Armored long-johns?

[dentheman]

I was killing some time researching motorcycle stuff when I came across this. Has anyone tried it? I might get it as part my protective gear when I get a motorcycle. http://www.bohn-armor-pants.com

[Water Warrior 2]

I have no experience with the product but I can see a couple of advantages over regular outer wear gear. The armor will be exactly where it should be and not just close as with outer wear. You can wear anything up to and including a clown suit and still be protected. I would want to see the product up close and personal before a purchase unless they have a good return policy if you are not happy with quality and fit. Give it a shot and do an evaluation for us.

[dentheman]

They have a ninety day, no questions, money back guarantee. The armored shirt also has my interest. (No, I don't work for them)

[mrlmd1]

I bet that stuff is really hot, as well as quite expensive. I went with ventilated armored riding pants that also can be insulated and waterproof, and, with the same capability, overpants, for less money for both. They have just as good protection, and more versatility, I think, especially for different temperature ranges.

[dentheman]

I agree it is a little expensive, but I like the concept. Lycra tends to keep me cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather; I wear lycra when going for long trips on my bicycle. If it is cool and I am not sweating it adds a layer of warmth, if I am sweating the lycra wicks the sweat away and allows it to evaporate faster, thus cooling the skin. That is one reason lycra is worn by many when jogging, exercising, etc.

And I'll bet most of you thought we cyclists wear lycra bicycle garb just to look good!

(I do find it ironic that they give away a free first aid kit with their armored gear.)

[music man]

Originally Posted by dentheman

I agree it is a little expensive for what it is. But lycra tends to keep me cool in hot weather and warm in cool weather; I wear lycra when going for long trips on my bicycle. If it is cool and I am not sweating it adds a layer of warmth, if I am sweating the lycra wicks the sweat away and allows it to evaporate faster, thus cooling the skin.

And I'll bet most of you thought we cyclists wear lycra bicycle garb just to look good!

My question is, how long is lycra going to hold all that armor in place when you hit the ground. I could stitch armor to a white T-shirt but it ain't gonna help a bit when I hit the ground going 50mph, cause the shirt will tear to shreds and fall off of me before I slide 2 feet.

Just some food for thought before anyone buys these things.

[Water Warrior 2]

Lycra is good stuff. I have bicycle shorts of Lycra and they fit close so I would think armored lycra would stay in place in case of an off. Armored lycra , jeans and a rain suit would cover a variety of riding conditions for most folks.

[dentheman]

Originally Posted by music man

My question is, how long is lycra going to hold all that armor in place when you hit the ground. I could stitch armor to a white T-shirt but it ain't gonna help a bit when I hit the ground going 50mph, cause the shirt will tear to shreds and fall off of me before I slide 2 feet.

Just some food for thought before anyone buys these things.

Yes, it is food for thought. However I don't see a downside to this product except for price. The snug lycra SHOULD hold the armor in place better than a t-shirt or maybe even regular armored pants or jacket. But I haven't seen it or worn it, so that is just conjecture on my part.

EDIT: I see Bohn Armor products are offered on other motorcycle sites, so it might be cheaper on those sites.

[mrlmd1]

I fail to see how lycra evaporates sweat faster than it does off skin naturally without being covered with lycra. Sounds like more advertising hype to me. About the only advantage for lycra is that it is somewhat elastic and form fitting so maybe there is no chafe while moving. That's why it became popular for biking or swimming, in form-fitting suits. There certainly is very little strength or abrasion resistance to it, compared to regular armored riding pants, or even jeans, for that matter. Whatever you are wearing above that lycra armored underwear can abrade, then the lycra goes real quick, and I would be concerned how that stuff melts with the heat and gets embedded in your skin sliding along the road. The concept may be a good idea, I think the application is not, and I would go with regular textile or fabric or leather armored riding pants instead for less expense too.
And if you go somewhere, like to work, instead of taking off a pair of overpants, are you going to go into the bathroom and strip those off, or are you going to wear that all day? And don't tell me they keep you cool if you are not in a 50 mph wind to evaporate off the sweat "faster".

[music man]

Originally Posted by dentheman

Yes, it is food for thought. However I don't see a downside to this product except for price. The snug lycra SHOULD hold the armor in place better than a t-shirt or maybe even regular armored pants or jacket. But I haven't seen it or worn it, so that is just conjecture on my part.

EDIT: I see Bohn Armor products are offered on other motorcycle sites, so it might be cheaper on those sites.

I don't know anything about Lycra, That is why I was asking. For all I know, it would stay in place all the way to the hospital. I was just saying that before anyone puts too much faith in these things they better consider that possibility. But I can't tell you it being "snug" is not going to help whatsoever, if it tears the instant it comes in contact with pavement.