Looking for thoughts and opinions

[mtsummitx]

Just wondering if anyone has ever worn a plastic motocross type chest protector while sledding, and if so what are your thoughts on it. I just tried mine on over my snowmobiling coat and it seems like it would work. One drawback I can see is I would'nt be able to wear my backpack. I have never worn my chest protector sledding, but I am usually good for at least one stupid stunt per trip that leaves me wishing I was wearing it!

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Backcountryislife wears one all of the time, with a pack. You will be fine.

 

[Modedmach1]

Good friend of mine wears one, he wears a pack with it too. He wears his under his coat. Should work just fine.. Josh

 

[mtsummitx]

Gonna have to check the under coat option, didnt try that. With a pack too huh, still have good mobility? Guess I'll have to check that out too, I just kinda figured it would be tough to get the pack straps over and around the shoulder pads on the chest protector. I guess if it was under coat that might be easier.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Gonna have to check the under coat option, didnt try that. With a pack too huh, still have good mobility? Guess I'll have to check that out too, I just kinda figured it would be tough to get the pack straps over and around the shoulder pads on the chest protector. I guess if it was under coat that might be easier.

Yes. He and his wife wear theirs over the coat and wear BCA Float avy packs. Loosen the pack strap to put the pack on and then adjust. Simple.

 

[wjl]

I wear a Troy Lee motocross protector under my Klim Pullover and it works great. I also have no problem with my ABS bag fitting when wearing the protection.

 

[CoyoteGirl]

I wear the FLY Pivotal and have not been restricted one bit. Wear it under my coat, always have a pack or an avy pack on.

 

[off road rider]

I wear my dirt bike C.P. over the coat with a backpack.. works great

 

[enis750]

I wear an MX style one under my jacket, over my base layer
its the last thing i put on before my jacket
also wear a backpack and have worn it w an ABS pack as well w no issues
my beacon fits perfect over it as well too

saved me a few times thats for sure
even wear it at home when riding flatlands ... never know

 

[Scott]

Serves as roost protection, but IMO, the collision protection (and KIDNEY protection) just isn't there.

 

[mtsummitx]

Serves as roost protection, but IMO, the collision protection (and KIDNEY protection) just isn't there.

Not so worried about my kidneys, but have taken handlebars in the ribs and chest on several occasions.

 

[Coldfinger]

I've worn the Thor Scattershield with shoulder caps and arm pads under my coat and a backpack over the coat.

Maybe I need to try it a few more times, like getting used to a bike helmet. It just seems to restrict movement so much.

Also, tend to sweat more with the plastic closer to the skin.

I've also been wearing the knee/shin guards and I've worn the elbow guards and these don't bother so much.

Maybe I need to try one of the more protective chest protectors and wear over the coat. One concern about doing that is all the snow that would seem to find places to stick.?

 

[mtsummitx]

Coldfinger, I've been saying for the last few years I'm gonna wear my knee pads but haven't. Definately gonna start this year. Tired of my knees suffering from my moments of HIA Syndrome

 

[CoyoteGirl]

Serves as roost protection, but IMO, the collision protection (and KIDNEY protection) just isn't there.

I've taken some pretty hard hits without bodily damage....

Is it perfect? No, but so far it has done a good job.

 

[mysledblows]

While I'm sure a roost protector is better than nothing I'm 99% sure that had I not been wearing my vest - safejac - when I totalled my sled memorial weekend by putting it into the creek bank at a high rate of speed in terribly flat light, I would have had a chopper ride out and may not have survived. Still not 100% yet but I don't get tears when I sneeze anymore

 

[mtsummitx]

I've taken some pretty hard hits without bodily damage....

Is it perfect? No, but so far it has done a good job.

I agree, may not be perfect, but figure better than not.

I rode dirt bikes for years without one (yes,stupid), then I started wearing one and took many hard crashes with it (use to hillclimb, if you've done or watched you know the crashes) and it did well. So I can only imagine it would work pretty well snowmobiling. My biggest concern is comfort, especially with a heavy coat on. Seems like alot of stuff to pile on between coat, bibs, chest protector and backpack. But so far it seems like alot of people wear all this gear with minimal mobility issues so I think I'll be trying it out. But keep the feedback coming. Would like to hear more thoughts from those that do and or have tried this. Thanks all!!

 

[mtsummitx]

Just tried it on under the coat. Definately think I like the feel of that better. Now just gotta find my backpack.

 

[tdblakes]

I used to wear one under my jacket with a backpack on. Works fine. Only drawback I had was I would sweat a lot and plastic doesn't breath so it would retain the water against my body... Not all that great for the ride back to the truck. I have an EVS vest now and like it a lot more. Feels less bulky too.

 

[turbonium]

Leatt

Last year I wore my Leatt chest protector and neck brace over my coat.
Worked great!


Getting some knee braces this year.

 

[skidoorulz]

Just tried it on under the coat. Definately think I like the feel of that better. Now just gotta find my backpack.

It's in the trailer