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Full body armor

41K views 61 replies 25 participants last post by  SnowDragon 
#1 ·
Hello!

I am recovering from multiple spine fractures and want to protect myself much better next season. So, I would like to know, what do you think about this protective gear:

Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control - full upper body armor - 335$.

Flexmeter Double Sided Wrist Guards - wrist guards - 70$

impact short, butt pad, padded shorts, crash pad - impact shorts - 75$
or maybe: Forcefield Action Shorts | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control ~90£ (in UK)

Forcefield Strap On Protector Leg | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control - leg and shin guards - 70$

Will it help me to reduce pain after a bad landing (small to medium kickers) or slipping on rail? Or should I buy something in better quality? Maybe it's not a secret, what protective gear professional snowboarders are using? And yes, I already have a helmet. Actually, I have other protective gear (except full body armor), but want to upgrade for better quality.

Thank you for professional advices.

Have fun and be safe on slopes! :)
 
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#2 ·
Hello!

I am recovering from multiple spine fractures and want to protect myself much better next season. So, I would like to know, what do you think about this protective gear:

***SNIP***

Thank you for professional advices.

Have fun and be safe on slopes! :)
I am by NO means a professional... But here's my advice anyway! :)

I bought upper body armor this year from a company called Demon. FlexForce X D30 The jacket I got is very similar to that one, MSRP was $140 and I paid $100 or so with a store discount.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the armor you found, I'm just not sure I'd want to spend $335 on just the upper.

I've heard great things about the lower armor, haven't heard anything about shin/knee pads or anything.

As far as my experience with the upper body armor, it's been great! For the first day or so it felt weird, felt like I couldn't flex my upper body as well. I must have got over that because I feel better than ever now. I've had a couple falls backwards on my back, and the spin protector held me off the snow while I skidded down until I got my board back under me. I also had a weird accident where my elbow jammed into my rib cage and it knocked the wind out of me. I was pretty sore but able to keep boarding for the rest of my trip (another three days) it could have been much worse without it.

I do find the armor keeps me much warmer than I used to be. I have a microfiber base layer underneath, and recently I've been too hot on the slopes. I may start using the spring jacket for my mid winter stuff, and keep the winter jacket for -30 degree days. In full on spring weather I plan on just wearing the armor as my jacket.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for quick response! After spine fracture I almost don't care how much it will cost to protect myself. :) This Demon armor looks great, but I can't find what level of protection it gives? That one from Forcefield has level 2 protection in back and level 1 everythere else. Some seriuos protection.
 
#4 ·
Yeah I'm not sure either. Actually this is one of the few things I didn't really spend much time comparison shopping for either. Saw a good deal at my local hill pro shop, looked online to see if the price was right, and pulled the trigger.

I bought mine due to a few bad rotator cuff injuries, but it's helped for other things too. I say get the best stuff you're comfortable with wearing. I might look for shorts this spring too as I've had a few ass sliders that stung for a run or two this year!
 
#5 ·
You should definitely buy impact shorts. It's probably the most useful protection in snowboarding, because it's warm to sit on snow or whatever with it. :) Not sure, if I could surf internet now, if I would'nt wear one while crashing a big jump... I took way too much speed, flew over the sweet spot and landed on flat area from about 5 meters (~15 feet) hight. My legs could'nt absorb such impact, so I hit really hard snow with my poor butt. Fractured 7, 8 and 12th thoracic vertebrae. Doc says i'm lucky, because it's small compression fractures and usualy it takes half of the year to fully recover. So, I hope to be able to snowboard next season. :) Shorts, that I used: Powerslide Crashpad-Hose Pro kaufen bei der-rollenshop.de Not bad shorts, but now I would like to upgrade for better if it is possible. I have a lot of time to decide, what to buy. So, all your suggestions are welcome!
 
#6 ·
My friend has a Forcefield top (although his model doesn't go all the way to his waist in the back and doesn't have elbow pieces) and Skeletools shorts.

I am now wearing the Demon d3o upper armor and Azzpadz tailbone protector (used to have Dainese armor short).

We both used to ride the Skeletools armor top, but that is a little bulky (if you are in the lower 48 state of the US, I still have it and will sell it to you a size medium for $50 shipped). I also have a Demon Flex force pro jacket.

I think the Forcefield top is more protective than the Demon d3o, buy heavier and a little more restrictive. Both are going to absorb the shock from minor crashes and such so you don't feel bruised/battered at the end of the day.
 
#7 ·
I wear the Pro-Tec Impact shorts with the foam, not the hard armor. I found the plastic armor to be too restrictive & bulged under my pants (almost looked like I crapped myself or something of the sort). You should also look into Alpinestars & SixSixOne (661) upper body full armor. They're designed for motocross & ATV, and the big hits those guys take while riding. Some of the armor also includes a kidney belt, which is very helpful for protecting your internal organs from flopping around or getting detached if/when you eat shit or bail. I wear a kidney belt everyday I'm on the mountain, regardless if I try some features or not that day.

The protective gear you picked out looks pretty legit, but I suggest you also look at some of the motocross/dirtbike protective armor as well, as it's all designed for impact into handlebars, rocks, trees, ramps, etc - a lot of the same stuff we risk collision with on the mountain. I used to sell these over a lot of other protective gear in my dealerships because the guys who rode dirt in the shops swore by them. Just wanted to toss out some other options for high end armor.
 
#9 ·
You should also look into Alpinestars & SixSixOne (661) upper body full armor. They're designed for motocross & ATV, and the big hits those guys take while riding.
I can vouch for the Aplinestars street bike wear. I took an off road adventure on my Yamaha FZ6 by accident a few years ago, went tumbling through the ditch at about 60 km/h. A little scuff on my helmet and textile jacket, and I got up good to go.

The jacket is really good shit but would be too much for snowboarding. I bet their moto-x stuff would be excellent.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Thanks man. Azzpadz is only a tailbone protection and I want to protect my hips too. So, it's not for me.
Is your friend happy with his body armor and shorts?
I understand, there is no armor, that will protect in a big crash. But still wan't to wear one of the best in market, which will help in small fails and reduce damage in big crash (hope no more...).
Btw, I've heard what Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure body armor has not enought soft padding in elbow and shoulder guards, thats why it's not comfortable to wear. Would like to know, if it's true or not? Maybe someone has this body armor (http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/extreme-harness-adventure/2347 )?
 
#11 ·
Thanks man. Azzpadz is only a tailbone protection and I want to protect my hips too. So, it's not for me.
Is your friend happy with his body armor and shorts?
I understand, there is no armor, that will protect in a big crash. But still wan't to wear one of the best in market, which will help in small fails and reduce damage in big crash (hope no more...).
Btw, I've heard what Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure body armor has not enought soft padding in elbow and shoulder guards, thats why it's not comfortable to wear. Would like to know, if it's true or not? Maybe someone has this body armor (Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control )?
He finds it a bit heavy and a bit hot... but pretty protective. The short he doesn't like (very protective... but the spandex and foam rubber is a little restrictive to him)
 
#10 · (Edited)
#12 ·
Dianese is nice, but very expensive and sometimes overpriced because of the name on it. I only suggested those brands to you because they make very high quality armor that can take a beating without beating up you or your wallet. They're also likely more easy to find in a local shop to try on & check out in person, as fit with armor is extremely important. If the armor is too small it will be uncomfortable, too large & it slides around and doesn't do what it's designed to. On top of that, everyones sizes are slightly different & no 2 larges, etc are exactly alike. You may also find that 1 over another fits a certain area better, such as forearms/elbows, shoulders, back. In the end, you have to be happy with the armor you purchase, I just wanted to throw out some additional suggestions that you may not have looked at because they're not marketed to snowboarders. I'd still check them out at your local motorcycle shop if you have one & have the ability to
 
#13 ·
I have been bulking up my safety equipment depending on tricks I want to learn.
I'm thinking this would be great for me to wear while working my 3's. Don't know that I would want to wear all that all the time. But in your case I think it is a good call.
I never leave home with out my Azzpadz.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Shit man, multiple spinal fractures? Props to you for even considering to keep riding. I'm not sure I would. If I did, I'd probably be a blue groomer cruiser.

I'd definitely consult with a doctor and figure out if riding was a good idea and what type of protection he might suggest. Maybe even some sort of back brace? I don't know.
 
#20 ·
Thanks linvillegorge! Yeah, it sounds scary, but already have passed 5 weeks from that accident and I don't feel any pain. I am wearing back brace when not laying in bed, can't hold heawy things and sit yet, but it sure heals. Week ago I was in hospital and x-ray didn't show what it's getting worse. Next x-ray will be done after ~3 weeks and if everything ok, probably doc will let me come back to work, drive car, sit, etc. Just it takes time to fully recover, but I will be able to do everything, that I did before in my life. Probably I will not push myself the next season, but sure I will be able to do buttering and some rails/boxes. :) Since now I want to protect myself as much, as possible. Because when doing just small things, you never can't be sure, if someone else will not hit you at high speeds or something else bad happens... For me there is no more question to wear protection or not to wear.
 
#26 ·
I apologize, if you have dificullty to understand me! I have poor English skills, especially grammar, but strong desire to figure out, that armor do I need. :)

oskar, POC looks great. Will look at their site tomorrov.

So hard to choose! I have read tons of reviews, looked at all top manufacturers sites and still not sure, what to buy. I think, that full body armor is not for active sports. So, for now my choice is:

back armor (Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control) top rated back armor in the world

chest armor (Forcefield Race-Lite Chest Protector | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control) because it's designed to fit well with that back armor

elbow armor (Forcefield Limb Tube Elbow Armour | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control) not sure about this, maybe other manufacturers sell better hand armor...

knee armor (Forcefield Limb Tube Knee Armour | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control) not sure about this, maybe other manufacturers sell better leg armor...

If not Forcefield, probably I will buy Dainese armor. Their products looks like top quality, but I think little overpriced.

And don't know, if I need better shorts, because they are so expensive from those manufacturers like Forcefield (Forcefield Action Shorts | Forcefield Body Armour and Climate Control), Dainese or other top brands.

I didn't changed my mind on wrist protection. Flexmeter still nr.1 for me (Flexmeter Wrist Guards - Alps Gear)

If anyone use those products I listed above, please, write your opinion about them. Thanks!
 
#28 ·
Looking for snow,
Your typed English is just fine and if some people took the time to see your location: Lithuania it would explain any confusion.

Question:
With your injury do you need full body or are you just trying to protect the back???
I would think you could go with just a back protector and not worry about all the other gear. With that and your injury I would start with the heaviest protection to cover your spine if that is truly a major concern.
 
#29 ·
slyder, I want to protect myself as much, as possible, not only with back armor. I am a buttering/rail/kicker guy - always close to an accident, when learning new tricks. Untill now, I was wearing some very cheap elbow/knee/wrist guards combo for about ~10$ lol. I'm happy only with my helmet and maybe shorts. I want upgrade everything to a next level of quality.
 
#30 ·
Hey! I would love to help you....there are a number of protective gears available in the market that are exclusively designed for the snowboarding.....Some of the best in my opinion are POC Spine VPD Vest Back Protector, Giro Shiv Snowboarding and Ski Helmet and Kore Flash Snowboard Goggles.....
 
#32 ·
How did you break your back? It sounds like you and I are in the same boat, multiple broken vertebrae and reading your recovery it sounds like what I'm facing.

I'm glad to hear you're not in pain anymore. I'm just a week from my injury and I'm still in a lot of pain. I don't know yet how long I'm off work, I have a desk job so maybe I'll go back after two weeks. We'll see what doc says.

I'm going to follow your lead on this and get protection for next year too. It wouldn't have helped with my initial crash but any little thing to help next year, I'll take.
 
#36 ·
Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but just started looking at spine protectors (actually wanted to find a neck brace, but not sure if the motocross ones will work with snowboard helmets)
I am a 34yr old looking to get into bigger jumps without ending up in a wheelchair

Allsports is having a sale on Demon stuff at the moment so i am looking to get one of the spine protectors through them. Trying to decide between these 3 but appreciate feedback if anyone has it:

DS 1650 Flex Force PRO Top, this is the cheapest, and its a full upper protector. Doesnt seem to go into detail about the back protection abilities though)

DS 1120 Shield spine guard, this is the one Sabatoa linked to above. Solid looking back protection

But then there's
Spine X D3O, this d3o protection seems to be a little more expensive. Is it as good in protecting the spine? Is it a hard shell?


Lastly, how would these tie in with a pair of azzpadz, and does anyone know if there are neck braces that are worthwhile?
 
#37 ·
Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but just started looking at spine protectors (actually wanted to find a neck brace, but not sure if the motocross ones will work with snowboard helmets)
I am a 34yr old looking to get into bigger jumps without ending up in a wheelchair

Allsports is having a sale on Demon stuff at the moment so i am looking to get one of the spine protectors through them. Trying to decide between these 3 but appreciate feedback if anyone has it:
Cheers! I don't remember what I wrote earlier in this thread... but a little background - My friends and I are all in our mid/late-30's now. Most of us were upper and lower body protection now. Here is a video of us riding from a few season ago.



DS 1650 Flex Force PRO Top, this is the cheapest, and its a full upper protector. Doesnt seem to go into detail about the back protection abilities though)
I have worn an older version of this, back protection is decent, but not most you can get. Personally, I think it is plenty of protection with the ideal combination of all around padding, while still giving you decent mobility - I've taken our fair share of tumbles

DS 1120 Shield spine guard, this is the one Sabatoa linked to above. Solid looking back protection
I have also tried a version of this model. Interlocking plates offer the most spine protection, but I didn't like how it affected mobility. Personally, I think it is overkill.

But then there's
Spine X D3O, this d3o protection seems to be a little more expensive. Is it as good in protecting the spine? Is it a hard shell?
I never seen it in person. The description mentioned a stealth viper thingie, which when I google that says it is not a hard shell - the d3o hardens on impact.

Lastly, how would these tie in with a pair of azzpadz, and does anyone know if there are neck braces that are worthwhile?
The first two would work fine with an Azzpadz, which are what I use now, in the past I've used skeletool shorts, dainese pro hard shots, crashpads shorts, red impact shorts).

I've never used neck braces, but I think they will be too cumbersome to wear. That's not to say people don't get whiplash style neck injuries for which helmets don't provide any protection. The reality is that protection is only going to reduce the damage of an impact, you are still going to get knocked around a bit so riding with the correct "safety mindset" is most important. What this gear will give you is the ability to go to work on Monday without feeling like you've been worked over by an MMA fighter.

Hope that helps.
 
#38 ·
Awesome info, and thanks for taking the time to answer. Wicked video too btw. To be honest i think when i say i'd like to be getting bigger in the jumps i doubt i will go bigger than what you are jumping, and i would be absolutely stoked if i had as much steez as that!

I guess one thing that got me thinking about this stuff is this niggling desire to try a backflip (wildcat), or at the very least a tamedog, which, while still past my current ability, would be much less scary with neck/back protection. Feeling safer on the bigger jumps would be a bonus

And the unfortunate thing is that i cant try any of these on in the shops here (they have generic brands, but i havent seen azzpadz or Demon stuff). And even the generic stuff is more expensive than the prices i am seeing in the US.

So is the flex force pro top basically just like padding for your back? does it have any hard shell protection in there? Anything that would save you lets say falling back onto the knuckle that bends your back? Not that i have ever had this happen, but just in case i guess...
 
#39 ·
I guess one thing that got me thinking about this stuff is this niggling desire to try a backflip (wildcat), or at the very least a tamedog, which, while still past my current ability, would be much less scary with neck/back protection. Feeling safer on the bigger jumps would be a bonus

And the unfortunate thing is that i cant try any of these on in the shops here (they have generic brands, but i havent seen azzpadz or Demon stuff). And even the generic stuff is more expensive than the prices i am seeing in the US.

So is the flex force pro top basically just like padding for your back? does it have any hard shell protection in there? Anything that would save you lets say falling back onto the knuckle that bends your back? Not that i have ever had this happen, but just in case i guess...
It does have some hard plastic shell protection, but it isn't super burly - it is mostly padding. To be honest, nothing is really going to "save your back" very much if you manage to taco onto the knuckle (just like helmets don't protect NFL/NHL players from all concussions).

Too bad you aren't in the States - I actually have an old version of the Flex Force Pro size Medium that I would sell you for $20 + shipping.

Anyways... for wildcats, pre-snow training is probably going to be your best "protection". Here is a video that an instructor I know (Chris Hargrave) made:



Here's me at the same training facility (admitted I didn't follow all the steps he suggested as I went before the video was made).

 
#40 ·
Yes that is a bummer about your old top, And double bummer that i dont live anywhere near a place that offers off-snow training with a foam pit! I would spend every summer weekend there if i could...

Mind you, i do hope to make it to Ryuo snow park, as they usually have a big air bag there (still managed to bruise my shoulder on an unintentional flip the first time i did it)

I think i will try out that generic back shell, see how it feels - and make my decision on the Demon one based on that. I realise it may not stop me breaking my back, but i would rather have more protection than i need, than less (So long as it doesnt cause too much discomfort)
 
#41 ·
I tried last years model of the DS 1120 and ended up taking it back because it was a bit too uncomfortable for me to ride in. Felt like it had good protection though.

I now have a Forcefield Race Lite vest. I was a little unsure before buying it as it doesn't look like it has as much protection as the Demon. Now that I've got it though I can vouch for the fact it is definitely solid! The back protector bit is tough against impacts but molds comfortably to your body. It is also removable if you want to just use the vest bit on a gentle day.

Forcefield Race-Lite Vest | Forcefield Body Armour
 
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