So a bit of a specific thing I have in mind. I'm looking to hop into this decade with a chest protector upgrade from my trusty EVS Flux. Just ditched the elbow guards for more arm freedom but having my elbows exposed to a fall is somewhere back in my head.
Solution: minimalistic jacket style protection and I've narrowed it down to Fox Baseframe Pro 3do jacket. It has the elbows without extra restrictions as I've gotten used to riding with a compression long sleeve already.
I've already tried it out and it fits perfect. Others like Acerbis, Scott and Shot are all kinda loose and feel weird or won't sit right. Only concern I have with Fox is the relatively small chest plate. It leaves the lowest ribs somewhat unprotected. Has anyone had any experience where the chest plate played a key part in protecting you, or am I just overthinking this?
I would put 100% more value on proper back and chest protection than some dinky elbow pads.
I just bought a Leatt 4.5 Evo and love it.
As a dude with a recent broke rib experience, again, I agree with this statement.
I wear the vest version of that Fox protector.
I like it a lot, great protection and the "Pads" are very flexible, so it doesn't limit movement on the bike at all. Once you put it on you kinda forget it's there.
I don't really understand the need for elbow protection. Your elbows rarely see more than a scrape from even the hardest crashes.
And the "protection" provided in a protector like that will do nothing but help some scrapes and bruises. It's not going to prevent a broken arm or elbow.
Those style shirt protectors are also incredibly hot to wear.
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X2 on the Leatt. I know the OP appears to be going for a minimal protector, but I would not be suggesting this if I felt it was at all restrictive. Maybe it is an age thing, but you can't get better chest and back protection, and if it is built well enough to not notice it, why not.
I gotta disagree with you on this.
Have you seen/felt these specific D30 type pads in person? They are a soft type of rubber that allows it to be flexible, but the honeycomb-ish pattern gives it a ton of impact protection.
I had a 4th gear high-side a couple years ago on hard, rocky desert dirt. I had a massive initial impact with several rolls after and the protector ate up the impact, no broken bones or bruising. I am confident I would have been more injured in a traditional protector.
I also have broken my sternum wearing a traditional protector, and I beleive this D30 type of pad would have better absorbed the impact.
Also, I find a traditional chest protector worn under the jersey to be hotter than this vest. I ride in 90-100°F (32-37°C) regularly.
Sorry, I should have been more clear in my response. I was talking specifically about the elbow pad section!
Understood, and I agree with you on that for sure!
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