I am hearing mixed reviews about the necessity of a chest protector. Some say it is absolutely a must next to a helmet, and others say that unless you're going to being doing some serious stunts and jumps (which I won't be) that you don't need one. My other question is that if it is a major necessity, which one to get? Do they make ones especially for girls, or does it not matter? Thanks!

 

Don't think you can ever have too much protection. I think a helmet, chest protector and boots are a good idea. If you're riding in brush I'd add goggles and gloves. Always seems like overkill until you wreck.


They do make a vest type protector to go under your shirt/jersey if it's a "fashion" issue. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

hey raptorlegs, thanks for the prompt reply. However, I hope that you were just joking about the "fashion issue". I could give a crap less about what it looks like as long as it protects my body from being banged up. My question in regards to a protector for girls was whether or not they accomodate well endowed women, not what they look like.

 

Lol! I was trying to dance around that issue. Wasn't sure how you'd take it! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

But I couldn't tell you if they'd be comfortable for a grown woman. My daughter hasn't reached that age yet and my wife doesn't ride.

But hey, I don't like the way they look. Been thinking of one those others for myself. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Pretty sure I've heard they make a womens line of chest protectors. If not a rather large size will prolly work. One thing to be aware of is that they can rub you raw, if you know what I mean. I think I saw a pic of 440girl with one on and shes um.... rather endowed, maybe she could share some info with you. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I would try and pm her for faster results.

 

Acerbis makes a hard shell chest protector for women, and Nemeses makes the under-the-jersey "soft" body armor. Personally, I prefer the Nemeses. It's a lot more comfortable from a well-endowed female perspective.

Here's a couple links with some info...
Nemeses

Acerbis

 

Chest protectors are a definite DO!

Same with boots, helmet, goggles, gloves.

Protection is the name of the game whether I am racing, trailriding, or zipping along at the dunes. Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere and your best bet is to be prepared.

I'm pretty average and my ARC chest protector fits fine. Someday I'll probably go to the soft body armor, but for now this works.

 

Never ride without full protective gear, including the chest protector. You will no doubt go for years never needing it, but at least once in your life, it will save you from serious injury or even death!

My daughter and gf both have the Acerbis. It doesn't have enough coverage in the back area in my opinion, but is better than nothing. It would be nice if other manufacturers would step up and make female specific gear. A lot of "petite" women can get away with wearing a kids or small adult protector.

 

I use my chest protector like half the time i ride it just depends who i go ridin with.... if its my little bro on his 80 i wont wear it cause im not gonna be really ridin hard.... If its with my friends then ill wear it cause im gonna be flin through trails and hittin jumps.

 

Let me tell you from experience...I am a female and I race, but I also just casual ride and do some duning and I can tell you from first hand experience a chest protector is soooooo important! I would hate to see how I would be my last wreck had I not had one. Think of it like wearing your seat belt(If you use one that is) it becomes a habit and I dont like to go w/o mine most of the time now.

Now.... As for chest protectors,alot will depend on your build. I personally didnt like a female protector and I went with a shift and I like it . If your very busty and your not a tiny build a female protector may or may not fit well, you will just have to go to an atv shop and try on a few. I bought mine too big and learned that cause when I would sit, the shoulders would go up and I couldnt turn my head!(cured that"look back " habit I had!)

go check out my wreck... www.quadjunkies.neptune.com if you saw BELOW my chest protector how badly bruised I was you would know just how important my chest protector was for me . [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Take care of that chest, cause when we get old its all downhill !!!! LOL !!


Tina