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The John Norwich Riders CornerIn honour of our fellow moderator: John Norwich R.I.P. September 17th, 2014
Buy, sell, trade bikes and gear, set up bike rallies, meet discussions. #revscenebikes
I got the Alpinestar SMX Bionic 2 chest/spine protector off eBay for $190
So I just picked up the A* SMX Bionic 2 back/chest protector on Friday, rode with it through the weekend.
Definitely comfortable, I don't feel too much difference between riding with this on vs having the original foam inserts in the jacket. It's not very heavy, fits pretty good.
The outer shell kinda bulges out in the middle especially with the chest piece, which is actually hollow by about a quarter inch before there's foam, and I guess it kinda acts as an air channel because I'm not really sweating much under there in warm weather in an unperforated leather jacket. There's a bit of the same going on with the back piece.
For negatives:
1) The back piece always seems to slide up a bit no matter what, and ultimately what happens is that it no longer covers my tailbone, which really sucks. It looks like the Forcefield L2 wouldn't have this issue as it looks to extend pretty far down. The shoulder straps also seem a little short, even adjusted to max, I can just barely get the back piece to go down to my tailbone. And I'm just 5'10, wearing the L/XL.
2) I don't like how the chest armor seems to bulge out excessively. While I appreciate the air pocket they built in with the outer shell, it's way thicker than it has to be and looks like a little much. Looks like the Forcefield equivalent just lies flat.
3) Maybe this is typical A*.. the fastening straps and materials used on this thing seem a little cheap. Couple of stitches came apart as I was adjusting the shoulder straps.
All in all, I guess it was an alright purchase. For the price, I would've expected just slightly better, but relative to what else is available out there, I don't think you could do much better than this.
So I just picked up the A* SMX Bionic 2 back/chest protector on Friday, rode with it through the weekend.
Definitely comfortable, I don't feel too much difference between riding with this on vs having the original foam inserts in the jacket. It's not very heavy, fits pretty good.
The outer shell kinda bulges out in the middle especially with the chest piece, which is actually hollow by about a quarter inch before there's foam, and I guess it kinda acts as an air channel because I'm not really sweating much under there in warm weather in an unperforated leather jacket. There's a bit of the same going on with the back piece.
For negatives:
1) The back piece always seems to slide up a bit no matter what, and ultimately what happens is that it no longer covers my tailbone, which really sucks. It looks like the Forcefield L2 wouldn't have this issue as it looks to extend pretty far down. The shoulder straps also seem a little short, even adjusted to max, I can just barely get the back piece to go down to my tailbone. And I'm just 5'10, wearing the L/XL.
2) I don't like how the chest armor seems to bulge out excessively. While I appreciate the air pocket they built in with the outer shell, it's way thicker than it has to be and looks like a little much. Looks like the Forcefield equivalent just lies flat.
3) Maybe this is typical A*.. the fastening straps and materials used on this thing seem a little cheap. Couple of stitches came apart as I was adjusting the shoulder straps.
All in all, I guess it was an alright purchase. For the price, I would've expected just slightly better, but relative to what else is available out there, I don't think you could do much better than this.
If there's one thing I've learned about A* is that their stuff generally sucks...despite all the racers wearing their stuff. For their high end gear, I'd rather spend the same or a little bit extra for something like Knox or Dainese. I have some el-cheapo mesh A* shorties...which are OKAY, but when I was testing out their full gauntlet gloves, it definitely left something more to be desired.
OT: Saw a guy riding with back/chest/and maybe arm protector? in t-shirt and I think shorts. Z.
I don't get these people and their undying desire for skin grafts.
Invisible sky daddies commanding people to do shit is just so beyond retarded, I feel like punching myself in the balls until I shit my computer chair.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chopstick
4 years ago, I pulled up to burger king, and asked to get a teen burger. I realized after the 3rd time i said it, I was in the wrong fucking place.
(>___<)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sky_High
[19-10, 22:51] how many post do I need before I can fail TOS'D posts.
I wouldn't consider that closeout price, but it's definitely a nice piece. If anyone is interested in KNOX gear I would suggest that they check out www.redlinegear.ca
Local company and the prices are comparable to US retailers, so you can save yourself a trip to the states and support a local business! I've bought stuff off Gabe before and he's always been super helpful.
my only issue with that piece is that will you wear it all the time?
I have a suit of armor like that from my DH mountain biking days, but its not easy to get in and/or out of and I knew that I wouldn't be wearing it all the time.
So i went with the easy back protector.
Also, you still need a good abrasion resistance jacket on top of that suit.
If that suit touches tarmac in a slide it's going to disintegrate in a second, or worse, it'll merge with your skin as it melts
Get something like a vest, comes with chest and back protector. I find that it's a tighter snug fit so it feels much more comfortable than just a back piece.
I happen to own all of the spine protectors in this thread. For city riding, Knox Aegis is the most comfortable, flexible, lightest and best ventilated. The downside is it's made of absolute shit materials. For hardcore/track use I would probably want to wear the Forcefield L2. It is one of the only spine protectors in the market that actually stays in position at all times.
for me wearing gear is like wearing a seat belt in a car, a simple thing to save your life or serious injury
i'd just get a good jacket + spine protector. that astars bionic suit thing would look hella gay if you weren't wearing anything over it lol. i've tried on tons of spine protectors and the forcefield l2 kevlar is hands down the best one. no reason to get anything else.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
Z.
