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help buying a soft chest protector

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Posted by: mazeco---------------------

Although everyone talks about the airframe and the force protectors (hard plastic) no one ever talks about the soft ones to be used under the jersey. What are the best ones out there? I saw one by progrip is it any good? What do the pros use? Thanks in advance.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

I ran an AXO one for several yrs.They're ok, but still not up to the same protection standards as the "plastic" chest protectors. My biggest complaint was that it didn't "breathe" well. Meaning it seemed to restrict airflow quite a bit. What are your reasons for preferring the foam protectors? Both the airframe and the force protectors offer good protection without being obstructive, and they breathe much better than the Axo under jersey protector I used. I understand that Fox offers one as well (the rockstar), but have no previous knowledge with them.


Posted by: markthomps---------------------

According to a racer buddy who also coaches college football, the hard plastic CP actually cause injuries and I've seen some personal evidence of that. All that hard plastic protects up to a point and then it becomes the problem and what you "interface" with on landing. I've been looking at the 6-6-1 brand and also Pro Grip, but neither is easily available locally. Hope to try some on in a couple of weeks and make a decision. I may actually wear BOTH. As for what the pros wear, a lot of them are wearing the soft protectors under their jerseys. What brand? Depends on who's paying them what.


Posted by: kathy127---------------------

my plastic chest protector broke my collar bone. I have been using a foam one ever since and never looked back. Don;'t get in your way when turning your head, don't dig into you stomach and don't crack your bones when you fall.


Posted by: flynbryan---------------------

Quote:
Originally posted by kathy127
my plastic chest protector broke my collar bone. I have been using a foam one ever since and never looked back. Don;'t get in your way when turning your head, don't dig into you stomach and don't crack your bones when you fall.


I have to call ya out on that one. I had a bad crash in 00' in which I broke my collarbone. At the time I was angry at my chest protector because as you stated "the chest protector broke my collarbone". It wasn't until later that I realized that the 215lb. motorcycle that landed square on top of my back would have done Substantially more damage to my body if I had not been wearing one at all. Chest protectors are labeled as "roost deflectors", and are not designed to cushion impacts when you are departed from your motorcycle. Although in most instances they do help. Yes they can contribute to injury. Although in my instance I would've(and still would today) take the collarbone injury over the possible broken back I could have sustained had I not had one on at all. I guess what I'm trying to say is buy a chest protector for what its designed for, roost deflection. You may get added protection in other applications, but don't think that it will prevent injury.


Posted by: Roost165---------------------

I really like my plastic CP when I fall and skid for 10-30 ft along the ground on it. I suppose you would prefer the rocks digging into your back and gouging your shoulders.


Posted by: Ryno149---------------------

I'm 14 and I've been smart enough to wear a hard cp for the 12 years I've been riding. I definitely agree with FlynBryan and Roost 165, the hard cp may "cause" injury, just like in some circumstances a seatbelt can "cause" injury in a car wreck, but I think the injury you would sustain without wearing a hard cp would be reason enough to go buy a hard one this second. I'll go ahead and step down from the church podium now. If your set on getting a soft protector, thor has got a new one out. It's "combined" with a polyester t-shirt, so it's more like wearing a t-shirt. It won't chafe like a normal one. Just to throw some hard cp's in there that you might want to check out, the THOR Force is GREAT!!! I've had it for about a year now, it's really close to your body, it offers great protection, it doesn't get in the way when you're turning your head( I don't think your supposed to be looking behind you in a race).
Good luck to ya', and hope ya' find some sort of a protector you like.



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