Our AZONIC Z-5 body armor is the finest on the planet. Constructed from high impact injection molded plastic featuring full spine forming flexible plastic protection and light weight netting for the ultimate in a comfortable secure fit. Additional features include full zipper front closure system, adjustable elastic kidney belt with genuine Velcro® closure and fully adjustable Spandex® straps throughout the arm and shoulders.
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Layton, UT, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Good protection.
Weaknesses:
Tears easily.
Similar Products Used:
See previous post
Bike Setup:
'04 BigHit, Jr. T
Bottom Line:
I have taken a few good crashes, and the armor did not get damaged (neither did I). I did snag a tree branch and the armor received a 9" tear without even pulling me off the bike. I was surprised at how easily the mesh tore. It was an easy fix, and the armor still works great.
I would downgrade my previous rating slightly...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Layton, UT, USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything technical and downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$149.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Great fit; the plastic stays put, well-ventilated (for armor). Does not inhibit movement.
Weaknesses:
I haven't found any yet. We'll see after my first big digger...
If you are into all-mountain/freeride or downhill, this is a great product. I was willing to spend more for 661 armor, but the Azonic Z-5 was highly recommended.
I am 5'8" and 170 lbs; the S/M fits perfect.
Check out www.go-ride.com.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drew
a Downhiller
from charleston, wv Date Reviewed: May 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Trail of Death
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
-Mesh is weak and uncomfortable -Zipper is better suited to an evening gown -Velcro straps are held on with disolving stitches -Elastic straps fray and are really uncomfortable
Similar Products Used:
Can't wait to add the 661 or rockgardn stuff to this list
Bottom Line:
This thing is crap
I can't believe it's gotten this high of a rating. I will say that when new, this thing provided a decent measure of protection. It has probably saved my ass in a couple of falls, but I wouldn't know it because I was too pissed about injuries I did sustain from its failure. Since the velcro straps all broke just putting it on and taking it off, the armor parts move around freely. I now have all the guards held in place with zip ties...they have been far more reliable.
To add to this weakness, the zipper crapped out on me after about 6 months of use, so that put added stress on what was left of the velcro. I've got the zipper attached w/ zip ties at the bottom because it took me 30 minutes to get the zipper to start from where it's ripped away from the mesh. I now have to pull it over my head and then zip it up...I'm just waiting for the zipper to totally give up on me.
When it gets wet (unless you're riding in the dead of winter, it will get wet) it turns to mush and things just rip. There are holes in the mesh all over, and it has stretched to no end. The elastic arm straps dig into your arms, but that doesn't matter because they've frayed so much that they will probably dissinigrate soon.
I expect gear to fail eventually, but this thing started giving up from the get-go. I do not recommend this thing at all. The jackets from other companies have more padding, are better built and are much more comfortable.
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Submitted by
Mike
a
from Jersey Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Good protection on light to moderate falls.
Weaknesses:
Stitching rips, Velcro rips off, even without crashing.
Big bucks for bits of nylon and plastic.
Not made for people with large upper bodies.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail with 5 inches of travel up front.
Bottom Line:
Good suit for winter riding (frozen ground hurts).
Took one good fall with suit on - only my face took a beating (didn't have full face helmet).
Once the straps are set up, it goes on quickly.
For you beefier riders - take note: I have a 48" chest and a 36" waist, I bought an XXL, and it is TIGHT. REAL TIGHT. If you do some XC, you will want to take this off after a short while.
Two of the velcro straps (behind shoulders) popped off within 2 weeks of purchase. Didn't seem to affect function much. Kidney belt is made for someone with a MAX 32 inch waist (and that's a stretch).
When I have this off, I crash. When it is on, I don't crash. Must be a confidence thing. Makes me wish it fit a bit better so I'd wear more often (it would be too hot, anyway).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DHLover
a Downhiller
from British Columbia Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
My back yard
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
It is very breathable and quite light. As well I thought the spine protection was fairly good.
Weaknesses:
After a few crashes and a couple tumbles I was convinced that this armor offered only the minimal amount of padding for your chest and when you hit big the armor slips even if its only a bit. It sucks to stop on a trail and adjust your padding and sometimes you can't... then what! Ouch, thats what. The spine prtotection could have fit a little more snug and it has a tendancy to ride up on the neck especially if you have a pack. And when hitting steep descents it limits how far forward you can look. As well I Gratted my ribs pretty bad, but the mesh held up good, with only a small tear in the fabric. I have to say it was not worth the $100 CDN I payed for it.Maybe its good for North shore Free Ride but it is sh*t for the serious Downhiller.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
KHS DominaTrax built up to my specs
Bottom Line:
Good for the mildest of mild North Shore freeride but for downhill and serious freeride I'd say buy the RockGardN FlakJacket, and throw in another $38 to get the Cover Your Ass protective shorts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Winter Park Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Goat
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
It has padding. good spinal coverage. better than nothing.
Weaknesses:
The padding is very thin. My normal elbow pads soften a fall better. The shoulder pads are gay. They stick out to much and make you look stupid. The velcro rips off fast. Two falls on skis and all of the velcro straps broke. My suggestion to you is do not buy it. In the the pictures on websites you can see that the velcro straps are narrower than other brands. My advice to you is to not buy or send it back if you already have.
Bottom Line:
Buy something else. You will be glad you did. It is expensive for crap. If you buy this armor and actually plan on using it, make sure you'll still have enough money to buy some better armor when you are ready to throw it away. Be wary of the good reviews, someone just might be advertising and trying to sell this crap. It's a plastic, thin foam, fishnet, collection of garbage strapped together with velcro. For 175+.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bugzee Malone
a
from Kiwi in Kobe, Japan Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Futatabesan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
$100 on eBay
Strengths:
Good over all protection Not too hot
Weaknesses:
Stitching could be better. More collarbone protection would be an improvement.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC3 ...various mods
Bottom Line:
One nasty crash showed me how valuable armor is. The only problem I have had so far is the stitching holding the shoulder pad to the mesh has come undone. Other reviewers said the mesh is weak but I have worn it under and over clothing and by itself on really hot days and no rips so far. I don't have a problem with it riding up and in general its fairly comfortable.
I would have given it 5 chilis but the stitching let it down
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Downhiller
from Thousand Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Excellent cooling and airflow, okay protection.
Weaknesses:
Protection is weak compared to 661 Pressure Suit or Rockgardn Flak Jacket, but the cooling is SO much better.
Similar Products Used:
661 Pressure Suit
Bike Setup:
Foes Fly w/F1-XL
Bottom Line:
Great for the summer, when it's too hot to wear the 661. Looks like the mesh material would rip very easily, elastic bands don't secure the armor as well as 661's velcro straps. Chest protection is pretty minimal, just a sheet of thin perforated foam. Can't believe the retail price is $200! Worth it if you ride where it's hot and you can get one around a hundred bucks, don't pay much more than that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark W
a Weekend Warrior
from Zebulon NC Date Reviewed: January 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Downtown
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
birthday from mom
Weaknesses:
velcro tab riped out
Bike Setup:
Big Hit
Bottom Line:
unfasten all velcro first befor you strap your self on this thing caus Im a big dude as soon as I got in this thing i tore out two tabs at the chest and back have not used it yet as soon as I do Ill be sure to post here first it dose seem tough
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre Sanches
a Downhiller
from San Diego (originally from Rio, Brazil) Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anderson Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
through sponsor
Strengths:
Cost/benefit ratio. Pads stay in place, during the ride and ruding the crashes (I guess that's what they are meant for). Awesome spine protection.
Weaknesses:
Chest pad could be little more thick.
Similar Products Used:
Some other dainese, fox pads (generic motorcross type) and bomb shell.
Bike Setup:
KHS fetishe pimped out.
Bottom Line:
This armor goes for about $150 I guess, and it is definetelly worth that much. The pads saty in place, and you don't feel like carying an extra person wheny ou have it on. My movements were never limited due the fact I had this armor on. It is very well ventilated and the spine protection covers what it is supposed to. Very adjustable as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Lord
a Downhiller
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Nouvelle Cycle
Strengths:
pad placement.
Weaknesses:
the mesh net used as the main componet is weak. will tear at the seams very easy. the back spin protector jams into my neck. built for ppl taller than 6'. zipper if intrusive if no under shirt is worn. needs a bit of padding to stop chafing
Similar Products Used:
UFO. same thing, differnt lable
Bike Setup:
Marin Team DH, Foes Wet One, Azonic thoughtout.
Bottom Line:
for the price. Not worth it. the materials and workmanship is sub-standard. more thought should be put into the armor sizes/body sizes. I am a "Average" male. 5'10" 170 lbs. large does not fit very well and the med is almost too small. the spine protector could fit better. all and all its not worty of the Azonic name.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter Petersen
a Downhiller
from Danville, CA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Karpiel to Dogbone to bailout
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Everything. Tons of padding everywhere. Seriously. I'd type more but I just about a 1 full page bottom line so I'm speeding through this. Buy this armor.
Weaknesses:
That peopel like Snake are allowed to wear body armor this good. You're gay. If you comment negativealy on the look of pads, you're definitely gay.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air
Bottom Line:
It is better than the fox and the 661. The fox DOES NOT have more collarbone coverage. Go look at the frickin picture. It has tons of chest coverage. The back strip is about 5 inches wide. The kidney belt is nice and there is full arm coverage. It's made of full tough mesh. This kicks ass on all other suits except for the Dainese. COMPLAINER #1!!!! It's obvious that you didn't read Airbombs store polcies and ordered the wrong size. If you had done so, you would have seen this- "Returns on clothing are not permitted - please be sure of your size before ordering any clothing items." And this "Items specially ordered for you, which includes all clothing, cannot be returned. Thats fair, right?" You're an idiot, you should have called around to see what stores would match the price.
Complainer # 2- Who cares if the back plate does not come off- me and a bunch of people aren't willing to pay 100 bucks extra to be .5 degrees cooler when we have a camelback on.
Buy this ARMOOORRRRRR DAMNNIT!!!!!!!!!!! It's the best. It works great!!!! If you want to buy it- Call Patric at Culver City Whhel World and tell him you saw it on airbomb.com for 150 (check that first, it might change. #(310) 391-5251 They match it and ship it quickly.
PS- 2 things- the armor is completely black- if you tighten the starps the first time, they don't tear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snake
a Downhiller
from Winter Park, CO Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
Good back, elbow coverage.
Weaknesses:
Shoulder pads are gay, they need to protect higher. They sit on the sides and move down with a big fall. Chest protection is minimal. Durability of velcro and some stitching not great. Fall on your shoulder, your screwed. With the shoulders sticking out the way they do, it looks gay too.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
plush
Bottom Line:
Their has to be something better. Try other armor on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Seoul, South Korea Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Acha/Namhan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
X-Bike
Strengths:
Comfortable when riding/ not restrictive/ good overall protection
Weaknesses:
The stitching has come undone in a few places (for a $230 bit of gear that is pretty disappointing/ it's hot/ shoulder pads are too bulky and don't sit where they should.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant AC2 stock except Fox Vanilla RC and Shimano DX peddals
Bottom Line:
This suit is OK. I bought it because I busted my collar bone after one month of biking. I don't know if the suit would have saved my collar bone had I been wearing it then because the shoulder pads seem to sit kind of low. The things I don't like about it are: the shoulder pad's are too bulky and sit more on the sides of your shoulder instead of on top where your collar bone needs protecting. I always ride with a backpack so I don't need the back protector but unlike the Dainesse suit the back piece can not be removed. The quality leaves a bit to be desired, for that amount of money you would think they could have decent stitching. The things I like about it are: once you're riding (going downhill) you don't know it's there. The bottom bottom line, I want to sell mine and buy the Dainesse just because this suit will cook me this summer, having a plastic chest plate and not being able to remove the back piece and also wearing a back pack is like riding around with a strap on oven. If your just going downhill and don't wear a backpack, a good buy except for the low riding shoulder pads and so-so quality. If you riding up and down hills with a backpack, take another look at the Dainesse. (that's what I'm going to do)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Karasch
a Downhiller
from Weston, MA, USA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Landrys Bicycles
Strengths:
it is so flexible and really protects if you fall. trust me!
Weaknesses:
it is a little expensive but other than that it is awsome
Bike Setup:
8in inverted, 8in fox, hayes hydro. 8in rotor
Bottom Line:
Buy it! You can use it for life practcally. i use mine all of the time and nothing has gone wrong and hey, i am still in one piece. no broken bones with it yet. its awsome. you have got to try it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a Downhiller
from scotland Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Offbeat downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Oban Cycles
Strengths:
Very comfortable, fits over or under any clothing i care to put on, doesn't restrict me at all, saved me a lot of pain.
Weaknesses:
The little velcro strips that offer a little bit more adjustability seem to rip out on bigger crashes.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
orange patriot, five inch patriots, hope etc.
Bottom Line:
I've used this a lot on the biggest course in britain, and the armour has been brilliant, no movement, no restriction, keeps me no more than comfortably warm, the lot. The armour features little velcro tabs that tighten the armour that little bit more. I don't seem to use them much, except the chest ones, but these tabs seem awfully vulnerable when you crash, i've ripped two out already. I suppose the lesson is to tighten them allowing for crashes. The armour has saved me any bloodshed since i've started riding with it, although i still managed to tear some ligaments, i suppose i'd better learn how to crash properly... My valu rating probably doesn't mean squat, i got my armour free, i suppose i'd feel annoyed if i paid £170 and these bits ripped out, but they seem so unimportant that i'll give it five anyhew.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tattoos
a Weekend Warrior
from God's Country Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$179.00
Purchased At:
Wooden Wheels
Bottom Line:
Got a chance to do some real riding with the gear on. Didn't crash, but gotta say, once it's on, the stuff dissapears! I was worried that on long rides, the armor would feel restrictive, or move around or something...no way! This stuff is a safety net that you forget you have on. Very cool. I give 5 flamin' dookies!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kuma-san
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX Date Reviewed: March 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Azonic
Strengths:
Good coverage and adjustability. Not too uncomfortable. Saves you from nasty bumps.
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from God's country Date Reviewed: February 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
one that goes down
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
wooden wheels
Strengths:
Tons of coverage. Not too restrictive, less money than dianese, but coverage just as good. Pads don't wander around. Makes you look like "Ve are here to *pump* you up!"
Weaknesses:
Can't make up for lack of riding skill! also, seams kinda chafe on exposed skin. Not too bad in the winter, but we will see how this feels come summer! (ugh~*)
Similar Products Used:
Lizard skinz, Axo, JT
Bike Setup:
Still waiting on the Big Hit with a Stratos S7 Baby!
Bottom Line:
Good protection for the money (if you like your skin). I tend to lose skin when I (frequently) crash. I have a lot of tattoos, and it seems like if I don't wear pads, I crash and scrape off a layer of skin (and ink.) Okay, so in essence they are sissy pads as Terry says, but hey, you only get one body!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quizz
a Weekend Warrior
from Fajardo, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pep Boys-Sandy Hills, Las Cañas
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Full coverage. Better protection for your spine. Intimidating under a long-sleeve jersey.
Weaknesses:
Not the same chest coverage as a chest/back/shoulder plate.
I only use this on the motorcycle and it's saved me from more than a few scrapes. The best thing about this one is the elbow pads and spine pads. It's light, it covers good, and it looks like you spend free time at the gym if you don't lift your jersey.
My only gripe with it is that you don't get the same frontal protection against sticks and stones (which CAN break your bones) on your chest as a normal MX plate.
Wouldn't change it for anything though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ED
a Cross-Country Rider
from NEW JERSY Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
ONE WITH DIRT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
LOTS OF UPPER BODY COVERAGE
Weaknesses:
NONE YET
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
ELLWORTH TRUTH WB SC90 ROCKY MOUNTAIN RM6 ON THE WAY
Bottom Line:
I'VE ONLY BEEN DOWNHILLING A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT GOT HOOKED ON THE FIRST TRIP.MAN DOES IT HURT WHEN YOU SLAM. AFTER A COUPLE OF PAINFUL TRIPS I DECIDED TO BUY SOME GEAR. WHAT A RELEIF I DIDN'T FEEL A THING AFTER GOING DOWN ON THE ROCKS. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NOT FEELING A THING WHEN I FALL NEXT SEASON. THANK YOU AZONIC.
Overall Rating:
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