VOLUME 56 ISSUE 45 NOVEMBER 12, 2019 P97
S TANDOUT FEATURE
High-tech protection that can be used
to upgrade your outer shell
RIDER AN ALYSIS
Let's face it, protective gear is like
insurance—you need good coverage
just in case something happens, and
when it does, you want your investment
to pay off by protecting you. There's
a huge variety of products to choose
from, and the prices range from a few
hundred dollars to well over a thou-
sand, depending on the type of fabrics
used and the quality of the armor.
LOWDOWN
•VERY COMFORTABLE
•CE LEVEL 2 PROTECTION
•VENTILATION AND WICKING
MATERIAL IS FANTASTIC
In Cycle News earlier this year,
we reviewed the Motonation Pur-
sang Tourventure ¾ Length Textile
Jacket & Phantom Pant. At just
over $300, this well-constructed,
low-cost gear is a perfect example
of how a smart buyer can purchase
an inexpensive outer shell and
upgrade it to a premium protec-
tive package using Forcefield Body
Armour, and that's exactly what
we did for this test. Forcefield Body
Armour is designed to be worn as
your base layer, and the wicking,
stretchable fabric that holds the
armor in place is very comfortable.
Getting in and out of the Pro Shirt
X-V 1 is super simple thanks to the
full-length zipper and the thumb
cuffs, which hold the sleeves down
as you slip on your outer shell. The
armor itself is heat activated, and
as it warms up, it conforms to the
contours of your body and fits like
a glove. It's so comfortable that
you forget you have it on, and the
way that it rests on your body lifts
the outer garment up, allowing
for exceptional ventilation. I was a
little worried that the tight-fitting
armor would make me feel claus-
trophobic, but it was just the op-
posite. I felt like the gear was part
of me, and I was confident that it
would stay in place and protect me
List Price: $279
Website: www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com
ARMOUR PRO SHIRT X-V 1
•YOU LOOK LIKE A POWER
RANGER WHEN YOU REMOVE
YOUR OUTER SHELL
if I went down. The back protector
and chest protector are substantial
and far superior to anything that
I've ever worn before.
By comparison, about two years
ago I tossed a VFR1200X in a high-
side accident, and while the gear
that I had on at the time protected
me fairly well, the jacket did roll
and moved the armor out of place
as I tumbled. The idea behind
Forcefield Armour is that it will not
move as you tumble. The only draw-
back to the Pro Shirt X-V 1 is that
when I stop and take off my outer
garment, I feel a bit like a Power
Ranger cartoon character—so carry
an extra T-shirt so that you can
strip the armor off and not draw so
much attention. Unless you're into
that sort of thing. CN
