Hard shell armour, or soft???

[Think Fast Hippie]

Trying to decide on new leg armour. I think it'll be Roach, but I don't know whether to do the older style soft nylon with inner padding, or the new hard shell stuff. My riding ranges anywhere from downhill to freeride to XC to urban. So, I guess I'm looking for something that's comfortable in all situations, and doesn't rub your legs raw after a few hours. I'm not too crazy about the colour of the hard shell stuff too (after all life is a fashion show) :eek: Suggestions... Experiences... Anyone??

[GrimJack]

Buy the new Roach stuff. It's worlds better than the old gear - which was pretty decent itself.

[Shaker]

Check out the Beastgear xxx Bareback legs. It took me 3 rides to break them in. After that they are very comfortable for long rides. They are about $100. Best thing to do is to try one that fits you.

[Lady Gravity]

Originally posted by Shaker
Check out the Beastgear xxx Bareback legs. It took me 3 rides to break them in. After that they are very comfortable for long rides. They are about $100. Best thing to do is to try one that fits you.

:werd:
i just picked up a set. they're pretty comfy, i even wear them riding (walking) up :) and i got mine on sale ($70) at westwood cycles

[Rosscofat]

harder the better wear football sholder pads

[StefB]

The new Roach armour is amazing!! Put your pads on once and that's all the adjustment you'll be doing for the duration of the ride.

[Incorrigible]

hard shell. fall on your knee once and you'll know what i mean. do try a few types though. they don't all fit the same. the new dh roach's did not fit me well for some reason.

[The_Real_Yeti]

hard because it doesnt mold to the ground when you hit it.

[IFO]

Originally posted by The_Real_Yeti
hard because it doesnt mold to the ground when you hit it.

EXACTLY.....

hard shell armor is where its at...

and armor that offers total knee protection is even better...

there are several companies offering it now....

such as AXO:

http://www.epinions.com/auto-Motorsports-Accessories-All-AXO_AXO_Total_Movement_Knee_Protector/display_~full_specs

Lightweight Thermoplastic knee and shin protection with unrestricted movement Ergonomically hinged knee provides lateral and forward support Ergonomically correct right and left sides Three adjustable velcro straps for a secure fit Slotted hinge mechanism allows fluent knee articulation Vented for added comfort Removable Biofoam protection panels Sold in pairs

[drezy]

One word: Hoots.:thepimp:

http://www.hootsgear.com/armor.html

The knee/shin combo the way to go.

[PegCityThrasher]

Get the new Roach gear. It's the shit (i hate to emulate their ads but it's true). I find it scrapes easily, but it fits amazingly well and protects better. I fell 8 feet to my knees and felt almost nothing.

BTW has anyone else had any experience with damaging the hard shell on the new Rally pads? I took a cut to the shin with a pedal, and it gouged it. No cracks or other structural compromise, just scraped like skin would