Should I avoid 'doubling up' armour?
 

Hi everyone,

I have a Forcefield amoured jersey here. They're great! But I was wondering something. My new RST Adventure suit came the other day (which is also fantastic). It came fully armoured. However, I removed all the inserts because the jersey already has them. But when it comes to the backplate - would you recommend removing this, is less more here or should I double them up? Any opinions would be great as otherwise it's going on ebay :)

Cheers!
RTW

I'm not familiar with the Forcefield jersey, how substantial is the back armor? does it cover the lower back?

If it gives good coverage then I would avoid doubling up, if not then possibly, but it will probably be pretty hot and uncomfortable - give it a try before you make a decision.

More back protection won't hurt, could be very good in a major get-off, BUT if it interferes with your riding or is uncomfortable then I'd just carefully check both back protectors for the ECE mark, and whichever one has the EN1621-2 mark on it is the one to go for. If they both do, see if there is an additional year marking - obviously go for the later. From there, make your own decision re weight, comfort, convenience, cooling etc.

FWIW - Forcefield is generally considered to be very good!

Just for interest, I did a quick search on the RST suit, and found that it is listed as having a "Contour plus level 1 back protector" which is NOT so good! Level 1 ECE is for everything BUT the back protector, and is a lower standard. Back protectors should be Level 2. (1621-2)

So the Forcefield will almost certainly be the better one unless it's very old.

Talking of back protectors, how old should they be when they need replacing? I have a force field back protector that's 7 years old. Can I assume that this is still considered fine?

That's a great question, and I doubt anyone can answer it except the manufacturer.
Personally if I hadn't "used" it in anger - i.e. crashed on it I suspect it would be fine, BUT foam does die, goes brittle, and loses it's protective qualities, so maybe 7 years is pushing it. I'd especially look for the 1621-2 label - and if it doesn't have it bin it on that principle alone.
Helmets for instance are considered past it at about 5 years maximum.

Thanks Grant!


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We decided to wear separate armor as opposed to have it in our riding gear. It will always be in the right place when you need it and it's handy to discard if you only want to wear a jacket on a chilly evening.

For off-road I wear separate armour under my jacket, and wear the jacket with armour - so a double layer on the upper body. I've taken a few hits too many, and at 66 a little more fragile, so I like the extra layer, and I don't notice it at all when riding - with MY setup - ymmv.

I think the above point is key. Most riders rely on built in soft foam armor in jacket & pants. Sometimes it's in the right place when you hit the ground, sometimes not! :nono:

Built in "soft" elbow, hip and knee pads have a tendency to shift around and not be in correct position when most needed. With separate Motocross type elbow and knee strap-on guards, armor stays put, plus many have a hard shell. Yes, a bit warmer but offers, IMO, better protection than built in armor, which is mostly "CE Approved" junk.

Biggest problem? It stinks once soaked in sweat too many times. Wash it! :nuke:

Forcefield Armor has come a long way, remember testing FF years ago. (10 years?) Heavy, too stiff, hot. Latest product really good and as mentioned, highly rated.

I've got the Forcefield Jersey. The newer XV one.

As you know the armour is THICK....

I wear my Alpinestars Jacket over it and like you I considered doubling up.

It didn't take long to realise this was mad. It was very hot and uncomfortable and limited my movement. Neither of them were designed to be doubled up on. They don't move like they should when they're not fitted close to your body. So I removed the armour out of my jacket and now it feels great.

The Forcefield armour is far thicker and better quality than is in most jackets anyway so I really don't see the point of doubling up.


I guess the best way is to try both and go for day ride. See how you get on.

If you're riding anywhere warm though, you'll probably die from heat exhaustion with all that armour.

The other thing wearing separate armor is that you can take off your jacket when you're riding somewhere hot and just wear the armor with a MX type of shirt.

That's exactly what I do. Here you see my riding jacket strapped onto back of my bike. Temps were only 90F but felt much better riding in MX jersey with armor.
(just be sure to zip up or empty all the pockets on your riding jacket before wadding it up and strapping it down! doh)

https://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/p.../i-Rbgkd5N.jpg
Tan jacket wadded up with Pesos falling out of pockets.

Should I avoid 'doubling up' armour?
 

I've used the force field every day for the past 2.5 years here in South America - Recommended.

More comments on doubling up.
 

I have been wearing Forcefield armored pants and a Leatt armored jersey under my Fieldsheer textile 2 piece outfit for 3 riding seasons now. I removed only the back protector from the Fieldsheer. I kept the elbow and knee armor in. Partly because Fieldsheer is slightly too large; there is no restricted feeling. In my mind, I'm relying on the Forcefield and Leatt for impact protection, the Fieldsheer armor provides more abrasion protection. I wash the Forcefield and Leatt in a front loading washer on the gentle cycle, with the pads in. I dry in the dryer on the lowest heat possible until the are just barely damp. I don't wash the Fieldsheer at all.