Armour

**far queue** · 22nd May 2008, 19:22

After my "off" last season and the broken ribs that resulted, that was a wake up call that maybe I should actually get that armour that I never quite got around too. Sooooooo, with the new season here 'tis time to go shopping. I had a good look at the Thor Impact Rig SE Pressure Suit today and liked the look of it, plus it was really comfy. I'm also looking at the Thor Quadrant Knee Guards. I use other Thor products and really like them, so I'll probably get these, but I thought I'd ask you guys what you think before I lay down the cash. So does anyone have any experience with this stuff? What do you reckon?

Oh, and the season I mentioned is my own self imposed season - Road bike in the fair weather seasons and Adventuring in the less fair weather seasons. I prefer mud to dust

**Transalper** · 22nd May 2008, 20:17

Looks like nice stuff.
The EVS Ballistic stuff that Plug is using now looks nice too (seen it in the Madras St shop)

Here's a question... when using these armoured kits, on a cold day do you insulate under it (does it fit over your warm cloths) or over it (are your warm clothes big enough)? Which would be more effective?
I do like the idea that you can wear anything with it and still have all that protection.

**buggsubique** · 22nd May 2008, 20:31

Originally Posted by Transalper

Looks like nice stuff.
The EVS Ballistic stuff that Plug is using now looks nice too (seen it in the Madras St shop)

Here's a question... when using these armoured kits, on a cold day do you insulate under it (does it fit over your warm cloths) or over it (are your warm clothes big enough)? Which would be more effective?
I do like the idea that you can wear anything with it and still have all that protection.

chuck the layers under it, avoid big air pockets and penetrating breezes...unless you have a jacket you can just put over the top.

**far queue** · 22nd May 2008, 22:21

Originally Posted by Transalper

The EVS Ballistic stuff that Plug is using now looks nice too

Yep, that looks good too.

Originally Posted by Transalper

(seen it in the Madras St shop)

What Madras St shop?

Originally Posted by Transalper

Here's a question... when using these armoured kits, on a cold day do you insulate under it (does it fit over your warm cloths) or over it (are your warm clothes big enough)? Which would be more effective?
I do like the idea that you can wear anything with it and still have all that protection.

I was thinking polypro under it and Dririder over it, but I'll have to play with that idea to see what works when I get it.

Originally Posted by buggsubique

chuck the layers under it, avoid big air pockets and penetrating breezes...unless you have a jacket you can just put over the top.

Yep, that makes sense.

**Motu** · 22nd May 2008, 22:32

Makes me feel huge and cumbersome,it restricts my movements considerably.So I hardly wear it.

**Transalper** · 23rd May 2008, 09:31

Tracktion... 218 Madras Street.
There used to be another bike shop there a while a go.
Looks like the EVS might cost more but after wearing my older cheepy suit I would go for the best fit.

Originally Posted by Motu

Makes me feel huge and cumbersome,it restricts my movements considerably.So I hardly wear it.

Which one do you have?
Mine has a BikoSports label on it somewhere. It's an older design.
I wore mine on the Capital coast adventure instead of my usual roady gear.
I dont feel too restricted with mine on, it's just a littly bulky with it's huge back, and the arms are too small/tight to fit all my favourate warm layers under.
I would wear it more often if it were a better design and fit.
I am seriously considering splashing out on the EVS one and then getting a more suitable jacket to go over.

**far queue** · 23rd May 2008, 09:50

Originally Posted by Transalper

Tracktion... 218 Madras Street.
There used to be another bike shop there a while a go.
Looks like the EVS might cost more but after wearing my older cheepy suit I would go for the best fit.

Oh OK, that's where Superior used to be. I haven't heard of Tracktion before. Cheers, I'll go and have a look today.

**Crisis management** · 23rd May 2008, 12:05

I use the 661 pressure suit for the trail bike and it's awesome, easy to wear, lots of protection (I think Ive tried out all parts of it so far..) but haven't considered it for the DR. It's certainly comfortable enough to wear all day and doesn't weigh too much.
Great investment!

**chubby** · 23rd May 2008, 12:25

Superior are now in Cashel street. I popped in and saw them today. Nice people and good advice.

**SDU** · 23rd May 2008, 15:01

Make sure whatever you wear under it is fitting so it doesn't chaf ya nipples.

**NordieBoy** · 23rd May 2008, 15:41

Originally Posted by Transalper

Mine has a BikoSports label on it somewhere. It's an older design.

Mine is a Biko and it's identical to Warewolf's one which isn't a Biko

**far queue** · 23rd May 2008, 19:04

Originally Posted by Transalper

Tracktion... 218 Madras Street.
There used to be another bike shop there a while a go.
Looks like the EVS might cost more but after wearing my older cheepy suit I would go for the best fit.

I went to Tracktion today and tried on the 661 and the EVS armour, but I didn't like them. I not saying there's anything wrong with them, I'm sure they're fine, just they didn't feel as comfortable as the Thor to me is all. I also read a bunch of reviews on ADVrider on all 3 and they all sounded OK. Anyway, I bought the Thor from Superior - it was cheaper than the other two too, which was a bonus.

Originally Posted by Transalper

I am seriously considering splashing out on the EVS one and then getting a more suitable jacket to go over.

My Dririder jacket fits just fine over the Thor with plenty of movement still. I left both liners in the jacket - no problems.

Originally Posted by SDU

Make sure whatever you wear under it is fitting so it doesn't chaf ya nipples.

Ummmm ... thanks for that bit of info ... I could've done without the mental picture though

**NordieBoy** · 23rd May 2008, 20:12

Originally Posted by far queue

Ummmm ... thanks for that bit of info ... I could've done without the mental picture though

The mental picture is much preferred to the real thing

**Transalper** · 23rd May 2008, 21:26

Originally Posted by far queue

I went to Tracktion today and tried on the 661 and the EVS armour, but I didn't like them. I not saying there's anything wrong with them, I'm sure they're fine, just they didn't feel as comfortable as the Thor to me is all.

I went and tryed the EVS, 661 and Thor on today too.
For me I didn't like the elbow armour position with the EVS, rest of it was nice.
The Thor fited nicely but the shoulder armour has edges on it where the air venting is, seemed like they might wear into my jacket material but overall it was a nice kit and good price.
The 661 fitted as well as the Thor. It may be the 661 I choose in the end for my next one. Have a few months to think about it myself as I'm in the position of having to go with what I already own for a while longer.
Will ask how you are liking the gear in a couple of rides FQ.

Cheers
TA.