What armour do you use!

[GlennMember]

I would like some advice as to which body armour to purchase.

I do like the alpinestars bionic and the 661 pro body pressure suits. Both are simmilarly priced but I am unsure which to choose. I have tried both on for fit and comfort and I still am unsure which one to purchase.

Or are there other body armour manufactures that I should also be considering.

Any comments and views would be appreciated.

Thanks

Glenn

[TrentMember]

I have the alpine stars and the zipper that attaches the spine protector to the body broke but I think they have better zips now.

I couldn’t get comfortable with mine under my jersey so I ran with it on the outside on saturday and it was a lot more comfortable but the kidney belt is a bit big so it was sliding up around my waist.

torpedo7 do good deals occasionally and ballards have a 661 on special right now.

[GlennMember]

I just had a look at ballards 661 body suits and the special is unfortunately only for sizes XS, SM and MED. Good price at $149.00

You are right about the zipper I read somewhere else that these have caused problems on the front also. But maybe alpinestars may have address this problem recently.

Thanks for you comments Austblue

[TrentMember]

Someone recently reviewed these:

http://www.mootdesigns.com.au/

And here’s the other link I mentioned.

http://www.torpedo7.com.au/division/bike/menu/15/title/Protection#

You’re welcome

[Eric SmithMember]

I have the 661’s and aside from the white bits getting filthy skanky dirty and the spine protector being too long, they are a good thing. Might be that I am too short, but I can’t wear the spine protector as it hits my helmet and the seat. Seems to be a common problem though. I figure my camelbak with a tube in it will offer some protection instead.

[scott bockingMember]

I have been happy with my 661 pressure suit but the weak link is definatley the zipper. Best bet is to leave your spine plate attached as the more you remove this the trickier it becomes to get it back together.

For the front(side) zipper just flush it out as the sweat and grime take thier toll pretty quick. Bit of WD40 doesn’t hurt.

Another trick is to make sure the shoulder straps are snug as this not only holds the armour in place during impact but takes a lot of strain away from the zipper.

STM

[GlennMember]

So far we have…

ECKS-Man….. 661 and
STM ……… 661

Austblue….. alpinestars

Hey STM some great trails up your way. I use to live at Sandy Beach and ride out through Woolgoolga and Nanaglen top trails up that way.

[TrentMember]

I’m (eventually) going to sow my spine plate onto the body but that reminds me that the front zipper is dodgy also and wd40 didn’t really help much

ECKS, I just flicked over to DBW to find a thread I posted a link in where a guy had a big off and although he was spruiking a bit he claimed the spine protector saved his life. The link doesn’t have the pic anymore but the off was during dakar and the guy still ended up severely injured – you posted before I put the link up but did you happen to read it?
I reckon spine protection is pretty important.

[alanMember]

i use axo body suit seams okay but i use a thin ballarbs shirt thing under it for comfert makes falling of a lot more pleaserable.have not crash tested any others to know if they are better or worse but its bloody hot in summer.

[scott bockingMember]

blue450 wrote:

Quote:

Hey STM some great trails up your way. I use to live at Sandy Beach and ride out through Woolgoolga and Nanaglen top trails up that way.

You are not wrong. I had no idea when I moved up here that there was so much riding on offer. I spoke to an old timer recently and he said a lot less people are riding these days but the trail network remains. It is just a matter of chipping back some growth after big rains but in all it is in good shape.

Do you get up here these days?

Back to the topic, if you can get 661 at a good price I can’t see how you could go wrong. Zippers can be replaced later on if need be. I have had mine for DH MTB for 5 years and have now crossed it over to my moto kit bag so for a couple hundred bucks it is very good insurance.

[MalMember]

I use a 661 pressure suit. Had for a few years now and no zipper issues. I wash it every second ride to get rid of the dust and sweat.

[Dwayne OMember]

Yeah, pretty sure Ballards & other retailers have the 661 suit for $200,,,

I myself have the 4BP suit from Moot Designs , it was me the reviewed it last week:) I find it excellent value for the $$$$$ (I am big on silicone spray on all zippers very frequently) and really never had a prob with a zip yet!!!!

[ChrisMember]

EAGLE`02 wrote:

Quote:

Yeah, pretty sure Ballards & other retailers have the 661 suit for $200,,,

I myself have the 4BP suit from Moot Designs , it was me the reviewed it last week:) I find it excellent value for the $$$$$ (I am big on silicone spray on all zippers very frequently) and really never had a prob with a zip yet!!!!

Does that mean you won’t be stinking my spare set out on the caves to caves eagle. I can still smell it now and it’s packed away in the cupboard. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Chris.

[Dwayne OMember]

chris72a wrote:

Quote:

EAGLE`02 wrote:

Quote:

Yeah, pretty sure Ballards & other retailers have the 661 suit for $200,,,

I myself have the 4BP suit from Moot Designs , it was me the reviewed it last week:) I find it excellent value for the $$$$$ (I am big on silicone spray on all zippers very frequently) and really never had a prob with a zip yet!!!!

Does that mean you won’t be stinking my spare set out on the caves to caves eagle. I can still smell it now and it’s packed away in the cupboard. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Chris.

Ha Ha Chris,
That`s correct, I got me own now You mean to say I stank it out???? Nasty talk,,, I should have bought it home washed it then sent it back with TB or somethin`
Cheers Mate

[ChrisMember]

Na eagle just messin with ya you should smell my gearbag, forgot about the socks from the last ride, it’s been airing out for a couple of days and the smell still hasn’t gone.

CHris.

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