jacket Wave (old version) and it works flawlessly.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Apr 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I've just bought an Acerbis Koerta armour suit !!

Fits great, loads of protection, great back protector and kidney belt.

I got it as it was hightly recommended on ADVrider for hot climates.

I havn't tested it in the heat yet fyi !

My plan is to wear it over a SUPERTHIN silk vest and then just wear an MX jersey with an XXL waterproof shell incase it rains.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
Thanks everyone.

Unfortunately that doesn't appear to narrow my choices down at all, as it seems all the brands I was thinking of come highly recommended!

Has anyone had any experiences of the above brands which they didn't like?

Ted - I read on ADV Rider that the screws on the Acerbis suit come apart quite easily - do you have any experience of this?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Apr 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Roach View Post
Thanks everyone.

Unfortunately that doesn't appear to narrow my choices down at all, as it seems all the brands I was thinking of come highly recommended!

Has anyone had any experiences of the above brands which they didn't like?

Ted - I read on ADV Rider that the screws on the Acerbis suit come apart quite easily - do you have any experience of this?
I havn't worn mine that much so I can't really say but I could see that happening.

A very simple solution would just put a dab on loctite on the screws or just keep your eye on them. They only tighten with a coin.

Once you have adjusted the suit to fit, you won't need to losen them again at all !!

I can't see it as a reason not to buy it. They all have pro's and cons !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Apr 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Berlin, Germany
Posts: 109
Aren't you worried about abrasion? Surely these jackets have great impact protection, but I wonder what would happen to my skin if I were to slide on aphalt on parts of such a jacket which don't offer proper protection. I did buy one of these compression jackets for my trip but in the end I left it at home and used a cordura jacket with armour inside instead because I was too worried. I'm not saying compression jackets aren't useful, I just have doubts about decent abrasion protection and I'm wondering what others think about it. If I can be convinced they are amazing overall, I might take mine on the next trip (also because the robocop look is quite cool).
Peer
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Apr 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by PeerG View Post
Aren't you worried about abrasion? Surely these jackets have great impact protection, but I wonder what would happen to my skin if I were to slide on aphalt on parts of such a jacket which don't offer proper protection. I did buy one of these compression jackets for my trip but in the end I left it at home and used a cordura jacket with armour inside instead because I was too worried. I'm not saying compression jackets aren't useful, I just have doubts about decent abrasion protection and I'm wondering what others think about it. If I can be convinced they are amazing overall, I might take mine on the next trip (also because the robocop look is quite cool).
Peer
Very good point !! For sure, these things aren't made for abrasion. I've been down the road in Cordura and it's not much better than Denim imho. I alwasy wear leather for any long distance road road but for my trip through Africa on a DRZ I won't be riding fast and I think that most of my risk will be impact, rather than abrasion. If I was riding a large touring bike over Europe , I wouldn't be wearing a pressure suit.

Skin heals; but a broken rib, bruised vertibrae or god forbid a broken bone, would be much harder to live with. This is where pressure suits work best.

Whatever you wear, make sure you have a good back protector, helmet and really good boots !
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 14 Jul 2010 at 02:07.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Apr 2010
gixxer.rob's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Back in Melb
Posts: 287
I bought and wore this, UFO Scorpion body armour on a cape york trip. It has a back protector and kidney belt (even though the pic doesn't show it) along with the usual protected points.



I bounced of a few things with it on. Nothing damaged other than pride.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Apr 2010
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I'm a fan of driving with the Dainese-west and a mx-shirt but I don't feel safe without a proper jacket when I drive on tarmac or high-speed gravel.

For me this means that a good jacket is mandatory on most trips, a jacket is also handy when the temperature drops.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: South Manchester, looking out the window at the Peaks, UK
Posts: 72
i bought a ce branded pressure suit from off road bike store.
cost about 60 quid, full shoulder, back arm and lumber armour.

Dixon GP Pro Jkt Prot Sml-Med

been well tested and happy so far.

38
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Jul 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North East Texas
Posts: 58
I take the pads out of my Darien jacket and wear it over my pressure suit!
The best of both worlds.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Jul 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Thing about my Koerta suit is, it's massive !! Its really well armoured but big. I have XL MX jerseys to wear over it and an Alpinestars transparent waterproof jacket designed for such set ups...

Any ideas what to do when it gets cold though ??? I already look like an American football player. lol
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FS: BMW body armour system + HP2 overshirt Tim Cullis TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 14 Aug 2009 02:13
Enduro clothing for UK-Africa to use with MX body armour. *Touring Ted* Camping Equipment and all Clothing 6 28 Jun 2009 15:08
Question about Body Armour sa6 Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 16 May 2005 04:26
Body Armour? Geoff van de Merwe Camping Equipment and all Clothing 4 6 Sep 2002 05:56
Body armour and Leather jackets? Viktor @ OZ Camping Equipment and all Clothing 7 17 May 2002 01:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:51.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top