Submitted by
J
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything fast
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great protection, mobility, breathability, looks sweet!
Weaknesses:
Pushes my gloves down a bit but no big deal.
Bike Setup:
Big hit, mavic, maxxis, manitou, easton
Bottom Line:
**this review is for the 08 full pressure suit**
Great product so far, comfortable, light, breathes well, looks good and over it just feels great.
This gives you an instant confidence boost, my first day using it and I was going faster and trying bigger stuff. I recommend!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edward S.
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamilton Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
Greenfish Adventure...
Strengths:
I felt safe and secure in this armour. I am just a family man/casual rider who is trying to stay healthy for work, however, this suit seemed great. The suit fit well - I'm 5'11" and 235 and bought the XL.
Weaknesses:
No so far, but I've only had a few rides.
Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first armour and at $59 I felt I couldn't go wrong and the product seems worth every penny.
Bike Setup:
Usually incorrectly, sometimes have baby on the back!
Bottom Line:
Seems like a very fine product, especially for value. Perhaps more extreme riders may want more sternum and clavicle protection, I don't know, as I mostly ride wet, rooty trails with the occasionnal rock garden. It fit me well and seems to stay in place as I ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Cooper
a Downhiller
from somewhere Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
blue sky cycling
Strengths:
It worked.. has alot of padding, more than most suits...gret price
Weaknesses:
strange fit.... long in the arms.. needs alteration
Similar Products Used:
cheaper pads and guards and stuff
Bike Setup:
DeVinci Banzai w/ Marzocchi Z1., Hayes 8" dics, and really big tires
Bottom Line:
I went of a jump going around 25 miles an hour and hit a tree in midair... I hit the ground with enough force to shatter every bone in my arm and shoulder.... but thanks to this pressure suit I walked away with no more than a hairline fracture in my forearm.... The fit was wierd at forst but with a sewing needle and some clever strap alteration you can get it to fit... Really, i wish I had gotten a SMALL instead of a medium, I'm 5'9" 150lbs and its still a little loose...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave D
a Downhiller
from Northeast Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dave's Wave
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$104.00
Strengths:
It's harder than your skin, and doesn't bruise as easily as your bone
Weaknesses:
gorrilla length arms
Bike Setup:
Haro X2 with lots of replaced parts and lots more on the way
Bottom Line:
I spent 100 bucks on the pressure suit and it's probably saved me at least 10 times that in Dr bills and/or recovery time. Sure the arms fit a little wierd but with a little effort you can make it work. Doing any type of Downhill, the only time I've been hot in it was on the lift ride up. I even rdoe cross country in it for a ride when I first got it and it wasn't unbearble. If you're looking to be aggressive downhill and don't want to bath in hydrogen peroxide after your ride, spend the $100 and save yourself some pain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Bridgewater, NJ Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Diablo Freeride Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
reasonable price, great shoulder protection, durable
Weaknesses:
fit/sizing. I'm 5'10" 200lbs. The large was too big, body fit OK, but the arms were like 4' long. Medium body fits well, but the sleeves are still too long which allows the arm guards to move a bit.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Demo9Pro with all the fixin's
Bottom Line:
a very good product. removeable spine and chest plates give you options. try it on first or you will probably end up with the wrong size. The sleeves annoy me, but I forget all about that when I'm riding. All in all it's a great investment at a very fair price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: March 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Majura Pines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$72.00
Strengths:
Price. Light weight, good ventilation & protection
Weaknesses:
Spine plate sits a bit too high - it can bump into the back of your helmet or neck. The body of the suit consequently seemed a little short, while the arms were easily long enough.
Similar Products Used:
661 full pressure suit, Dainese pressure suit
Bottom Line:
***SP-1 PRESSURE SUIT*** A great, light & well ventilated jacket offering reasonably good protection. It has only slightly less protection than the full 661 pressure suit - ie it doesn't have a solid chest plate, and a single pad less on the upper arm.
Good for a weekend warrior & occasional user like myself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hummy
a Downhiller
from Pine Plains, NY Date Reviewed: November 14, 2005
***SP-1 PRESSURE SUIT***After peeling both forearms earlier this year I thought it was time to invest in something for the scabs. I know a lot of folks who have arm guards, but the common complaint is slippage. I rode the SP-1 three weekends this year and found it comfy, but as luck would have it I didn't need it on my arms. I DID need it for two endos and it definatly saved me from shoulder and most importantly, a back or spine injury. If the folks at 661 could integrate better chest protection into this design they would have a huge winner. PS-It is most important that a buyer gets the proper size, or it won't fit properly and cause all kinds of grief
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Milford Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Attitash
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
looks good, fits well in the arms, removable spine comfortable, breathable
Weaknesses:
too loose in the chest area, little thumb loop is annoying and uncomforable
Similar Products Used:
661 defender
Bike Setup:
Tomac 204, Super T, Singletracks, Azonic PDW bars, E13
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing the pressure suit with the yellow trim (If there is any differance)
A tip for getting the arms to fit better:
Unloop the small strap that holds the elbow pad to the upper arm pad. take the forearm strap put it through the loop. wrap the small strap around the outsde of your arm and attact the large forearm strap to it. this pulls your elbow into the pads better.
overall a prett good set of pads for the money. the fit is a little weird. the arms are small and the chest pad is too big. The removable spine is nice for less demanding rides or a hot day. I give this product a 5 for value and a 4 overall because of the weird sizing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Northstar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes.com
Strengths:
- light weight - good mobility - looks good - breatheable - easy to clean - decent adjustability as far as fitting is concerned - good for racing - affordable
Weaknesses:
- sizing is weird (in the arms) - less heavy duty than most
Bike Setup:
- Iron Horse SGS Team - Marzocchi 66 VF 170 - MRP System 1 - Mag 30 and Bombshell Fatboy - Maxxis rubber
Bottom Line:
Good race suit. Light and mobile. If you are worried about being constricted, don't be. This suit is no problem. Spine is removable for easy washing and provides good overall protection.
Protection could be called... minimal to some. If you are looking to be an idiot and ride like Bender, than this suit is not for you. Spine protection is so-so, sternum protection is bad, and bicepts are left exposed. This suit is meant to be raced, not hucked.
The arms are very long for some reason so that kinda made me wonder about the time / effort they put into this product. But if you have a few safety pins, you can shorten the sleeve length to a comfortable position.
Overall a great suit for racers at a great price. 5 flamming turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben
a Weekend Warrior
from elk grove Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
northstar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
six six one website
Strengths:
when you fall it doesnt hurt as bad SP-1 PRESSURE SUIT
Weaknesses:
a lot the sleeves are way to long i had to bunch the up and only my gloves were keeping them up. pads fit like crap the straps didnt work to well and everything was slippen and sliden. also it is hot as hell not breathable at all,couldnt fit under a jersey or any thing super bulky but with a pressure suit it is unavoidable unless u get a 300 dollar dianaise.
Similar Products Used:
nothing .....its crap
Bike Setup:
soon to get a kona but waiting for the 2006s to come out, there sick as hell,stinky line
Bottom Line:
i was super dissapointed with it but i get what i deserve, ishould of done my homework better, now i am going to go with a lite chest protector and arm pads...
dont buy it....if your considering it buy a rockgarden or fox racing, six six one is a good brand but there pressure suits are not dont waste your money like i did
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Torsten Unsworth
a
from Oakland, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Fits big people
Weaknesses:
Doesn't fit me
Bottom Line:
I'm 6'3" 220 lbs, and purchased the XL on Beyondbikes salesperson recommendation. I'm swimming in this thing. Sleeves are too long, back protection doesn't go down far enough, elbow-forearm armor doesn't secure to upper arm, so will rotate around your arm, chest protector is not very rigid, upper arm foam padding is wide enough to fit Hulk Hogan arms. I'm going to buy some Roach / Race Face elbow protectors, and look for a separate short sleeve chest protector.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, Co Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$70.00
Purchased At:
Sierra Trading Post
Strengths:
NOTE: this review is based on the Assualt suit, which is short sleeved version of the Pressure Suit. Saved my ass the other day. Or more accurately, my shoulder/collarbone. I wear this for both agressive cycling and on my dirt bikes. I took a major digger hitting after hitting a huge hole on a high speed streem crossing on my KTM and was thrown off the bike onto some rocks. I hit squarely on my shoulder, and have major bruises to show for it. I can't imagine how hurt I would be without the beefy wrap-around plastic guard and ample padding of the 661 suit. This is what you wear protection for... Not the 999 times you don't crash, or crash lightly, but the one time you really biff. Thanks 661!
Weaknesses:
Runs small. Makes you look like a power-ranger when wearing it.
Similar Products Used:
Hard shell chest protector
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, KTM 520 MXC, KTM 950 A
Bottom Line:
As good (better?) than a hard shell moto-x style chest protector, and a whole lot more comfy to wear. Sierra Trading post sells 'em cheaply, both the Assault and Pressure Suit
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from Boston Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
looks, middle of chest is protected unlike Rockgarden, breathable
Weaknesses:
For me, the arms didn't fit too well
Bike Setup:
Norco Six
Bottom Line:
Its a great armor system, but personally I'll be going with just the chest and back next time without the arms, maybe the 661 Defenders and just buy a pair of elbow/forearm pads. If you get to try it on and it fits, definately get it but if you're like me and have to order online, you're better off buying a la carte. Even though the medium fit perfectly around my body (I'm 6' tall, skinny, small/med frame) the arms were too long and the pads were a little too far down the arm. The arms are mesh so sewing is out of the question. Just about every elbow/forearm pad out there is better than the one on the pressure suit which is another reason to go a la carte, but that's not to say the existing pads don't do their job well. I still feel confident and protected when riding and would give these pads a 5 out of 5 rating because they are great if you've got the right body type for them. They're breathable, secure, durable, and look good, but just try them on first or e-mail 661 about your body dimensions before buying online.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fone
a Weekend Warrior
from munich, germany Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
inet
Strengths:
looks nice large shoulder pads
Weaknesses:
fit sizing pad-placement back protector way too short
Similar Products Used:
dainese
Bottom Line:
I ordered the pressure suit 2005 over the internet i am 185cm (WATCH OUT ITS METRIC ;)) and weigh aroung 87kg, so im not exactly skinny. i used to do a lot of windsurfing, so my arms arent too small aswell- but still the pressure suit in size L didnt fit at all. shoulder pads and ellbow pads were dangling off the mesh-stuff, which was extremely loose around my arms and complete body. to have the shoulderpads in place u need arni´s shoulders i guess. size M again ist too tight.
and the back protector ends just above the area of the spine im most worried about - why?!?! make it 10cm longer! dainese backprotectors are much longer and because of that im going to return the 661 and get a dainese gladiator.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Glendale, AZ Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Protects well.
Weaknesses:
It's a bit warm but oh well.
Similar Products Used:
Motorcross style chest protector
Bike Setup:
Bullit, Jr.T, avalanche 7" rear, BMW shinburgers, etc.
Bottom Line:
I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever about the pressure suit. Yes the fit isn't as good as some other brands, but the price isn't nearly as high as most of the other brands. I used to use a motorcross style chest protector, and while it did the job pretty good, this is just plain better. Besides, it makes me look sexier as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Stariha
a Downhiller
from Kelowna Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kerplop
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
www.bikeroom.com
Strengths:
This whole review is based off of buying the suit over the internet, trying it once and then returning it for reasons I will go through in a bit. One of the best things about the pressure suit is the shoulder pads, they are huge and wrap around the shoulder while covering a bit of your collarbone. They have improved the arm pads so they stay in place properly and the cheast protector provides more than enough coverage. I don't find it to be overly hot, I mean it is cheast armour and there has to be some price to pay for having this much coverage. Lastly, the value is definitely there, you can find this suit all over the internet for around $100-$120.
Weaknesses:
My main point for writing this review is the sizing. I currently use a pressure suit assault(short sleeved version) in a meduim and it fits fine, when I received my full pressure suit in the mail I couldn't beleive how big it fit. It wasn't even close, the pad below the shoulder cup almost went past my elbow and the mesh around the cheast plate hung so loosely I would have had to gain 20 pounds of gut just to get it close to my skin. I am 5'11 and weigh 155 pounds so I don't know why it was so awkward, I tried another meduim that belonged to a friend and it was the same fit so mine wasn't labeled wrong. The other thing I noticed it that the spine protector, although removable which was sweet, was pretty cheap and didn't cover that much area, at least compared to Daines, ridge, mace, etc. It's kind of odd considering the intended purpose of the suit and how beefed up and padded the rest of the suit is.
Overall, it seens to be a well put together suit at a pretty good price. Just make sure you double check your sizing by maybe trying it out at a bike shop first or see if a buddy has it. It covers all the important parts when riding but they did chince out a bit on the spine protector. For anyone who is starting to ride above the intermediate level on freeride orientated trails I think cheast armour is a great thing to have given the way they're being built now (see:whistler). Last week I was riding a trail and slipped off a log ride due to the rain, I slipped off so fast I had no chance to put my hands down or anything and fell backward landing spine first on a rock, would it not have been for my cheast protector I think I would have been in alot of trouble, armour is a very very good thing for freeriders,downhillers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffro
a Downhiller
from Temecula Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hush Hush & The Slopes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes.Com
Strengths:
The suit stays put when you go down! Its inexpensive, and it wasn't too hot! Solid coverage, and mobility!
Weaknesses:
Sometimes i wanted less, on my local less agro trails, and for dirt jumping, so the next suit down was the way to go fo that kind of riding!
Similar Products Used:
Bombshell, older 661 Pressure suits...
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky Primo all pimped up!
Bottom Line:
If you need a little less time off the bike and more time having fun, jumping racing, crashing!!... Then you need a full body suit, cause it will catch up with you if you don't and you'll kick yourself for not droping 99 bucks... Then you'll punch yourself when you get the doctors bill...
All body armor is bulky, but its worth it if you like riding hard! Beyond guys ride these at Summit and they know the sizing well. Hit em up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kango
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, Ma Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004
Poor fitting. No rib protections. Same comments as previous user reviews, the forearm and elbow pads roll over the top very easily. Velcros straps are too small and narrow to hold properly the paddings after fitting adjustments. My medium size jacket is really made for people one size up - perhaps then it'll fit properly.
Similar Products Used:
None - just elbow and knee pads.
Bottom Line:
Happy with the jacket since I didn't pay too much for it. Good enough protection for something of this price range. I'd be a lot happier if the jacket fits better through the use of bigger and more strategically placed velcro straps, e.g. another strap over the elbow area to reduce shifting. If considering buying online, then best try out the fitting at a LBS first before ordering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Downhiller
from Eugene, OR Date Reviewed: July 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Great Protection in the Shoulders, arms, and back. I have been saved from the er a few times with these. These definitely gave me a lot more confidence to try crazy things.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't protect the ribs. Chest isn't as wide as i would like. Runs hot, but expected
Similar Products Used:
rockgardn, fox
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky 04' with the marzocchi 888r.
Bottom Line:
If you ride hard enough where you fall off, then you are going to want this suit. Although, it can get warm, it is cheaper and better then being in the hospital not being able to ride. These pads are now on sale for 99 bucks which is a great deal! I highly recommend these to any downhiller or freerider!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric L
a Downhiller
from SoCal Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Schoolyard
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
The pads are awesome, covers your entire arm really well. Great price, fits pretty good. Makes you look like youre really good.
Weaknesses:
Not much...A little bit hot maybe, but it is, afterall, a full upper body suit.
Bottom Line:
You cant beat the price...it can make you pretty damn hot, but that is its only flaw. I do alot of urban assault/freeriding, and it feels great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Downhiller
from ct Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$135.00
Strengths:
great fit, adjustable, keeps me warm in the winter, and oh yeah, it protects you too
Weaknesses:
it can get very hot, but id rather be hot than in the er
Bottom Line:
this is a great piece of equipment. i never go riding without it. after a trial and error adjustment session, i have all the pads right where i want them. i havent had the problem with the elbow pads that others have. glad i bought it, its saved my skin quite a few times
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Downhiller
from Cardiff, Wales Date Reviewed: April 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$116.00
Purchased At:
www.wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
Cheap, You get everything you pay for and more. They are worth every penny! Fits like a glove, Waste band makes you sit upright reducing Back problems... Very Flexable!
Weaknesses:
Elbow pad tend to move.!! but a quick adjust before you start and they will be fine!! You can also get very hot in there!
Similar Products Used:
None First pads used
Bike Setup:
Saracen D-tox Limited Ed. Dh2 (shockworks) Front fork, Coil spring on the back. Tioga 2.3 tires, Magura HS33. And I have Merlin Malt 1 freeride bike 7005 Aluminium tubing with box section stays and extra gusseting for added strength Deore group with a Truvativ Hussefelt chainset for extra strength Wheels - Deore disc hubs with Mavic XM321 rims 2.4" WTB Motoraptor tyres New wavy disc Magura Julie brakeset New Marzocchi MX comp forks Club roost riser bars and stem
Bottom Line:
I would say get them... They were the cheapest i could find but they do as good a job as the most expencive ones... A good first time buy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Downhiller
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$139.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
Good ventilation, nice pads, great spine protection.
Weaknesses:
Arm pads don't sit well over elbow.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit with all the good stuff.
Bottom Line:
This is a great chest protector for the money. The only thing I don't like about it is that the pads don't sit well over my elbows. I have to twist the pads, therefore having to twist the mess in order to sit the pads properly. Does anyone have that same problem? or is that just me. If I don't twist them, the arm pads sit ontop of my arms and not over my elbows. Other than that, I like the product overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Woody Wood
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Secret
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$124.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Adjustability, superior protection, all pads i.e. arms, shoulders, chest and back being one unit. So far haven't overheated but have only worn it in the winter.
Weaknesses:
None noted as of yet
Similar Products Used:
Bombshell upper body armor, fox 911 elbow and forearm
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz V10, Boxxer world cup, 5th element
Bottom Line:
Pretty sweet so far. Just waiting to see how it will feel in the summer months during race season when it gets pretty damn warm up in here. Protection is comparable to the Dainese, but the price kick but.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
1. It fits me...225 lb. big boy with broad shoulders. 2. It stays in place...just riding or crashing! 3. Good ventilation...does not feel overly hot. 4. Good range of adjustment. 5. Reasonable price. 6. Seems washable...haven't tried it yet.
Weaknesses:
1. Lacking any good collar bone protection.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2003 Iron Horse SGS Pro with a 2003 Marzocchi Monster T fork.
Bottom Line:
My first full body armor jacket. It's saved me many times in just 3 months. A great choice! Stays put when you need it to. Seems to have all the adjustments you would need for a pretty-close-to-custom fit. It seems very durable. I'd buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
derek
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Toad's
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
superblow
Strengths:
- Complete uper body protection solution - Good fit - Lots of adjustability
Weaknesses:
- A little on the warm side - Shoulder pad fit was not perfect on me
Similar Products Used:
None, first padding ever.
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky 6
Bottom Line:
I trip to Downieville, Ca for the weekend for some fast challenging single track and shuttle runs warranted some padding. The Pressure Suit seemed like a good choice because it offered padding for pretty much the whole uper body, and I really dug the articulated spine protection. Not to mention these can be had from superblow mail order for a mere $125...cheap insurance if you ask me.
I broke my ratings down into the following categories that I thought were important.
Fit: 4/5 Comfort: 4/5 Protection: 5/5
Fit - This jacket has quite a few adjustments available. The shoulder pads are connected to the chest pads and back pad via these stretchable Velcro straps. This allows you to adjust the distance between all the pads and get a reasonable fit. All the pads are sewn to a mesh jersey type of a fabric which keeps them in place quite well, especially the forearm and elbow pads. The forearm and elbow pads also have Velcro straps that go around your forearm and keep them snugly in place. To finish it off there's a kidney belt that'll keep your filters from floppin' around too much, and it also serves as a device to keep the jacket from riding up on you. If you have a really big belly you might have issues getting this around, it's not made out of very flexible material. The only fit problem I had was with the shoulder pads. They did sit up a little high on my shoulders. I do have kind of wide shoulders and large deltoids, so this may have contributed to it. I think the pads may open up, become more flexible with time and sit down on my shoulders more as time goes by.
Comfort - It's quite comfortable! Some people say you don't even know you're wearing it...I wouldn't go so far as to say that, you definitely feel it, it's got some mass. But, the fit is good and it does not hamper your range of motion at all. In fact, I think feeling the slight mass of this jacket instills a lot of confidence. You know if/when you hit the ground it's going to hurt a lot less, and possibly even save you a trip to the hospital...or worse. The jacket does get a bit toasty. I wouldn't wear it on an XC ride, but if you've got 90% downhill with a couple of quick little climbs like Downieville has, then you should be okay. Given this is all relative based on the weather. If it's 40 degrees out side I'm sure you could wear it all the time!
Protection - It has excellent coverage on nearly all of your upper body. The forearm and elbow pads are sewn to the mesh jersey fabric, they are padded and have plastic cups for skid protection. The shoulder, chest and back pads are also sewn to the jersey, they do not have plastic cups, but I don't think you'd want them here. The articulated spin is of particular interest. While some say it's not as big as the others, it seems like it would offer great protection for keeping your spine in tact on impacts. I really like this feature given that it should effectively decrease your changes of injuring your spine. Note that I haven't really bailed hard wearing this jacket yet, other than a header onto the chest pads on a slab of granite, which it did soften the blow to the chest. So I mostly speaking from observations I made by examining the jacket in detail.
Bottom line - If you're going to do some serious freeride (or "black diamond" as MTBA would say) or downhill riding and you want complete upper body protection, get it! You may think it's overkill in some cases, but I think it's better to error on the side of safety when it comes to your body. If you live a in a warm climate, like Ca, then you'll only want to wear it on rides that are nearly all downhill. It will overheat you in 70+ temperatures if you climb for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Downhiller
from Thousand Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Excellent protection, well made, fit me better than the Rockgardn (which is almost identical, but not quite).
Weaknesses:
Unbearably hot, so hot I had to buy the Azonic (not nearly as much protection, but SO much cooler) for the summer months. There just isn't any airflow through the fabric.
Similar Products Used:
Azonic
Bike Setup:
Foes Fly w/F1-XL fork
Bottom Line:
A very nice jacket if cooler than 70 degrees out, definitely recommend. Would give it five flaming squirrels if it wasn't for the overheating factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Kamloops Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
hi-octane
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
Great overall protection,breathable,doesn't slide very much,not very expensive
Weaknesses:
spine armour could be bigger and harder but nothing else
Similar Products Used:
dainese safety jacket
Bike Setup:
2003 Norco drop,not to many changes
Bottom Line:
F*ckin awesome!!! buy it if you like downhill or your a really good freerider. The price difference from a dainese safety jacket to the 661 pressure suit isn't worth the extra money unless you have alot of money....go and get one!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Huckler
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
ChainReaction.com
Strengths:
Well priced/good value, excellent arm and chest padding, breathable, adjustable
Weaknesses:
Shoulder cups take adjustment to get a good fit, spine protector a little lightweight compared to Dianese.
Ok, so first, this is a great peice of kit for the money. Is it perfect? No. Is it good value? Yup. If you have heaps of cash and race all the time then you should look at the Dianese Saftey Jacket as well - the fit seemed to be better, it is cooler (mesh fabric), and the spine protection is definately superior.
HOWEVER... this has top notch arm and chest armour (as good / better than Dianese)good build and ok fit...and wins hands down on the value front... especially if you are a casual user/abuser. 4 for performance but a big 5+ for value.
And finally - dunno how many pies that other guy was eating, but the sizes seem standard. I take a medium in everything, and got a medium in this. Large was too big by far (2003 model)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a
from Rutland, VT Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
123
Strengths:
Protection offered, comfort, price
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
bombshell torso with Kona slash arm and leg pads
Bike Setup:
Rotec DH Pro with all the downhill goodies
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the 2003 Pressure suit which has been improved over the previous year's model. The suit is nearly an exact copy of the Rockgardn Flak Jacket, only the articulated spine column is a bit narrower. In general this armor is awesome. It affords as much, if not more, protection than any body armor out there. It disappears once it is adjusted and the ride begins..it really is that comfortable. Its a little hotter to wear than just a jersey, but not much. The vented mesh body of the suit does an acceptable job of wicking away sweat. Bottom line: buy this suit. You won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney NSW Australia Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thredbo, Warrimoo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Bike addiction Sydney
Strengths:
I think this top has got to be one of the best! cheaper than a dainese and is just as strong!(maybe even stronger!) and its really comfortable!
Weaknesses:
this top sure aint weak and so far ive had nothing go wrong with it!
Similar Products Used:
that hard fox one, don't know the name
Bike Setup:
Kona STINKY 2003
Bottom Line:
this top's great and if ur lookin at DH or freeride, i highly recomendit!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake Roberts
a Downhiller
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sport course @ comfort, tx.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
Bay area schwinn
Strengths:
comfortable
Weaknesses:
all the rivits holding the spine plates popped off after first use
Similar Products Used:
skin, long sleeve shirt
Bike Setup:
2002 stinky deelux, wtb weirwolfs, odi grips other than that stock
Bottom Line:
good if you dont fall on it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford CT Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
shop were I get prodeal in NH
Strengths:
It saved my life....
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Tricked out KHS fetish
Bottom Line:
Wow this thing save my life in my hardtail crash I launched of a 10ft table goin about 50 overshot the landing by a good 15ft landed on my head and shoulder and the bike landed on my back I am sure if I wasent wearing this I would have broken my shoulder and my neck. Its very light and offers great protection.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vader
a Downhiller
from Crestline, CA Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
g-friend's happy trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
keeps yer skin intact
Weaknesses:
looks like a pain in the a$$ to clean
Similar Products Used:
my body
Bike Setup:
Bullit w/Romic,Shiver,Hayes
Bottom Line:
This is my first under the jersey armor so I can't compare it. It fit like a glove right out of the package and when I ride I don't notice it's on. I guess I'll post an update after my next hard bail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada! Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The steepest, narlist, rock infested D/h courses
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Sun Peaks
Strengths:
It will save you life if you have a massive crash! Super strong. Suprisingly cool. Breaths real well. Tones of adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Still pretty warm.
Similar Products Used:
Fox roose pads, Dainese safty jacket
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain RM7 Dh.
Bottom Line:
This armour is the answer. Best upper armour i've seen in a long time. I personally think its better then the dainese. Its stronger and cheaper! If your want some armour with amazing amounts of protection buy this stuff. Its worth the $$$! This product should be 6 flames for value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Frei
a Downhiller
from Inkom, ID U.S.A. Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Moab Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Sport Motors Performance Center
Strengths:
Well built, comfortable great confidnece builder. Great if you dont have the money for a Dainese Safety Jacket. Easy to move around in, doesn't restrict movement.
Weaknesses:
Size is small. If you wear a large get an extra large. If you have really long arms you will need to take it to a tailor to have the sleeves extended.
Similar Products Used:
Azonix Z-5 (Piece of S&!T)Dainese Safety Jacket
Bottom Line:
If you are a downhill racer or freerider, this is a good value. If you are looking for upper body armour and you are an average size person these are great (just remeber to buy a size big). They are less than half the cost of a Dainese Safety Jacket and they are built better than the EVS or the Azonic Z-5 protectors. Only draw back is the sleeve length.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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