Armour.

[merc-blue]

Its been 10 years since I havedone any riding that I consider requiring protection past a helmet.
With a body 10 years older im strongly considering a full suite of underbody armour.
Chest/back. Knee/shin and elbow pads
I ride in a wrist brace due to repeate injuries.

What the current stuff to get?
Any reccomendations?
Any shops in Vic that have stuff in stock. Happy to pay a premium if I can try before I buy.

 

[ForkinGreat]

Not sure about what's 'current' but a big up for POC VPD 2.0 and 2.0 DH elbows and knee pads from me.
I've slid out and gone down on one elbow and not felt a thing. I looked at the plastic impact/slider cap and there was a bit of a gouge in it. V happy that wasn't soft tissue or bone.
The POC VPD pads can get a bit sweaty, but for me the level of protection is well worth it.

Also, Dainese make good pads. I have Armorform Elbow pads that are ventilated, with great coverage that covers a fair bit of forearm.
I got the Dainese Armorform knees as well, but they don't sit as well as the POC, but they virtually don't move at all, apart from flex where they need to. Looking to Move the Dainese knees on, but only because they don't suit my leg shape (??).
The POC VPD suit my legs a bit better. I also have the separate POC VPD 2.0 shin guards. comfortable and good shin coverage.

Sometimes better to get some reccs and then consult the size charts and take a punt. if it's an Aussie online store, you could get 2 sizes, and then return the one that doesn't fit snugly (but doesn't cut circulation off.)

Are you wanting to armour up for trail riding, or Gravity/DH shuttle days?

 

[merc-blue]

Are you wanting to armour up for trail riding, or Gravity/DH shuttle days?

Deffs for gravity work.
Cant imagine hitting big A-lines again. But also feel good chance Im gonna bleed on most rides.

 

[Jpez]

Deffs for gravity work.
Cant imagine hitting big A-lines again. But also feel good chance Im gonna bleed on most rides.

If you expect to bleed on most rides then you will bleed on most rides.
Another hand up for the POCs. I have the VPD air I think they are. I wear them every ride. I’ve tested them. I trust them. Can get a touch warm but prefer knowing they will do the job so happy with the trade off. I’ve also tested lighter Fox trail pads. May as well not be wearing any pads when your whole body weight comes down on a knee. So sold them and just wear the Pocs all year round.

 

[dancaseyimages]

I have the Ion k-pact knee pads with the velcro after having the zipper version (I found the zipper just irritated my skin a bit/sweaty behind the knees after an hour or so, went for the slip ons even though they are a pain and no problems since).
They are pretty warm pedaling in them but its not so warm to be uncomfortable.
Done thredbo on an older bike and had a decent off at Stromlo that broke a full face and left me with sore knees and tore my pants but the pads survived. Ive put some decent dents in my shins thanks to loving running the flat pedals with the biggest pins I can run and the knee pads have a few tiny holes but other than that, a wipedown and they look pretty mint.
They are on special at MTB direct at the moment too.

Ion K-Pact Knee Pads

The K-Pact Knee Pads have been in Ion's line up for quite a few years now. They have seen some minor revisions over the last few years, mainly in the breathability department. Most of the knee pad remains unchanged- which isn't a bad thing. The K-Pact Knee Pad has been a top performer since it's...

www.mtbdirect.com.au

Good for being on a budget

 

[bigdamo]

I am looking for something to protect my shoulders. I am going to try this shoulder guard and velcro it on to my jersey. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...order_list.order_list_main.133.1e161802uHcb2j

If not maybe this could be to hot in summer though. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...owJSFC39&utparam-url=scene:search|query_from:

 

[ForkinGreat]

Any shops in Vic that have stuff in stock. Happy to pay a premium if I can try before I buy.

What part of VIC are you in? Regional? Melbourne? Which Part?

The Bike Exchange website lists 140 bike shops in Vic, but you can also put body armour into the search line and specify Vic, etc
Ultimately you will probably need to look up the manufacturer's website size charts and carefully measure your arm/leg/chest etc etc.
There will be MUCH greater choice online.

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/d

POC
ION
FOX (esp Launch Pro D30 (with the replaceable? plastic slider cap)
IXS
Alpinestars mtb and moto armour Chest/Back/Shoulder/elbow armour shirts.
Dainese mtb and moto armour Chest/Back/Shoulder/elbow armour tops.
EVOC make great bike packs that have a removeable back protector, and come in at least 2 sizes. Also Chest/Back/Shoulder armour tops.

IMO, Look to the brands that do Moto armour for armoured gloves. If you don't know what to get, go for the Fox Bomber moto gloves with hard knuckle and finger joint coverage. Try them on at a moto/motorcycle shop. Ring them first to make sure they actually have them and in the size.
Great coverage and fit, but get the size right, as with any armour.

Full coverage upper body moto armour is generally the most protective, but if doing anything other than shuttle/chairlift days, you can be pouring sweat, and even then. Dainese and Alpinestars, and IXS all make short sleeve MTB armour shirts. with chest, back, and shoulders.
Get the ones with a Zip for easier on/off, IMO. Try getting into and out of a eg Troy lee armour shirt - with no zip, it can be a struggle. if it's easy, it's too big, and the pads won't sit where they need to be.

 

[Sky_Collapsed]

most people just run the shin/knee pad combos. as for those full suits aren't they mostly just meant to protect against abrashions and gashes?

 

[ForkinGreat]

most people just run the shin/knee pad combos. as for those full suits aren't they mostly just meant to protect against abrashions and gashes?

Thats probably roost protectors ??
Short and long sleeve upper body armour jackets/shirts generally have CE level 1 or preferably CE level 2 chest and back, and level 1 shoulders, and level 1 elbows if long sleeve.
If they don't have any CE level 1 plates/pads, they are probably not worth buying, IMO.

 

[Jpez]

I keep reading ‘armoire’ in the title.

 

[slowmick]

When an eel swimming by takes a part of your thigh, it’s a moray.
If it just won’t let go after chomping your toe, it’s a moray.

When an eel bites your arm and then does some more harm, it’s a moray.
If it looks like a snake and its teeth make you quake, it’s a moray.

Though you scream and you beg, but it still chews your leg, it’s a moray.
When it looks for snack and comes straight for your back, it’s a moray.

 

[Mattyp]

Just get banged up and bleedy so you can make the most of those well accrued Sick Days at work....