Tech Vest style torso protection plus lower body and back protection

3VPSeagull · Dec 10, 2018

As someone who has survived 2 motorcycle accidents, neither my fault according to the police, as well as seeing the real results of many people being shot, both with and without vests, I know all too well the value of protection. I want to get some for this, my first year of sledding. I've read about tech vests and other torso protection and a bit about lower body protection and I have been convinced that the best system for me will be one with as much "D30" in it as possible (that last figure is a zero, not an oh). The following link to an editor's blog (editor Kevin Bielke) titled "All The Gear All The Time" in the Snowtech Magazine September 2018 edition, gives a good testimonial and there are good vids on the D30 company's site and others.

My question is, does anyone use protection with D30? Does anyone have good or bad things to say about it based on personal experience or trusted sources? Does anyone know where to get a full featured system (upper and lower body, shoulders, arms, back, hips, knees, elbows etc.)? Does anyone have an alternative they think I should consider? Again, looking for as much coverage as possible rather than a bit here and there such as most systems seem to offer.

Thanks all. I'm chomping at the bit to get out!!!!

Nikm17 · Dec 10, 2018

I started riding with a set of fox mtb D30 knee pads last season and can honestly say I will not ride a day without them anymore. I have smashed my knees into side panels while wearing them a few times and they really do work. They are light enough and don’t really restrict mobility since they are designed for biking so I don’t even notice them while riding.

As far as upper body, I wear a snowpulse charger vest that has a fairly solid chest protector built in and I’ve been thankful to have that on when I hit my chest into the handlebars once.

Would definitely recommend taking a look at protective gear built for downhill mountain biking as it seems to be light and its built to protect you when wiping out on rocks, trees, dirt, etc. So it does a good job of protecting you

ferniesnow · Dec 10, 2018

IMHO, it all depends on riding style. If you are one liking speed, crashing through the trees, big climbs, and jumps with big air by all means get at it. Get the best you can buy from great boots, shin/knee coverage, and some type of upper body protection.

I'm a rider more in control and not into 100mph speeds. I don't wear and have no inclination to wear body protection.

AxysAssault · Dec 10, 2018

I just picked up the inserts for my spire 3.0 vest, since hitting the bars is not enjoyable. Thought I broke a rib last year.

My buddy rides with a moto x tech vest and loves it. Although he does more stupid **** than myself.

I should really check out some knee pads. Any recommendations?

ducati · Dec 10, 2018

After over 20 years of riding without body protection I started wearing it over the last few years. I wear a 509 vest which took some getting used to but love it now and I wear CTI custom fit knee braces with the Moto x package.

Feels much better and has elevated my riding as well as prevented many injuries already. Harder riding brings more risk of injury so the two went hand in hand.

3VPSeagull · Dec 10, 2018

Thanks to all for the responses. After posting last night I found a Fortnine review of four types of armour at:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...3C2A02EC61F44A49BF723C2A02EC61F44&FORM=VDQVAP

It indicates that the Forcefield won hands down but it might be a bit bulky for long days on a sled. I also found a site that had a review of a Xion d30 stunt jacket. While that review was amateurish the product itself looks interesting.

Lund · Dec 10, 2018

I've been wearing body armor since the late 90's, of course at the time the armor were much more motocross oriented and has evolved to what it is today for sledding.
I plainly won't ride without it. In 2006 my Techvest saved my life and possible paralysis at the Big Iron shoot out, ya that is taking it to the extreme but even in my recreational riding i have had a few occasion that i'm glad i had it, handle bars in the rib's is not fun. The last time my armor came to the rescue was just a few years ago in Revy riding with a few S&M member's where i went into a hole and the entire sled pile drove me in to the chest...ya, i wear body armor, so does my wife and a few others i ride with.
Its a good investment if you need to show up for work Monday morning.

Dawizman · Dec 10, 2018

I took the handlebars to the ribs two years ago. The bar bent so far out of shape on the one side I could hardly ride. The pain didn't help much either I haven't ridden without armour since. Looking to upgrade to a Tekvest, or maybe a vest with integrated avy bag.

t300 · Dec 10, 2018

I have a demon flexforce x d30, not as solid as the Tekvest I have but a good compromise of protection vs flexibility. Having said that I now just wear a BCA vest in the mountains. Rarely ride the prairies anymore but if I do I use the Demon. It also makes me look more buff so there’s that. Could wear it to work with a shirt over and impress your coworkers.

0neoldfart · Dec 10, 2018

I’ve spent a bit of time in ICU in years past - from off road racing and motocross. Last “event resulted in a dozen broken ribs and a shattered fox airframe, but it saved my ass. I’ve worn a tek vest for 15 years, and switched to the snopulse protect vest with armour when they were released a few years back. Had a mishap last season and took a good hit to the side where no armour is present, which resulted in another couple fractured ribs. So this season, back to the tek vest style, in the form of the BCA mtn Pro avy vest.
The best protective gear is the stuff you’ll actually wear, and there is no single solution that will suit all riders. Yes, it can be a bit bulky and hot at times, but you learn to layer differently, and after a while you will get used to it, kinda like wearing goggles when you ride, or putting on safety glasses at a workplace...

tmo1620 · Dec 10, 2018

I just bought a BCA mtn pro vest, gonna try it this week, feels comfy in the shop, have had a lot of bruised ribs over the years so hopefully that’s a thing of the past

Grinder · Dec 11, 2018

Not trying to hijack but i have a tekvest for sale in classifieds.

Please view this ad:

Tekvest Trail Rider,
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-clothing-me...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

lewey · Dec 12, 2018

Body armour has saved me from more flat light related incidents than jumping and hauling ass over they years imo

Grinder · Dec 13, 2018

Grinder said:
Not trying to hijack but i have a tekvest for sale in classifieds.

Please view this ad:

Tekvest Trail Rider,
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-clothing-me...ampaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

Sold to a snow and mudder

Tech Vest style torso protection plus lower body and back protection

3VPSeagull

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Nikm17

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ferniesnow

I'm doo-ing it!

AxysAssault

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ducati

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3VPSeagull

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Lund

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Dawizman

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t300

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0neoldfart

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tmo1620

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Grinder

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lewey

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Grinder

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