Chest protectors

[spyderchick]

I'm going to get on my little soapbox for a second.

I've had way too many close friends and customers come away with broken ribs and punctured lungs. While not all of these injured riders would have benefitted from a chest protector, some could have. If you are not already using a chest protector, I urge you to consider one. If wearing it saves even one of you from more serious injury, it will be well worth your investment.

Thanks for letting me preach...let's try to have a safe 2nd half to the season.

[cleezmo]

I started wearing one last year. After getting used to it, I don't think I'd ride on the track without one - just more of a secure feeling. I also don't have bruises on my chest from the tank when riding bumpy racetracks anymore...

Plus, you can get Knox ones for $50. Yes, I know, they're not as nice as the $120-150 ones that Colin and Nicky wear, but its a lot better than nothing, and its a pretty cheap piece of protective gear.

[Addicted2Danger]

I think you have a really good point Alexa.  Lots of punctured/ collapsed lungs this year.  Some of them may have been prevented w/  better chest protection.  I had been thinking about this since Brian Lacey went down, and I already have an Alpinestars Bionic Jacket on order.  Hope it makes it before Friday.  I think it will be confidence-inspiring just to know that you have the best protection possible.  I can tell you that I feel MUCH less secure when I street ride in jeans and a shirt.

[RC423]

I bought one from impact safe-t armor for $90 and its great!  Not only do they custom make it for you, but the customer service is amazing.  They actually over-nighted mine to Roebling so I would have it before my races, and ironically the worst crash I've ever had.  Great product, highly recommend!!!

[JonGu]

I'm using a Bohn Pro-Racer Chest protector, and plan to get a custom Impact Armor one since I hear they are even better. I have decided to never skimp on saftey in any area ever, it's just not worth it.

[cleezmo]

  I can tell you that I feel MUCH less secure when I street ride in jeans and a shirt.

Why would you EVER do that?? A mesh jacket with full armor can be found for $100?!?

The only time I don't have on helmet, jacket, gloves, boots is on my pitbike, period.

[wera331]

I looked on line at them and , what holds them in place?I'd like to see a pic. of one on somebody,I'm thinking about getting one.

[JonGu]

They aren't secured by anything, you just stick em in the right place and zip your suit up. The leather should be tight enough to hold it there when you ride, and I don't even notice mine while riding at all. I know my Bohn unit has velcro straps that you can use to strap it around your chest, but I don't even bother, just let the leather hold it in. If it is moving even with the suit zipped up, your suit is way too loose.

[HAWK]

How much room do you lose in the suit? My suit is pretty tight right now, I'm not sure I have room for one.

[spyderchick]

How much room do you lose in the suit? My suit is pretty tight right now, I'm not sure I have room for one.

most are 1/2" to 3/4" thick Not much, but it could turn a tight fit into sausage fit.

[Snacktime]

Spyder-  Any sugestions on which Chest Protectors to buy?

RC423- I looked at the impact safe-t and have a question. It looks like it stops protecting about where your arm lies. Do you think that if you fell and hit your side that the edge could break even more ribs? Am I making any sense? (probably just thinking to much) Also, is it hot?

Either way I think I'll be buying something.           -Snack

[spyderchick]

Spyder-  Any sugestions on which Chest Protectors to buy?

RC423- I looked at the impact safe-t and have a question. It looks like it stops protecting about where your arm lies. Do you think that if you fell and hit your side that the edge could break even more ribs? Am I making any sense? (probably just thinking to much) Also, is it hot?

Either way I think I'll be buying something.           -Snack

I don't think therre are any comparative reports on them, and not many wear a chest protector currently. Those that do feel they are of benefit. I know Bohn makes one, as well as the the Impact Armor. I just would like to see the impact injuries lessen a bit this year. Too many traumatic events for the half-way point of the season.

Everyone: ride smart!