I have had an EVS R4 now for about 2 months, my views
GOOD
Lightweight
Not noticeable when riding 90% of the time
Locking system works well
BAD
In tight snotty situations where you have to duck your head under obstacles you cant duck as low as you think you can (I have broken 2 helmet peaks ducking trees at pace…)
In a heavy crash the load seems to be placed squarely on the muscles either side of your neck/ shoulder blades, I have walked away with bruising but I’d much sooner have bruises then snap my neck
If you use the supplied straps it pays to remember to take your camelback off before the neck brace (have been tangled up a few times at service stations.)
IMO for the price people would be mad not to have one, I have honestly found the only people that bad mouth the braces tend to not have one themselves and generally dont see the sense in spending $$$ on other safety equipment (knee braces, helmets over $500) I would much sooner be out of pocket for few weeks then spend my remaining life in a wheelchair should the unthinkable happen