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Core Rat
Hardcore Arm Armor
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Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Clementine/Foresthill Divide | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat web site | | Strengths: | Light, good quality padding. | | Weaknesses: | Straps are a little annoying, and
require some adjustement. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | I recommend these pads for a cross country
rider who also likes to do technical stuff and
does not want to leave a lot of skin on the
trail. They are very light and ventilation
is no problem. In a crash, they offer a
very decent protection. Spend a few minutes
adjusting the straps before a ride, because
if they are not just right either the straps will
be annoyingly tight or the guards will move around.
I also suspect that they a hard core downhill
rider may find their protection insufficient.
However, I like them a lot, and just forget they're
on until I hit the ground.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a
from B.C, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | funhogz (used) | | Strengths: | Light weight while still offering pretty good coverage. Straps are criss-crossed to prevent having a strap in your elbow joint. Got em for a good price. Look gnarly. | | Weaknesses: | There could be a little bit more backing on the straps. You hafta center them perfectly or else the velcro will saw into your arm. I guess you could just run long sleeves under them though. Not a super big deal. | | Bike Setup: | Older Specialized P.3 frame, '04 dirt jumper 3 fork, atomlab general issue bars and stem, General issue rim rear, sun rhyno lite rime front, BMX seat, ritchy post, Tank headset, raceface DH cranks w/ double envy bash guards... pimped right out. | | Bottom Line: | Over all these are a great light weight arm pad. I ride evrything from urban, to dirtjump, to single track, to shuttle runs at the ski hill. I find these pads just enouph. After 10 minutes you forget that their even on. Not to hot for the summer. Some people might want a bit more protection, but their great for me. also the armpads have removable foam for easy washing...
Just need a little more backing on the velcro, and they'd be top shelf. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | from corerat web site | | Strengths: | light, good protection, and stay on when riding. the ventilation is great for those who ride up as well as down. these are not full tilt armor for hucksters. great for freeride and xc. the elbow pad is tough formed disk and offers good coverage - I liked the crossed straps (similar to my old hockey pads) as they offer good motion and retention | | Weaknesses: | no issues | | Similar Products Used: | tried wearing some hockey elbow pads with a deep formed elbow cup, but they did not allow for any freedom of motion. rode with some of the heavy duty dh ones for a while but way to heavy, hot and more for rolling down scree slopes | | Bike Setup: | giant reign 1 | | Bottom Line: | I have used these extensively over the last summer, and have no complaints. they do the job well, stay in place and are open so you do not sweat and overheat with them on, which is an issue on warm days, and uphills
the service was exceptional from Corerat and I got a whack of gear all for a good price. shipping was quick and with no hassles (I received a confirmation e-mail and a tracking number for my parcel).
I would give them 5 of 5, and recommend them to anyone looking for some freeride protection that will not bust your wallet or your body if you need to use them. did I say the service was exceptional? IT WAS
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Wahsatcchh!! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Cruz FR Kit | | Strengths: | Lightweight | | Weaknesses: | not enough protection. Strap system sucks. Not freeride worthy. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these pads after reading the reviews here. The only thing going for these pads are that they are really lightweight. They don't offer protection or confidence for serious riding and are only good for cross country. The strap system is a mess and it is really hard to get a good fit. The plastic and foam are held together with some double sided tape. I really don't like these pads.
When you receive them in the mail they encourage you to write a review on this site. That is there are so many reviews for this product, not because it is good product. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pauly G
a Cross Country Rider
from Capitola
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | Lightweight
Comfortable, even in warm temps. (80-90 Deg F)
Excellent protection - doesn't move in a crash
Fits easily in a camelback. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is my first armor purchase. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bottom Line: | Angie gets a thumbs up for fast and courteous service by quickly responding to my questions and I received the pads within a week of placing the order.
This is my first set of pads so it took a few rides to get comfortable wearing them and now I don't even notice they’re on. I have started wearing the pads for entire rides, including climbs, when it's not too hot. This has spared my arms from minor falls on steep-technical climbs, scrapes from sharp branches or thorns and poison oak.
The added confidence I have while wearing these pads has resulted higher speeds and doing bigger stunts. They have stayed in place through crashes on dirt, rocks, tree branches and I received no scrapes or bruises on the areas covered. Must have been great advertising since several riding partners now own these pads.
The bottom line is these pads have saved my arms many times and I would buy them again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Downhiller
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | skid marks/ bullit | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | core rat | | Strengths: | price/ design/comfort | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | fox | | Bike Setup: | 2003 intense tazer f/s /xtr/shimmino xt brakes/drirt jumper
1 | | Bottom Line: | broke my arm a 16 months ago I felt I needed some
protection. After quite a few crashes and no new injuries
all I can say is that these thinks rock!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks angie | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Yip
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Strengths: | Light Weight
Excellent Protection
Good Flexibility | | Weaknesses: | Unfortunately, None | | Similar Products Used: | Roach | | Bike Setup: | Brodie Devo and Awl | | Bottom Line: | These pads are amazing, they give you great flexibility, and the protection you need. Thank god for the protection this weekend, cause if it wasn't for wearing them, the tree would definately would of had the last laugh. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Weekend Warrior
from socal
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat direct | | Strengths: | Lightweight (210gm/pr).
Well made.
Easily washable inner pad.
COmfortable in warm temps. | | Weaknesses: | Lightweight, maybe not the best choice for DH. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | RacerX | | Bottom Line: | I like these pads. When they arrived in the mail I had some doubts because of their weight (less than 1/2 lb), but I've come to appreciate the design and the comfort. I wanted pads specifically for XC riding with lots of climbing but where you might want so pro on the technical sections, and these will do nicely.
They consist of a hardshell elbow cup and forearm guard, with a one piece high density foam inner liner that velcros to the shell. There are three elastic/velcro straps, two for the forearm and one for the wrist area. Once adjusted the forearm straps don't need to be undone again, you can just slide your arm under them and secure the wrist strap, very quick and easy.
Fitting these pads the first time is a little like fitting a new helmet, there's a few thing to adjust and then it's good forever. Here's a few tips that might help:
1) Be sure that the foam is properly centered and attached to the hardshell, mine wasn't on one pad. It's velcro so just lift the pad and center it in the shell. This makes everything fit better.
2) Be sure the elbow cup is properly centered over the elbow. With your arm bent at 90 degree, there should be a similar bend in the pad at the elbow.
3) The straps are longer than you may need, but can easily be trimmed with scissors.
Okay, I haven't fallen on them yet, but I'm confident that these are the way to go for XC armor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Roseville, CA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Corerat.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable, lightweight, good fit -- just like their knee pads. | | Weaknesses: | Tan lines on your arm -- but who cares?!? =) | | Similar Products Used: | My skin | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, all stock except for chain, grips and bar-ends. | | Bottom Line: | Great, lightweight protection for those who ride cross-country while making your on very narrow singletrack along rocky cliffs or tree-lined forests -- good for dabbing trees and hillsides. I bought these after going over the bars and spraining my left wrist very badly (it still hurts a bit after 3 weeks) on very rocky terrain. Yes, I also bought wrist braces as well. Bottom line: it'll boost your confidence and it will save your forearm and elbows on those minor and major spills. If ride cross-counrtry and you're sick and tired of bruised and scabbed body parts -- get them!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marcus
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, CALI
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Local Verdugo Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | CoreRat.com | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Very Comfortable, adjustable straps. Prompted customer service! Affortable price! | | Weaknesses: | Keep having to adjust it so it will cover my elbows properly. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Enduro Pro | | Bottom Line: | I decided to get a arm gear after I banged up my arms pretty bad on several occasions. I heard about this after all the rave reviews. I was impressed by how comfortable these felt. After a 20 mile epic, I heardly noticed these were there. I haven't crashed with these on yet but probably will soon! These are great for those epic cross country trips because they are light weight and provides ample protection for you arms and elbows.
The adjustable straps were too long and thin!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Downhiller
from Bay Area
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Core-Rat | | Strengths: | Comfortable - Hardly know they're on, Cool, Stay Put, Do what they're supposed to do - protect your skin/bones | | Weaknesses: | I have the old style knee/shin guards - the straps would occasionally dig in and rub slighty after being on the bike for 20+ miles...but Angie has fixed this with the "Burly" pads. | | Similar Products Used: | Roach, 911, Fox | | Bike Setup: | One of those "trail/fr" types...it don't matter much here | | Bottom Line: | These guards have saved my bacon numerous times. They are comfortable, even in hot weather. After you have them on for awhile, they sorta "dissapear" and you forget you are wearing them. My confidence/comfort level is much higher when wearing these - allows me to not hesitate on a stunt that slight hesitation may make the difference between grace or ugliness.
They take a bit longer to put on than some other brands....but the comfort and "stay put" factor makes up for that. The pads seperate from the shell armor so one may wash them...a HUGH plus in my book as they start stankin' after a couple rides :-D | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chas Spaz
a Weekend Warrior
from Southington, CT
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | MDC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | Light and comfortable both in fit and temperature. | | Weaknesses: | none for intended riding style (see below) | | Similar Products Used: | None...did a lot of research and bought good equipment the first time. | | Bike Setup: | Have an old REDLINE hardtail frame w Zokes Atom Bomb and a mixture of LX, XT and XTR 8 and 9 speed parts. (yes it can be done). Buying a Kona Dawg Delux soon! | | Bottom Line: | Everything made by core rat it tops. I have both the arm and leg armor.
There are a couple of things to consider. First, when you have your arm bent at 90 degrees, the elbow cup should be positioned behind your elbow not below it. I think many people are wearing them too low. If you have the straps tight enough movement while riding is minimal. I agree that the elbow cup may be a little small. Second, these pads will protect you from the impact of a fall. They may move if you continue to slide and you’ll get a “road rash”, but any other armor will unless it is the type that fully encloses your arm. But, if your armor is uncomfortable you will end up not wearing it. My rides are for 2 hrs in HOT humid New England and I never have a problem with heat or comfort. These are not downhill pads but trail/technical rider pads. I’ve fallen hard on the rocks and may have gotten a few scrapes, but was protected from breaks and bruises. For me, these pads are a good balance between comfort and protection.
The armor has a removable outer plastic hard shell and an inner dense foam pad that can be thrown in the wash (or just hosed off).
The BEST thing about this company is that the owner "Angie" answers your phone calls and email herself. Instant customer satisfaction, and your talking to and supporting a fellow rider.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chance Richie
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Emma Long | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Corerat.com | | Strengths: | Light and cool | | Weaknesses: | Shift on my arm | | Bike Setup: | Tricked out Enduro | | Bottom Line: | These pads are very light and are made well. With that said they shift on my arm too much. I have small wrists but large forearm muscles so this could be a personal problem. I would recommend trying them out because they wreak of quality and the customer service is outstanding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Price
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Light weight, plenty of air flow | | Weaknesses: | Straps could be a bit more substantial | | Similar Products Used: | Fox | | Bike Setup: | Switchblade, Fox Forx | | Bottom Line: | The Core Rat pads offer a decent amount of protection without being as hot and bulky as other pads. They are a good choice for aggressive riding. I wouldn't recommend them for DHing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunday River, ME, Philadelphia PA
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from Manufacturer | | Strengths: | Excellent Fit, and therefore provides excellent protection. Light weight and well articulated freedom of movement. | | Weaknesses: | I had to shorten some of the velcro straps, I have small fore-arms | | Similar Products Used: | EVS, Fox | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale V500 | | Bottom Line: | I ride primarily on weekends and vacations. Most agressive riding is as Sunday River, ME where body protection is a must. I am not a big person 5'5" , 135 lbs, so fit of armor products is tricky. These pads are designed for fit, flexability and comfort, making you want to wear them. An excellent product that has save me from serious injury on multiple occasions. Well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from ma
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | direct | | Strengths: | Light, durable, excellent service | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | Great stuff cheap, have gone down quite a few times and every time it feels like nice soft leaves. No bumps or bruises which leads to better biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis
a Cross Country Rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Light and cool. Excellent for XC'ing. They built up my confidence in the sections I knew could clean but was too gunshy to fully commit. The knee protection can attach to the shin protection quickly and easily to make extended climbing easier. I have kept the knees in place during climbing and did not find them too intrusive. | | Weaknesses: | If you never wore pads/armor before I think there will be an adjustment period. I felt that the pads were moving around but were just "settling in" and stayed put.
You'll look like a Star Wars character especially if you wear the arm and the leg armor together. | | Similar Products Used: | I have the Leg armor too and I am VERY impressed. | | Bike Setup: | SPOT Single Speed. Rocky Mountain Element Race. | | Bottom Line: | I ride my SPOT almost 90% of the time now and I have been tackling harder and harder terrain (aka bigger rock gardens). I purchased these pads for 2 reasons
1. Alittle confidence boost- falling down now isn't catastrophic and they allow me to hang in there for the few seconds that could mean cleaning the section
2. Insurance- I ride after work quite a bit so I'm racing against nightfall and I rarely see many people on the trail
I have fallen with the pads on and I am very pleased with the results. The pads stay put and do what they are supposed to do. They are light and compact enough to throw in a camel bak and quick enough to throw on and off. The arm protection has become the norm for me during almost all of my rides and the leg protection I save for the really sketchy sections.
I can't and won't speak to their ability to serve the freeride and downhill rider types but for the harder side of XC you'll be hard pressed to find a better protection.
Angie was very cool to deal with as well.
I'm initially giving 5 chilies because these really surpassed my expectations, and I will post more feedback as time goes on- more falls, etc... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike McArthur
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Schleyer | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | Light, not too hot, fit under jersey and jackets, doesn't take up much space in camelback. | | Weaknesses: | Move around at the worst possible time. | | Similar Products Used: | Roach | | Bike Setup: | '01 KonaStinky/SuperT/Hayes/321rims etc. | | Bottom Line: | Well, I've now put 2 large gashes in both elbows because these pads moved when I've crashed. They simply don't stay put when you need them most. When I fell last weekend, they just slid up my arm, hence exposing my elbow and sending me to the clinic (ride over!). So, I say choose the hotter pads like Roach and suffer in the sun so you can save some skin when you fall. Don't buy it if you crash. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat | | Strengths: | Light weight & comfortable. protection is great. Angie's service. | | Similar Products Used: | 661, roach | | Bottom Line: | Had a couple of major spills up at Whistler. Hole in jersey,
scratches on pads, didn't feel a thing.
I ordered the arms on Thurs. in the morning & Angie had them at my office door before 3pm that SAME afternoon.
Awsome product & Awsome Service, what more can you ask for.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Strengths: | Open design cool in hot weather | | Weaknesses: | Does not stay in place | | Similar Products Used: | Roach D-H Arms | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Altitude T.O. | | Bottom Line: | Is it just me or are these things too small for a grown man? I did buy the regulars not the juniors. The elbow cap does not stay in place and tends to slip down the forearm. In one crash the whole pad rotated and exposed my arm, resulting in abrasions.
I had to sew a wider elastic wrist strap in order to get them tight enough. I think a few more hours in R & D would go a long way.
When it gets cooler I'm back to the Roaches | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tulpas
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Direct from manufacturer | | Strengths: | Solid, simple effective armour | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Rocky Mountain Element 18", IRC Tires, Purple Hayes 6" discs | | Bottom Line: | Very well designed and constructed. Crash tested - they work great for me! Get some and save your elbows for better things... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
harald eberhardt
a Weekend Warrior
from blackheath australia
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | blackheath | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | net | | Strengths: | very light, comfortable,stays in place | | Weaknesses: | none as yet | | Similar Products Used: | dainese,azonic | | Bike Setup: | ac2 with z3qr20 | | Bottom Line: | best armour yet for at an affordable price even in a$
mailing over here was very quick. best worn by freeride type riders, for downhill probably not enough protection | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Haro Impulse
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | North Carolina & limestone Pits | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet direct Core Rat | | Strengths: | Light weight, cool, easily washed, durable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | fox pads | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR Enduro (does that matter?) | | Bottom Line: | First of all, the Canadian company get thumbs up for excellent and curtious customer service.
I've used these pads for about two years (yeah they last). I've ripped into many rocks doing endos, hops, crashes, bounces off trees - and they always save my ass.
I live in Florida where its damn hot and often muddy or sandy. The shell is hard, padding soft, elbow joint is flexible. These pads won't dehydrate you, they won't trap dirt and sweat, they don't STINK. And you don't look like and extreme stripper wearing mad-max lingerie.
After a ride - the foam padding comes right away from the hard plastic shell for easy cleaning with a hose or toss them in the washing machine.
These are the easiest pads I've seen on the market to wear and care for. (low price too) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat.com | | Strengths: | lightweight, breathable, extremely durable. I know everyone says this, but you definitely dont even notice they are there. | | Weaknesses: | weakness? none that i can see | | Similar Products Used: | fox | | Bike Setup: | 99 Hoffman EP | | Bottom Line: | get them | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from New Britain, CT
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$33.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat.com | | Strengths: | Fit good, removable pads, light, cool, don't slip down my arms, and reasonably priced. | | Weaknesses: | Elbow cup might be a little small for people with larger arms. Fabric backing on straps a bit narrow. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox | | Bike Setup: | 2002 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ disc. | | Bottom Line: | These pads are sweet so far. Once I started riding I forgot they were there. They seem strong and durable, but I haven't crashed yet with them on. I'm more confident when I ride and I try a lot more technical terrain with them on. I'll post another review after I crash a few times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Canadian made
Fits
Works
Removable padding | | Weaknesses: | Straps too narrow | | Similar Products Used: | Thor MX elbow guards | | Bottom Line: | These arms pads would be perfect except for one thing - the criss-cross velcro straps are too narrow. If you don't align the hook part perfectly over the loop part, the overhanging velcro saws your forearm in half. Angie, please make the fabric backing 1/4" wider than the velcro - then they'll be perfect! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angus Lemon
a
from Anaheim, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | Light weight, comfortable, cooler than other pads, good protection. | | Weaknesses: | Makes you too brave! | | Similar Products Used: | Hammer. | | Bike Setup: | SanatCruz bullit | | Bottom Line: | I ride the rocky trails (and urban landscape) of Southern California and these pads have saved my body too many times to remember.
Two weeks ago I went over the bars on "warm-up" a steep, sharp, rocky trail in Palos-Verdes, I slid on all fours for a good 20 feet. The only damage to me was above the core-rat body armor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a
from Boca Raton, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | locally....Markham & Oleta | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | core rat | | Strengths: | light weight, low-profile, strong, stay where they are supposed to be(no slipping down my arms constantly like some bulkier, cheesy pads. Full fore-arm protection. So nice you won't even notice them on your arms until you need them......then you KNOW that something amazing has just absorbed that skin shredding impact w/ no discomfort what-so-ever. Just look at the gouges in the plastic.....that would have been my forearm. Thanks Angie. | | Weaknesses: | stickers got scraped off on some trailside trees somewhere. who cares? I've got Core-rat logos on my SHORTS. | | Bottom Line: | These are the best elbow protection Ive ever used. I am using them for moto-cross and snowboarding too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cary
a Cross Country Rider
from Castro Valley, Ca.
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fisher Creek, Idaho | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Good Fit, Comfortable, Not to hot, Stay's in place well | | Weaknesses: | Like the one review say's "no autographed picture of Angie"
bummer. | | Similar Products Used: | Lizard Skins, Roach | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Element, Wilder 24" off road unicycle | | Bottom Line: | These pads fit better and are more comfortable than the ones I've tried. I haven't taken a bad fall on them yet, but can tell that they'll do the job. Buy em, and see if you can talk Angie into that picture for us. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from RI
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | core rat | | Strengths: | Light weight, stay in place, forget they are there, Customer service, and most of all Angie. | | Weaknesses: | Come on they're Core Rat, you can't spell weakness with Core Rat. | | Similar Products Used: | 661, kona | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Kona Roast frame, Zokes Z3 100 fork, Rhyno lite rims, Truvativ stylo team and isis BB, Ringle ZUZU pedals, Precision Billet brake levers, and V-brakes, Precision Billet rear der., SRAM 9.0 front der., SRAM shorty grip shifts, SRAM 9.0 SL rear hub, SRAM 7.0 rear cogs, Avid flak jacket cables, SACHS chain, Specialized Big Hit 2.5 front tire, Panaracer Fire 2.1 rear, Specialized Stout front hub, KONA seat post, Bontrager saddle, Specialized shorty stem, RESOL DH clear lexan front fender, RESOL clear lexan frame armor, Profile carbon riser bars, Ritchey TGV grips, RESOL black delrin grip caps. | | Bottom Line: | They are light stay in place you forget you are wearing them, and when you hit things it doesn't hurt. I have a habit of bouncing off trees when I ride, a quick fore arm shiver off the nearest tree and I'm back and pointed in the right direction. With the Core Rat gear it has actually become more fun pinballing through the woods, and I spend less time pulling bark out of my arms. Customer support is outstanding, and Angie has the sweetest voice, hey I melted. Buy directly form Core rat and save some dough, and say hi to the woman behind it all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Lighter weight and cooler than most. Reasonably priced. Prevents loss of skin and blood. Pads are removeable for cleaning. Nice fit. | | Weaknesses: | Leaves an untanned X mark on my arms where the strap criss crosses my arm when riding on sunny summer days. | | Similar Products Used: | 1st body armour | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer with Psylo SL and Vanilla Coil rear. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent product and customer serivce. I somehow lost one of the arm armours and figured Id have to buy a new pair. I emailed Angie and she sold me just one for a very reasonable price. She even took the time to question my shipping instructions which saved me a few more bucks. Thanks Angie!
Now, about the product....I wanted something relatively light weight, cool for Illinois hot humid summer days, unobtrusive yet protective. Core Rat has performed as I hoped. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Eccleston
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Core-Rat.com | | Strengths: | First thing you have to know is that I am a disaster on the bike. I'm a spaz, I crash a lot. I LOVE THESE PADS. Right from the start they fit very well. When I called Core-Rat to order I was stunned to find myself actually speaking directly with Angie. She was very patient and answered all my stupid questions. She advised me to wear the pads next to my skin, never over clothing. In the year or more I've been using the arm and leg pads, I've never once been unhappy with them. They go on easily and stay in place. They are extremely comfortable, in fact, two minutes later I forget they are there! They are quite cool, something I was very concerned about. And, best of all, they have protected my elbows and forearms in countless big and small crashes. They cup the elbow so well that they stay put even when whacked against trees, rocks, or the cold hard ground. I talked a buddy into buying a pair recently. On his first ride with them he went down HARD. He broke his wrist--just beyond where the pad ends. He sustained soreness to the forearm, but only damage was where pads were not. He swears they saved him from a broken arm, because he had broken his fall with the forearm. | | Weaknesses: | The straps have begun to stretch out. Oh well, I have worn them three times a week for over a year. My wife helped me fix this by doubling each strap over and sewing it together to bring in the slack. | | Similar Products Used: | Dainese pro-air. I was told these were the best and ordered them same night I ordered Angie's pads. While there is more substantial foam and plastic padding in the Dainese, they do not stay in place or feel even half as comfortable as the Core-Rat. Consequently, I wear the Core Rat twice as much, if not more. | | Bike Setup: | Year 2001 Jekyll model 2000. Lefty, Hayes, etc...
Mean lean ridin' machine that has taken these pads down hilling in Vermont as well as all the local stuff I can manage to ride. | | Bottom Line: | These pads cost less and work better than Dainese. They never move and are so comfortable you will forget they are there until they save your sorry skin and bones. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
An XC rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area California
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Angie's | | Strengths: | Good protection, not warm and sweaty so I actually wear 'em. | | Weaknesses: | Elbow wiggles a bit | | Bike Setup: | Klein,. XTR, Thomson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | After a particularly nasty wipeout caused a bad case of road rash, I looked around for some kind of armor I could wear for XC riding. I was really concerned with finding pads that I could wear without getting too hot. These work wondefully when worn with a short-sleve jersey; I have never been bothered by them even on long fireroad climbs with a lot of sun exposure. I pretty much wear them for all my riding now.
Also nice is that they are very easily washable, so you don't get stinky hockey pads smell driving away your friends and family.
I got sick of loosing skin on my occasional tumble, and these pads are really a great balance between coverage and breathability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter mccann
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very good level of coverage and prtection in a comfortable and lightwieght design. | | Similar Products Used: | AXO | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth Isis SL, RF, Thompson, King, XTR | | Bottom Line: | I ridden these pads in Moab and Durango. They offer all day comfort, they're light, not too hot, and have saved my hide on numerous occaisions. They stay in place (important!). Abs "exoskeleton" is stiff enough to possbly make the difference in breaking a bone or not. I've hit the ground hard and gotten up smiling. The arm armor works just as well. Great job Angie! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Bent It
a Downhiller
from Phoenix,AZ USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Holbert | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Bought direct | | Strengths: | Lightweight,plenty of ventilation (important in the desert)
Removable plates for trips through the washer.
Wrist strap to keep 'em in place. | | Weaknesses: | Would like wider straps or cloth backing to spread the load. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox 911, Azonic | | Bike Setup: | Intense UZZI DH, Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bottom Line: | I got a huge hole in my elbow the last time I crashed
with the Fox pads on. I just had another crash, which was
much worse (got to buy a new fullface helmet), wearing
the CoreRat pads. All I got was a little road rash at the
edge of the pads. Both pads stayed in place and stayed
together (no cracks). I was back out there 2 days later.
These pads are strong enough for downhill and light enough
for XC. No excuse not to wear them now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell,WA,USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Strengths: | Comfortable strong light not too hot. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | This is a good product so far I havent had them very long so I can't say much about longevity, but I have had some fantastic pile ups with them on and come away virtually unscathed. Don't miss weeks riding due to needless rock rash. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt G
a Cross Country Rider
from American Fork, UT
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ridgeline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | Angie Wear | | Strengths: | Comfortable, light. | | Weaknesses: | Straps are not designed for my skinny arms. They still fit fine, but the velcro doesn't have a lot of connecting surface. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | K2 5000 | | Bottom Line: | Don't know why I ever leave home without them. When I'm riding, I NEVER even notice that I'm wearing anything on my arms (even in HOT weather). Gives a lot of confidence to my rides! Keep up the good work Ang! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Dan Cook Canyon Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | http://www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | Lightweight, good fit, good airflow. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Bike Setup: | Too old to mention | | Bottom Line: | If I had been wearing these for my last big fall, I would have avoided a trip to the ER and 3 layers of stitches. Here is a photo for those who like looking at road rash and gore: http://www.bumblemonkey.com/_images/stitches.jpg . That whole injury could have been prevented by this armor.
The armor is totally non-restrictive, and it stays on well even over rough terrain. Since it is held on with straps your arm gets plenty of air flow so it doesn't overheat, even in ~95 degree weather. The materials feel nice on your skin. Totally non-abrasive. I haven't fallen on them yet, but the heavy duty plastic should withstand just about anything.
Get these and save yourself a trip to the ER! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael David
a Downhiller
from Sherman Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hummingbird | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat | | Strengths: | stay in place and protect awesomely | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | fox pads | | Bike Setup: | ac2 with junior t..... | | Bottom Line: | best damn pads. We got the knee/shin and battle shorts and they have saved us a couple for sure er runs! Love the pads! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Hermitage, PA.
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Moraine State Park MTB Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | It works | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!!!! | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I’m 47 and been using Angies gear for two years. The battle shorts w/pads are awesome. After numerous OTB’s per ride, I’m still riding injury free, though black and blue. The Armor is awesome. This gear has saved not only skin, but serious broken bones. Last, but the coolest, Angie is one Sweet Biker. She makes the gear and rides the gear. Buy/Ride CoreRat Gear and Live to Tell about IT. Any Questions??? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike eder
a Weekend Warrior
from belleville, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | chimney rock | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | tough, yet light weight enough to feel comfortable during climbs. cool looks, removable pads from armor allow easy washing, truly one size fots all. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | see my review of Intense Tracer | | Bottom Line: | The pads idea took me a while to warm up to. "Too hot in the summer, too much stuff to put on, too dorky." After too many crashes that tore me up I always said "This injury could have been avoided had I been wearing pads!"
I looked at many different models from different manufacturers and I liked Core rat's product the best. They look really good, there open where you don't need padding for good airflow, and most importantly they keep your skin on your body rather than on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Downhiller
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Freefall | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Everything. The Core Rat arm armour is the best design for arms. It is extremely comfortable, totally durable, looks cool. This armour is loaded with quality, won't come apart or break. Angie has the best service around. | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely nothing!! | | Similar Products Used: | nothing | | Bike Setup: | GT Arrowhead freeride hardtail with 97 Z1, mammoth/rhyno lite wheels, bmx flats. | | Bottom Line: | This armour is the best. It feels like you are wearing no armour because they are so light and comfortable. They protect your arm like metal armour. Go buy yourself a pair!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Prager
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The arm pads from Core Rat are great! They are light, comfortable, easy to put on and off, easy to carry uphill, and cool (for temperature and looks). And they saved my forearms often enough by the gouges in the plastic. Armor is the way of the future for free-riding, or for people who are tired of taking three weeks off for stupid crashes they could otherwise walk away from. I figure armor's acceptance is about where helmets were six years ago. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce McKinlay
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Core Rat arm armour rocks! They are light, compact and comfortable, covering just enough area, and with a hard shell, to save you when you need it. Armour in general is a good idea. You only need to 'use' it once a year to make it worthwhile. But lots of it is too bulky, hot, inconvienent... these arm pads are great. | | Overall Rating: |
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