Gilet w/ integrated Chest/Back Protectors

[alex]

As Christmas is coming...I'm looking to upgrade my gear for next season, I'm using an RST TrackTech Evo suit with AlpineStars Boots.

1st on my list is a base layer Gilet with chest and back protection, ideally to level 2.

Does anyone have any opinions here? I think I want the Forcefield Pro Vest X-V...but maybe I've missed a better option?
http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product/pro-vest-x-v/2449

I can't work out if the Knox version, Track Vest, has armour in the chest, it reads like just padding...can it be upgraded with a chest protector? If so it probably makes it way more expensive than the Forcefield.
https://www.planet-knox.com/product/track-motorcycle-vest-with-back-protector/

This Dainese, Body Guard, is more expensive and only level1
http://www.dainese.com/en_en/body-guard-75763.html
The Level 2 Mantis has no Chest protector
http://www.dainese.com/en_en/gilet-manis-1-92624.html

Any more?

 

[Steadynow]

try: http://www.rukka.com/motorsport/products/#!product/kastor-2.0

L1 chest / L2 back. it works well under leathers or textile. expensive but top notch comfort and protection

 

[Steadynow]

or as a more wallet friendly option, padded chest and L2 back

http://www.alpinestars.com/track-vest-2#.WDQasbKLTX4

 

[fast_ryan]

Dainese

I currently use a Dainese Wave Back Protector and an L2 Chest Protector which came supplied with my D-Air race suit. Having crashed at well over 100+ mph with them fitted I would highly recommend both.

 

[alex]

try: http://www.rukka.com/motorsport/products/#!product/kastor-2.0

L1 chest / L2 back. it works well under leathers or textile. expensive but top notch comfort and protection

This is the D3O stuff right? (Which I know is good and you work there )

 

[Steadynow]

Ha! yep... plugging my stuff :beguiled:

if you can get into a dealer and try the rukka stuff out... you'll be happy.

other stuff like Dainese is all good and i'm a fan, I also wear a Wave BP on the road a lot when in leathers, but especially for chest (most are hard plastic) you need something soft or it will bother you on a sport bike especially and dig in to you possibly.

 

[alex]

Plug away - get me a discount

Yeah I use the Dainese Chest and Back right now. I find that it can float up and get into my throat on a long run, it's nice to lean on, against the tank bag!. The G2 back protector is too small IMO. The older stuff is also 1 shot, crash and replace.

IMO, I want something fixed to me not the leathers, so it's always in the right place, and it takes weight out of the leathers.
I don't want separates as they waste time and don't look right when using them more casually. The Gilet style seems ideal, no fuss, just zip it on and off. I'm kinda surprised it's taken them so long to go for track vests.
I'd prefer long sleeves integrated but that seems to mean having armour in places I can't remove from my suits. (I can wear a n other base layer with long sleeves underneath if necessary)

 

[soofsayer]

I have been using the forcefield Airo Vest for a few seasons without any issues for track and road. The Pro vest looks like an upgraded version of that. I found the Airo very comfortable and stays in position all day, also it has two zip front pockets which can be very useful for cards/cash if you are at a trackday and nowhere safe to leave them.

With the rukka vest does it unzip at the front or do you have to remove it over your head?

 

[Steadynow]

it opens up like a waist coat with a zip from armpit to hip

 

[alex]

Turns out BMW make one too and I think their gear is usually made by Rukka or Held...
http://www.douglasparkparts.co.uk/p...Black_|_Blue_|_White_(Unisex)_76-41-8-541-382

 

[alex]

http://www.motorradonline.de/motorr...ektorenhemden-fuer-motorradfahrer.757920.html

Forcefield didn't do so well...Rukka either... hmmm...

Now looking at the Held stuff and the Alpinestars more carefully.

 

[alex]

Bought the AlpineStars Track Vest 2 + KR-Ci chest inserts.
Motardinn.com were doing ?40 off the RRP for the vest so with the inserts (via Amazon) it came to ~?150.

With the back protector integrated (which won the test I posted before), chest inserts and other padding is seems like a good bit of kit for the money.

I could not find the Rukka Kastor 2.0 for sale...

 

[Steadynow]

good job. Sounds like a good choice. keep an eye out for D3O chest pads due in the new year. They are softer and thinner than the a-stars ones and still CE1. #plug

yeah Rukka 2.0 not instore till Spring.