Armored Vest.......Who has one?

[freak2180]

im looking into getting a armored vest for this summer.......it gonna be a hot one in Texas. Ive looked a a couple made by Icon, but havent made up my mind yet. Any input would be great.


BTW I understand the lack of protection for the arms and what not. Im just looking at staying cooler while still being somewhat protected.

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_2701-0179_G

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_2701-0420_G

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_2701-0510_G

 

[kyle_dewald]

I have the neon colored Icon from Cycle Gear, it doesn't seem to be much hotter (I live in Alabama), it doesn't limit mobility and I haven't had to use it yet but I'm pretty sure if I ever do it will work great.

 

[xtremelow]

I have the Icon Back/Chest protector, actually bought it for Mt Biking not for the Buell. For what it is not bad, as you noted it lacks in safety. Basically you are wearing a back protector instead of a any other protection.

My opinion you would be better off buying a mesh jacket with the inserts in it if you want something to keep cool. The vest style protectors are designed in most cases to wear under a jacket so they fit tight and actually flow air pretty badly. I know when I get done riding my Mt bike my chest and back are soaked.

 

[lokatwhaticando]

I have the first one and I love it. Got if off a friend for $40 and he only used to 2 times. I use it ever time I going riding under my jacket. And by it self on short rides. Fits good dosen't get in the way when your ride or just moving around.

 

[freak2180]

I already have a textile jacket with built in armor and TONS of vents, but it has a rain resistant liner thats not removable and man it turns into a sauna when your not doing 70mph+.

Its hard to see in this pic, but it has 2 vents on the upper chest, 1 on each shoulder, a large vent across the shoulder blades on the back, and a large vent on the inside of each arm just inside the elbow. With all the vents open she has a tendency to baloon up a lil. the jacket fits me snug so I know its not a fitment issue.........it just cant get rid of the air its taking in. I have read a few topics where people have cut tons of slits in the liner, but Im not too keen on cutting up my jacket........its still good in the Fall weather.

 

[freak2180]

I know all about the suden stop at the end of a long fall/skid. I spent 17-18 years racing dirt bikes in cross country races ( 50 mile races in a 8-12 mile course) in North Tx. I have the scars and medical records to prove it.... I know dirt and asfault are 2 totaly diff things and react diff on ones skin.........I just wanna be comfortable while riding and hate looking like the Staypuff Marshmellow man my Buell.

 

[anrkizm95]

pink gorilla armadillo vest

 

[freak2180]

Not 100% on the feild sheir vest. If Im gonna get one I want it to have as much protection as possable

 

[theoctopus]

This is my go-to hot weather jacket. I've been using it for 3 years, and aside from melting the sleeve a bit on a hot header, it has held up perfectly. Add a back protector, and it's fairly well armored for such a lightweight jacket.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

 

[Nuage420b]

I use this for my summer riding in TX

I absolutely love it. It's mesh everywhere and all of the CE protection breaths great too. It's super light weight and most importantly it gives me confidence.

 

[xtremelow]

Not 100% on the feild sheir vest. If Im gonna get one I want it to have as much protection as possable

The Feildsheir will have basically the same amount of protection just cheaper since it doesn't say ICON

 

[flaya564]

Had this one ended up giving it away cause no one wanted to buy it for 75. I felt weird not having anything on my arms so i'll sweat it out for another season.

 

[Thaloc]

I rock the Icon Field Armor vest. I love it, comfy fit, backpack sits better. 9/10

 

[anrkizm95]

The Feildsheir will have basically the same amount of protection just cheaper since it doesn't say ICON

yep

 

[J_Undisputed]

Also have the field armor vest. Its not bad, but as a broad chested guy with large shoulders, no matter how I adjust it, the front sits kind of high and short. I may opt for one of the leather ones (regulators). It's Supposedly the same spine armor, but more front coverage down below with pockets. Just hate to waste all the work put into this one.(Patches, DOT Reflective Tape)

 

[xtremelow]

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Page.bok?template=Body+Armor+and+Protectors

 

[cheezits]

Hit up the military surplus stores. and ask for an INTERCEPTER FLACK JACKET. they were used by the marine corps till 2007 its Way outside the box but most Buellers are. you can loosen up the sides and get some nice air flow too. Quite honestly your not going to get any better protection either. I used to use one till i gave mine away as a gift. You will need to have a tailor modify the armpit area though, with some soft fabric. took off a good amount of my skin before i figured out a solution.

Just an idea.

 

[rideboarder589]

i have the field armor vest also, even went down in it...like you said limited protection (arms had road rash) but my back was safe

 

[Nuage420b]

Hit up the military surplus stores. and ask for an INTERCEPTER FLACK JACKET. they were used by the marine corps till 2007 its Way outside the box but most Buellers are. you can loosen up the sides and get some nice air flow too. Quite honestly your not going to get any better protection either. I used to use one till i gave mine away as a gift. You will need to have a tailor modify the armpit area though, with some soft fabric. took off a good amount of my skin before i figured out a solution.

are you high?!?!?!?! Those things are bulky and non breathable as hell??

 

[cheezits]

i did say you have to modify them. and the intercepter vest was not bulky at all. thats why the Marines loved it so much because they were small and light weight. they did leave the arms vulnerable though.