Body Protectors

[NeilM]

I am considering getting involved in XC, much later this year and I started to look at rules and requirements and saw that Level 3 Body Protection is compulsory.

So, appreciating that as a man I am a little less..um, curvy than the lady riders here, what makes and models of body protectors are good or bad with regards to comfort, adjustability, robustness, breathability of the garment (I'm a man...I sweat!

) and any other important factors I have not considered.

Thanks.

 

[WoopsiiD]

I love my Rodney Powell! I am a 'good allrounder'-imagine a shetland thats me so when I bought it they actually made it to measure as such by using the front of one and the back of the other to ensure an all round fit! It can also be done in your xc colours!

 

[pottamus]

I am a big Rodney Powell fan too...they are pretty rigid to begin with but soon mould to your shape. I would recommend that you wear it regulrly for a while before you start doing your xc so you get used to it and it can become a bit more flexible.
They do make you sweat though and there is not much getting away from that! I do pleasure rides up to 20 miles in mine in the summer and I get pretty hot in it! But you can stick them in a bath of water and scrub them down afterwards with no ill effects...and they dry pretty quick too!

 

[NeilM]

Thanks for that.

It is worth knowing they can be easily cleaned. I sweat like a bucket with a hole in it at the best of times, so easy cleaning is a MUST.

 

[ladyt25]

I have a Zippa Plus/2000? (Airowear) nd love it cos could get it colours i wanted too - think it has been renamed as sure mine was teh 200 but it has the shoulder covers as per the attached

http://www.rideaway.co.uk/index2.php3?se...p;catcode2=ZIPP

I find it gives my back a lot of support when doing x-country but make sure you buy from a store that will get you fitted correctly

 

[WFL]

Rodney Powell with shoulder pads. My 2 fit me perfectly.

 

[NeilM]

She who must be feared and obeyed (the wife) said that buying from a store where I can be measured and fitted was pretty much essential.

This either means she is looking after my best interests or more likely cannot stand the thought of me whinging about blisters and rub marks from an ill fitting protector.