Alpinestars A-8 Chest Protector review

[Tachedoutoffroad]

http://www.atomic-moto.com/Alpinesta...tor_p_627.html

AWESOME piece of gear!

I am very particular about my stuff. I have had three compression suits, two roost guards, three sets of elbow protectors, and three sets knee guards in the last year looking for the most coverage, most strength, most ventilation, and street use as well.

---The AS A-8 is exactly what I've been looking for---

Vs a compression suit:
-has more coverage on torso, ribs, and chest
-wayyy better ventilation
-x5 easier to put on than
-wayyyyyy better ventilation
-wayyyyyy better ventilation
-CE rated for the rd (fits under moto jacket with the stock crappy armor removed) Never seen a CE compression suit I don't think???
-neck brace compatable
-the back protector is about 85% as long as the Rockgarden or 661 suit
-can put on and off with helmet on

Vs roost guard:
-as easy to put on as roost guard
-x5 as thick/ heavy duty/ sturdy than a roost guard
-x2 the area coverage
A standard roost guard doesn't really compare at all.

With the addition of good set elbow/forearm guards the A-8 it lighter, cooler, stronger, more versatile, and has more protection than a compression suit. There is plenty of adjustment in the belly and shoulder area.

I've worn it on five woods/ dual sporting days = I've taken a few (ok, 10+) slow speed getoffs with it and no issues so far with durability. I wear it under my Klim Traverse every time I'm on the street. Takes 20 seconds to put on.

Thanks again to Brian at Atomic Moto for talking to me on the phone for ever and dealing with my gear particulars

[Tachedoutoffroad]

It's hot and humid as three hells here in Alabama, so cooling/venting is a big deal to me. It was 74* on December 9th

-I had a 661 compression which I liked a lot. It got cut off me when I wrecked though. Lots of protection, just super, super hot and stinky. Hard to put on. Was my favorite compression.
-Fox something?? compression after that. It was ok. Didn't like the center of chest zipper. Still too hot and didn't like the netting.
-Tried a Rockgarden base with a Leatt Vest over it, which was good, more cooling, but still restricted and had to wear a shirt under it, making it hotter still.
-the Forcefield vest was awesome, but heavy, and again, very hot.


I don't want to say "it's like it's not there", but it's not restrictive at all really. 10% as restrictive as a compression suit.


My Klim jacket is the water proof shell one. That's what i wanted because I felt it was the most versatile. No armor in jacket and it fits over the vest fine with the shoulder pads on. I wore it under a Joe Rocker jacket with the factory pads taken out too.

I wear some bigass elbow pads. Not sure what they are, but they are big.

Heres a pic on my phone. I think she was saying "don't post this on the Internet"






I'll get some of me with my jacket on if you still want to see.

[Droptarotter]

Does that have a kidney belt also?
I just picked up a Forcefield Extreme Harness after using a Fox chest protector for years.
This one sure looks interesting.
Thanks for the review.

Cheers

[Tachedoutoffroad]

No kidney belt, just the two buckles. Doesn't flop around or anything.


Fuzzy pic of me.
I'm 5'11" , 185lbs, wearing a large jacket with no factory armor and the large A8 under it with the shoulder pads still attached.

I can tell its there, but it's doesn't restrict my movement much. Maybe doing jumping jacks or something, but not normal DS riding.



Don't be jealous of my plated XR collection in the background

[chollo9]

Thanks for the info. It's time to replace my sixsixone. It's always been too hot, but I've put up with it. This looks like a good way to go--just add separate elbow and forearm guards. I like how the sides are held out away from the body--or at least that's the way it looks.

[Tachedoutoffroad]

The clamps aren't that loose on me, just her

it's x50 cooler temps than my 661. Probably 85% of the coverage with good elbow pads added. The 15% less would be the lower lower back and the side of your bicep/tricep.

I wear Fox Extreme elbow guard. It's says "extreme" so you know they're awesome

[montanaman]

I almost bought their neck protector and matching chest protector as it is CE rated with Sas-Tech type armor. Would this work with a Leatte brace?

[Tachedoutoffroad]

I tried this combo--> this chest*



http://www.atomic-moto.com/Leatt-Adv...ite_p_463.html

over this base layer---> Rockgarden*



http://www.atomic-moto.com/Rockgardn...ase_p_528.html

It was a good idea, I personally didn't like the fishnet stuff because i still had to wear under it unless I want to show my sexy side form the ladies of the DS world*.

The A8 has a lot more coverage, better clips, and is thicker/heavier overall.



I know 100% it works with the AS neck brace , and 96.3% the fit the others too. I'll check.

[Droptarotter]

Originally Posted by Tachedoutoffroad

No kidney belt, just the two buckles. Doesn't flop around or anything.


Fuzzy pic of me.
I'm 5'11" , 185lbs, wearing a large jacket with no factory armor and the large A8 under it with the shoulder pads still attached.

I can tell its there, but it's doesn't restrict my movement much. Maybe doing jumping jacks or something, but not normal DS riding.



Don't be jealous of my plated XR collection in the background

It looks like nothing is under that jacket....are you sure it's on??
My old Fox chest protector would be tough to get into that jacket!
And my Forcefield takes up a lot of room also..........hey, if you still have the Forcefield, can you take a picture with that under the jacket??

Cheers

PS.........I'm not jealous of your plated XR

[Brtp4]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

It looks like nothing is under that jacket....are you sure it's on??
My old Fox chest protector would be tough to get into that jacket!
And my Forcefield takes up a lot of room also..........hey, if you still have the Forcefield, can you take a picture with that under the jacket??

Cheers

PS.........I'm not jealous of your plated XR

I am. Jealous of his other plated XR250 also.

BP

[Tachedoutoffroad]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

It looks like nothing is under that jacket....are you sure it's on??
My old Fox chest protector would be tough to get into that jacket!
And my Forcefield takes up a lot of room also..........hey, if you still have the Forcefield, can you take a picture with that under the jacket??

Cheers

PS.........I'm not jealous of your plated XR

Yes without a helmet on I just look like I hit the gym A LOT

The Klim is made to fit armor under it. I bought a XL to fir the suit but it wasnt needed and wear my regular large. I rock the Traverse about 3 days a week, even in my truck it's like a Carhartt on steroids. Awesome camping jacket.

This is the Fox I had, it fit


Same thing though, hot and I had to wear a shirt under it, making it even hotter.

A buddy has the Forcefield now. I don't think it's thicker than the back on the A8. It's pretty stout. The Forcefield is the only thing that rivals this for rib and lower chest protection.

Originally Posted by Brtp4

I am. Jealous of his other plated XR250 also.

BP

This crazy woman from the local forum has been bugging me to teach her how to ride dirty for 2 months and she immideatly looped the tree-hunded on the first "hill" and broke the tail plastic I was just happy she didnt break her leg.
Shell never ride it again because she said a DRZ was smoother??????

[br0m]

Nice lookin honey there ^ :)
What size AS neck brace would you recommend with the M-XXL A-8 for someone around your size?

[Tachedoutoffroad]

The one wearing the protector is mine, the one wrecking my bike is just a dirt bike noob that happens to be female

I have no idea about the neck brace I'll email Brian from Atomic.....

[Tachedoutoffroad]

Originally Posted by br0m

Nice lookin honey there ^ :)
What size AS neck brace would you recommend with the M-XXL A-8 for someone around your size?

The next braces seem to be kind of specific when I looked them up.

Email info@atomic-moto.com or call 541-728-0690

Brian knows his shit.

[team ftb]

Thanks for taking the time for the review.

Have you worn it with any backpacks,Camelbaks etc.? if so how did it fare? Did shoulder straps interfere with the protector?

Is there a strap for the shoulders or do they just flop about?