ZAC Speed chest protector.

[gasgasman]

I recently bought a ZAC Speed Exotec RP-3 chest protector. There are two versions depending on your storage needs. The RP-3 is the smaller version.
I have a couple rides on it so far.

This is by far the best chest protector I've ever owned. It is well made and has a lot of neat features.

The water bladder holds 3L and is made of this cool mirror like plastic.
The "back pack" has two zippered storage pouches on each side and a main storage compartment that is separate from the water bladder.
This compartment has a removable tool pouch.

There are two straps on each side to hold the chest protector in place-This thing does NOT bounce around at all.

Extra straps are included to convert the unit to a back pack, this is good for when you're doing trail work and don't need full coverage.

If you're in the market for a C P. Take a look at the ZAC Speed.

http://zacspeed.com/exotecRp3.shtml

 

[GMP]

Girard,

I'm going to need a new CP. How does this one seem to carry the weight of the water pack? Is it distributed evenly downward or does it want to rotate backward? Now that I have a piece of titanium just under the skin, I think that I will have to add some extra padding in that area of the shoulder pad/chest plate connection so it doesn't chew me up. This will be true for any CP but it would be nice to start with something better. I know my current Camelback strap pushes my Fox CP right down on that plate and it will bother me. Also is it bulky? Do you have a pic of you wearing it? The thing is pricy and I would hate to spend the coin and hate it. Thanks.

 

[gasgasman]

Glenn.
It carries the weight very well.
It does not pull down on your back at all.
I was constantly pulling the front down on my old CP.

The ZAC CP has dual straps on each side to hold in place.

Thumper Talk has these for $175.

I'll see if I can get some photos for you.

 

[Dave]

Girard,

I'm going to need a new CP. How does this one seem to carry the weight of the water pack? Is it distributed evenly downward or does it want to rotate backward? ....

I'm in the market as well. One that has my interest is the "Rockgardn" "Trailstar".
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/17...ctive-Gear/Rockgardn-Trailstar-Body-Armor.htm
It has connection points for an optional hydration pack and elbow guards.

Sorry about the hijack.

 

[2 strokes 4 life]

Sure looks like a good idea. I want one that offers protection against impact like a tree that has padding. The Trailstar looks good and the ZAC.

 

[GMP]

The trailstar gives me the impression it would be very hot, and also harder to clean as there is more soft material.

 

[Boomhauer]

Glenn,

I think you would like the Zac Speed protector. I would like to have one myself but I just bought new boots and the wife said no more "do dads" for awhile. Imagine that.

 

[BIG TOOL]

Another nice thing about the Zacspeed chest protector is that they work well with a Leatt brace. It's a pretty good unit. I can also recommend the Acerbis Koerta. It's a full set of armor - chest and full spine protector along with elbow guards and kidney belt, AND it was designed to work with a Leatt brace as well. I prefer the Acerbis myself, I find it to be less bulky... But, it's your money! Spend it wherever you like. Either choice will be fine.

 

[Cruiser]

Glenn,,
If you get one I'm going to need to check it out,, that looks good,, I run a fox airframe and mount my pack to the back panel with ziptys,, and use a small bungy cord to the belt loop on the pants to keep it from rotating back.. I'm not real happy with the shoulders in it.. Since I've now had so many broken ribs and vert. damage I need a new/good CP too.. I'm watching this thread..
Steve

 

[GMP]

I now have a FOX Roost II that I have had for a few years. Like the ZacSpeed, it has stiff polycarbonate chest and backplate. I really like this as it provides better protection from being speard by sticks and/or your bars in a crash. I wear a Camelback over the top, and have added a snap connector to the ends of the shoulder straps to keep them tight. This works fairly well, but I think it will be uncomfortable on my right shoulder.

Personally, the Acerbis Zoom I had was junk and fell apart in one season, I would never buy another one.

Steve, none of these things is going to protect you against a high energy impact, but the shoulders should be good enough for rolling on in a low speed get off.

 

[gasgasman]

Here's some photos I took today.

Shoulder padding:

[/IMG]


Shoulder netting and arm guard:

Medical info tag inside water pouch compartment:

Back protector showing major padding and venting:

 

[gasgasman]

Water proof zippers:

 

[GMP]

Girard,

Thanks for the pics. It certainly looks like one of the best constructed CPs out there. I was reading through some reviews on TT. One guy said it put pressure on his collarbones. That was just one guy though. Its a one size fits all CP correct? You and I are close in size so I guess it would fit me OK.

 

[gasgasman]

Glenn.
It is a one-size-fit all.
You can adjust the breast and back plates up and down to suit your body size.
The back plate does not require tools to adjust. But, the chest plate has flat head screws.

If you try to pack a lot of weight in the back pack, I could see where it would pull down on the shoulders.

 

[eff]

This got a great review in Dirt Rider this month. They are available through Tucker Rocky dealers.

 

[GMP]

I'm looking for a good price on one now, along with a neck brace. It should really clean up the gear configuration. I'd like to mod the setup so it all goes on in one piece, no extra straps.

I'd still carry tools in a fanny pack for ease of access so exta weight in the pack is a none issue.

 

[Skidad]

As nicely made as it appears I still have issues with it. Like most chest protectors the shoulder protection is designed wrong and placed on top of the shoulders and collar bone instead of on the shoulder itself. When you fall on your shoulder the thing gets driven into your neck. It's stupid IMO. Look at all the body armor (or hockey and lacross) and padding and protection is placed on the ball area of the shoulder for impact protection. Who falls on the top when you crash. The arm guards also seem to be an after thought and wimpy with little protection, no elbow guard system (which would be nice) and of course no rib protection (my pet peeve with almost every chest protector or body armot suit on the market). So I think this one would be a no go for me personally.

I did buy one of these Alpinestars Storm's to try (I usually wear the Acerbis Koerta body armor) and it's pretty nice. Proper placement of shoulder protection (IMO) and nice upper arm guards, decent and long back coverage, a raised area in the breast bone spot and comes in a bunch of sizes including an XL which many don't.

Critique away......http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/5355/ITEM/Alpinestars-Storm-MX-Roost-Deflector.aspx

 

[eff]

Critique away......http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/10/5355/ITEM/Alpinestars-Storm-MX-Roost-Deflector.aspx

No orange for the KTM crowd.

 

[GMP]

Thats actually pretty nice. I like the arm guards, I wonder if you can get them separate as replacement parts?

None of these things is going to protect your shoulder in a big impact, you would need way bigger padding for that. They are good for low speed tuck and roll type getoffs and deflecting trail trash.

My Fox CP had some big scars on the right shoulder pad. I hit almost directly on my clavicle, then bounced and slid a bit on the top of the shoulder, so the top pads are worth something.

 

[Skidad]

Here's my favorite body armor.....to bad it's $400

Description:

Dainese Wave V Jacket
The Safety Jacket WAVE is probably the garment that best expresses the characteristics of the protective concepts developed by Dainese for application to a wide array of sports. Created as a protective garment for off-road motor biking, the Safety Jacket has been constantly developed in order to ensure its technical characteristics stay at the top of the market. The validity of this garment is demonstrated by the fact that it has been adopted even outside of motor biking, for mountain biking, skiing and snowboard racing.

- EC homologated composite protection on the shoulders, elbows, forearms and back.
- Soft inserts on the shoulder blades, humerus and chest.
- Removable back protection.
- Equipped with soft inserts on the shoulder blades and breast-piece over the bust.
- The shoulder and elbow protections are mounted on a soft support.
- The back Wave has an innovative corrugated structure with greater mechanical resistance than the previous versions, yet is exactly the same weight, plus a brand new ventilation system.
- The waist joint, introduced with Back Space, has been kept as it enables the protector to follow the torso’s lateral movements.

What Go-Ride Says - "The Dainese Wave V Jacket is the pinnacle of upper body jackets. With it's highly vented mesh, the articulating shoulder protection, and the best fit of any jacket on the market, it's easy to make this our top choice. You will not find a better fitting, more comfortable jacket than the Dainese Wave V. With slightly larger sizing than the rest of the offerings from Dainese, this jacket fits true to size. Despite it's bulky appearance, it's actually very low profile, and the best fit of any jacket we have found if using the Leatt neck brace."