I went DH for the first time ever at Killington. It was great and I loved it and will probably go again sometime. What is recommended for protection? Should I wear full body gera or just helmet and shin/knee pads? I dont usually go off cliffs or large jumps; I just stay on the technical steeps and stuff.
protection
- Thread starter shorty13
- Start date
If you are just getting into DH and will be doing more of it in the future. It is worth the investment into a Fullface helmet, an Upper body armor suit (spine-shoulder-elbow-chest-kidney) Knee-shin combination, even perhaps hip padding.
It is also personal preference so I can't tell you to wear this or that, but even if you aren't going to be pinning the race course or hucking the drops, crashes can still really mess you up. So consider a few things, try them on in the shop and ride a bike around the parking lot. I have purchased gear that didn't end up being very comfortable once I got out on the trail and it can be very frustrating to deal with on your ride.
It is also personal preference so I can't tell you to wear this or that, but even if you aren't going to be pinning the race course or hucking the drops, crashes can still really mess you up. So consider a few things, try them on in the shop and ride a bike around the parking lot. I have purchased gear that didn't end up being very comfortable once I got out on the trail and it can be very frustrating to deal with on your ride.
In my own experience I needed protection the most in the beginning, when I used to fall several times a day. Even though you won't be riding at high speeds in the beginning, it doesn't take a big rock to smash your spine or face into for some serious damage.
Later on the falling is going to happen a lot less, but when it happens it usually is a lot worse.
Conclusion : Wear your protection from day ONE if you plan to ride your bike in the future as well.
Later on the falling is going to happen a lot less, but when it happens it usually is a lot worse.
Conclusion : Wear your protection from day ONE if you plan to ride your bike in the future as well.
I wear the following when I go to the bike park:
Rockgardn trailstar (chest/shoulder/spine)
Fox launch (knee/shin and elbow/forearm)
I like the combination of a separate chest/spine piece and elbow guards. I think it provides more mobility and breathability than a pressure suit without sacrificing any significant coverage.
I love riding with my full "Halo costume" as my friend's wife calls it. The extra coverage gives me a lot more confidence and it's nice not to worry about little annoying cuts and scrapes.
The nicest thing about the stuff that I use is that when I'm riding I totally forget that I'm wearing it. The fox gear is a little on the pricey side but I think it's worth it.
Rockgardn trailstar (chest/shoulder/spine)
Fox launch (knee/shin and elbow/forearm)
I like the combination of a separate chest/spine piece and elbow guards. I think it provides more mobility and breathability than a pressure suit without sacrificing any significant coverage.
I love riding with my full "Halo costume" as my friend's wife calls it. The extra coverage gives me a lot more confidence and it's nice not to worry about little annoying cuts and scrapes.
The nicest thing about the stuff that I use is that when I'm riding I totally forget that I'm wearing it. The fox gear is a little on the pricey side but I think it's worth it.
Consider one of these: http://www.leatt-brace.com/
They're expensive, but you only need to use it once to make it worth it. That said, I don't have one yet, since I have yet to get the spare $$ together to buy one.
They're expensive, but you only need to use it once to make it worth it. That said, I don't have one yet, since I have yet to get the spare $$ together to buy one.
S
seespotendo
Guest
i will always ride with my lopes knee/shins and my 661 pressure suit. oh and a full face. i find it really enjoyable to completely wipe out and just get back up as if nothing happened, and laugh it off.
All the protection I've ever needed.
Never trust a rusty hand grenade...
All the protection I've ever needed.
I did once, it told me it was clean and had never been used. Now I have herpes.
No words...
Backplates, Backplates, Backplates...
Make sure that the upper body protection you get has a spine protector (also called a backplate).
One of these saved my a$$ from not paying attention during a practice run last year.
Some mentioned previously, some not:
RockGardn Flak Jacket:
http://http://www.rockgardn.com/items/body-armor/flak-jacket-flak-jacket-detail.htm
661 Pressure Suit (several different models)
http://http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661Bike.aspx?id=032467bb-7267-47fa-b178-3d3544895c96
Dainese Impact Jacket Race (expensive, Italian made, but really - how much is your life worth?)
http://http://www.dainese.com/eng/home.asp
(go, "Collections" then under categories scroll down to "Safety".
Hope this helps.
Make sure that the upper body protection you get has a spine protector (also called a backplate).
One of these saved my a$$ from not paying attention during a practice run last year.
Some mentioned previously, some not:
RockGardn Flak Jacket:
http://http://www.rockgardn.com/items/body-armor/flak-jacket-flak-jacket-detail.htm
661 Pressure Suit (several different models)
http://http://www.sixsixone.com/Catalog_661Bike.aspx?id=032467bb-7267-47fa-b178-3d3544895c96
Dainese Impact Jacket Race (expensive, Italian made, but really - how much is your life worth?)
http://http://www.dainese.com/eng/home.asp
(go, "Collections" then under categories scroll down to "Safety".
Hope this helps.
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