Lower body armour

[howardrichman]

At The Javits show in NYC yesterday I purchased a set of Forcefield underpants knee protectors. I figure they'll stay in place in case of an accidental knee drag or spill, and can walk in them. The overpants type feel restrictive and seem able to slide back too easy if going down. They all seem to lack proper "overkneee" strapping to keep in place w/o feeling too tight.  The underpant type hold in place by the pants- feel less restrictive. If I purchase the overpant type, I've seen many, some at big discount. they had a full lower body protector underpants w/ armour, but advised it could  be uncomfortble on day ride. I figure i've always ridden w/ an upper jacket armour, I should have at least knee protection. any oppinion on subject.

                                                                                                                                                                   HR...    

[nevinfs327]

I've only been down at parking lot speeds (or no speed) and each time my knee hit first, so I'm a big fan of knee armor having first learned the hard way.

I have the Forcefield knee pads under armored under shorts.  The knee pads are great when you don't trust the ones in your overpants though the velcro straps can become a little uncomfortable after a long day if directly against skin.  

I can confirm that the undershorts padding in the butt for the pelvis and the tail bone is quite uncomfortable for anything other than track days.  I just wear them for the hip padding.

[howardrichman]

Well; I was just considering to return the underpant knee pads for the complete pants set. I do ride for 6-8 hours at a time, and dont want discomfort. Does it pay to have the underpants, and remove the rear pads and keep the hip and knee pads? Ide thought I'de be better w/ more than just knee protection. If I did choose full pant armour, I'de have to stay w/Forcefield, so I could use the knee pads I just bought as credit.

                                                                                                                                                                          HR...

[Mastros2]

I purchased basic knee and shin guards that go on when I wear carhartt jeans.  They are a tad (just a tad) uncomfortable but I'd take that over a knee injury anyday.  

Similar but not the same brand..
http://www.newenough.com/armor/elbow_shoulder_knee_worn_on_the_body/alpinestars/reflex_motorcycle_knee_guards.html

[MadOzodi]

I have a pair of KNOX Cross Guard Knee & Shin armor in the long length.  I've been able to do a full day's ride and never felt the need to take them off.  Recently, I splurged (oiy my debt!) for a pair of Motoport Air Mesh Kevlar over pants.  I was pretty worried that I'd measured incorrectly for proper knee armor fitment, but when I finally got them and tried them on with my boots, I was impressed.  Even when standing, the knee armor covers my knees.

As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough protection.  

[nevinfs327]

I like the high quality padding of the undershorts compared to the cheap foam stuff in most pants, including my leathers, so I think it is worth it.  The other stuff can be easily popped in for track days.  

I have worn both the knee pads and undershorts for up to 1000 miles in a day.  Never notice the pants as long as I just have the hip armor in.  The knee pads I start to feel after about 6 hours, but only the top strap right behind my knee, and only if I'm wearing it directly against my skin.

Well; I was just considering to return the underpant knee pads for the complete pants set. I do ride for 6-8 hours at a time, and dont want discomfort. Does it pay to have the underpants, and remove the rear pads and keep the hip and knee pads? Ide thought I'de be better w/ more than just knee protection. If I did choose full pant armour, I'de have to stay w/Forcefield, so I could use the knee pads I just bought as credit.

                                                                                                                                                                          HR...

[howardrichman]

Do you feel the undershorts and separate Knee pads are better than the whole pant lower armour. Using the whole pant armour, the knee protectors are strapless and should be more comfortable.

                                                                   Thanks for reply

                                                                                    HR...

[nevinfs327]

I like the separate pieces because I switch it up based on my gear.  If I was just going to wear the armor under the same pants and only for sport-touring type riding I'd probably get the one piece.  For commuting or other shorter rides I wouldn't want to wear the padding all day and the separate knee pads are relatively easy to remove without having to remove my pants.  

[howardrichman]

The knee pads you're refering to must be the overpant outerware type. I tried to remove the inner knee pad type, and was easier to just remove pants 1st.
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[nevinfs327]

These are the ones I have: http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.co.uk/strapon_protectors.asp.

[howardrichman]

The protectors I have are the same as yours, but are enclosed in a sock that slips over the knee under pants. half of my riding is semi-aggresive street riding, and other half is riding w/ groups. When I go out; i'll ride for a minimum of 150-200+mls for most of the day. I know as a minimum I'de want the knee pads but still unsure about whole or part lowers. I think I'de want the hip protection but also want reasonable comfort.                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                       Thanks for replies!                                               HR...