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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




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  #1  
Old 28 Apr 2010
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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.
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  #2  
Old 28 Apr 2010
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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.



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  #3  
Old 28 Apr 2010
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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.
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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To make confusion complete I have the Dainese Jacket Wave (old version) and it works flawlessly.
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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.
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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?
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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 !
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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
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Old 28 Apr 2010
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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 !
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Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 14 Jul 2010 at 02:07.
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Old 29 Apr 2010
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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.
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Old 29 Apr 2010
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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.
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Old 13 Jul 2010
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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
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Old 15 Jul 2010
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I take the pads out of my Darien jacket and wear it over my pressure suit!
The best of both worlds.
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Old 15 Jul 2010
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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
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