Tek Vest or Alternatives?

[HiWaYman92]

Every winter I take a few good diggers, and a couple years ago I took a handlebar to the ribs. I've been thinking of adding a Tek Vest or roost deflector to my gear. The Tek Vest looks a little bulky, heavy, and hot to me. Anyone have any reviews of using an under the jersey MX roost deflector? It looks like they would have a lot more air flow, and some of them look like they have a lot of protection, and some none at all. Not to mention the roost deflectors are about half the price. I'm not a snowcross racer, and all I'm looking for is some protection on my chest and ribs. Your thoughts are appreciated!

 

[dirtbagrich]

I'm into downhill mountain biking and wear six six one body armor ands its very comfortable, never tried it snowmobiling it could get a little hot, but would definately add some protection.

 

[i'llDooit]

thor moto vest

 

[twsandrew]

661 Vapor Pressure Suit. Not bulky, light, breathable and tons of protection. I am so used to wearing it for mtn biking and moto I don't even notice it anymore except a little sweaty on the elbows

 

[mikew5945]

Tek Vest. Yes it is warm but you can dress for it. Last year was the only year I have had without any upper body damage. I got mine after a 3" branch broke a few ribs and put me out for half the season. There was no movement restriction with it.

 

[wag13]

661 is good stuff. Lots of people sell it in the UK though so I went and found you a good link where its decently priced in the US if your considering it.

http://www.motorhelmets.com/htm1/apparel-off-road-body-armor-table.htm

 

[2XM3]

After a couple ribs and shoulder injuries I always wear the tekvest.... yeah its a tad warm but just adjust the other layers and you are good to go

 

[i'llDooit]

tek vest is 200. and hot...... thor motocross chest protector is under 100 and just the protector,,, no added warmth.

 

[Bagger]

Glad to see this thread, I have been wearing a B-Wear for several years. I like the protection, it is warm, but I've gotten to where I just wear a longsleeved wicking shirt the B-Wear and my old Rheima coat. Plenty warm.

I would like to find a better alternative, but I have to tell you that the B-Wear has saved my bacon on several occasions, including a head on with a 3" branch at full throttle and a couple different un-expected dismounts involving two trees, one fence and twice hitting the bars hard enough to bend 'em forward . . . Maybe what I really need is better glasses !!

Bag

 

[2XM3]

Problem I have with the streetbike/motocross protectors (and I have a couple that I wear while riding/racing) is that they have no padding, yes good protection from road rash,rocks, trauma ect, but when i'm in the boonies and have to ride out I want all the padding/protection I can get. IMHO, and I like the "all around" protection on the tekvest, motocross vest is not going to help with a tree limb to the side but anything is better than no vest

 

[sled-fiend]

I like the tekvest, I wear a light merino wool long sleeve shirt, the tekvest and a non insulated shell. Always warm unless I'm sitting around eating lunch or whatever.

 

[HOTRODREDNECK]

after a broke sternum last year i wear a tekvest. its a little warm, but you end up dressing for it and not a big deal.

 

[BigFish BC]

i have been wearing the bwear for 5 years now takes a few rides to get used to it then you never notice it.

 

[i'llDooit]

thor sentinal vest gives ample chest and back protection, nothing on the shoulder or arm. hit the bars a number of times and acctually broke my last one from the bars. no damage to me. they have vents in the mold to help cool you down when needed. just wear mine over under armor long sleave and coat over that. perfect set up for washington weather.

 

[joel97mustang]

Tekvest or Alternatives

I have worn both the Tekvest and the 661 Pressure suit. Both were hot and I thought did not offer a lot of protection. I spoke with many motocross guys and settled on a Troy Lee Designs CP5955 product. New product modified from old vest.

http://www.troyleedesigns.com/videos.php?v=534

I like the modular design. I can change to multiple configurations depending on riding conditions or protection level.

This will be my first year riding with it so I will report back. It fits under my jacket and doesn't look like I'm wearing anything.

More important you should get something for your knees. After many trials and errors I finally settled on this awesome Gel knee pad used by tile setters. Fits under pants and does not migrate down. Like these

TommyCo TOTAL FLEX GEL SURE GRIP

http://www.kneepads.com/product_info.php?products_id=97

Hope that helps

 

[TGitt]

I have a Klim tek vest. I love it. Its easy to move in, and after an hour on the first ride with it, I forgot it was there. But I'll tell you what, you have a couple get offs (I have many), or bars to the chest or trees or whatever, you'll be glad you have it. I won't ride without one. I just wear the vest, under armour, t shirt and a Klim Tomahawk shell, and I'm warm on the -15 degree days. Open a vent on the coat and just right on the 30+ degree days.

 

[Racer220]

TekVest for me. Have it for racing, but wear it no matter where I ride. It's hot if you ride aggressive, but good layering and pit-zips open conquer that. I have the removable upper-arm pads too. Plenty of times have hit the bars or gotten nailed by a branch boondocking and haven't been hurt at all. I have had the regular moto-x chest protectors, but the don't offer the padding or overall protection. Definitely a cheaper alternative for the basic stuff. Haven't tried any other styles for mobilin, but it has saved me after going through stuff like this......

 

[sledsrock]

B-Wear for me, been in mine 8 yrs. now. Only one complaint, does not provide any protection to your Tib/Fib. ...yep broke that ****er, no protection for that....lol.

 

[miko]

I like my EVS vest.

 

[Clumax]

Moto gear cheap, light, vented

I using fox airframe chest protector, elbo/forearm guards, knee/shin guards. Works great wish the chest protector had rib protection.
Purchased an EVS race collar to assist with the whiplash of bad landings, etc. Anxious to see how it works
Also looking for wrist guards thatll fit under gloves