Womens MTB Body Armour Review

Independent review of Womens body armour 

Products reviewed: 

1. Troy Lee Designs Short Sleeve

2. Bliss 1.0 LD Top Comp 2015

3. Alpinestars Comp Pro Short Sleev

I recently decided that I wanted to buy some full body armour....but which one?? It is not easy to decide which one to buy and unfortunately (and much to my dislike) it is hard for many of us to buy from local shops. What do we do? We turn to the internet. Here we encounter further problems.

The women's options are very limited and I could only find a few women specific options MTB and snowboarding protection websites selling armour. I asked some fabulous ladies for advice via the MTBChix&trails facebook group and below was the short list.

I couldn't find reviews on these from a woman's perspective either (although it could be that I can't search google very well!) so I thought it might be useful to the next girl facing the same decision as me if I reviewed some.

Please note that I am not working or sponsored by any of the below brands to write this, I just enjoy doing it! Also I was looking for body armour to use whilst peddling around on regular trail rides and for enduro races rather than just downhill.

If you are considering a purchase based on my size review please note that I am a size 10/12, no apparent chest size to mention and am 5'6 tall.

Troy Lee Designs BP 7850-HW Short Sleeve (size small)

This felt really light, probably the lightest out of them all. It fit really well and easy to take on and off. The protection seemed really good at first, full chest, shoulder and back protection constructed of hard foam pieces layered in. The underarms had a opening so I could move and stretch easily in it, and would have felt great riding in it all day. A pack fitted ok on my back. The price is great too at approximately £80.

Problems were however, it did not fit really snuggly and I think after a few wears the foam blocks would have started moving around. Also, unless you had it held tightly down with clothes the protection might not actually give you protection where you need it due to it moving around. You could not remove the blocks to wash and I think it would have been a risky game putting it in the machine!

All in all it was my second choice due to the super light weight, all over protection and price. I would give it a 7/10

Bliss 1.0 LD Top Comp 2015 (size small)

I was most excited about this one, but I was also the most disappointed. It was very heavy, the pads felt like a bath mat but heavier! To be fair once it was on it did not feel too bad, but I would not want to peddle round in it all day. Maybe for downhill at a stretch but the weight would probably put me off wearing it, and certainly not for enduro or regular trail riding. It is a mans vest, so for a man it is probably brilliant, but for ladies....watch out. The price is also very heavy at approximately £200. 

This was the smallest size small and it was huge for me. I would have needed an XS for a fit, they do offer XS on the Bliss website so you might be able to find one. I think that the bath mat protection might have been a bit hot for peddling too, but again I did not try this so I can't say for definite. 

Plus points are that it looks cool and the elastic stretch material was really comfy. The protection is where you need it and the superduper technology means although it is thin, says it will give you the protection in case of a hit, but I did not use it so I can't comment on how well it works.  

So overall, for men I might say go for it, but for us girls, unfortunately only 5/10 due to fit and weight. 

Alpinestars Comp Pro Short Sleeve (size small)

The Aplinestars is my absolute favourite! It is lightweight, super comfy to the point that you forget that you have it on. It fits like a glove with elastic stretch and a rubberised edge at the bottom to stop it riding up. The belt around the middle acts to stop the armour riding up and as a kidney belt. The shoulder pads are substantial and after a pretty heavy crash in the Alps I can vouch that this protection can protect you! It has given me lots of confidence on the trails. 

The back plate is removable via a zip. The pads are removable so you can throw it in the washing machine and it washes really well. It can take a back pack no problem and I have peddled round all day with this on without knowing it's there, other than to give me confidence. 

Downsides might be the price, at £140 - £160 it is expensive. The only other issue is that it is really hard to get on and even harder to get off especially after a ride!!  The chest protection is thin, but I'm kind of clutching at straws as I think it is brilliant. This was my choice and I would give it 9/10 - only because I resemble a flapping fish out of water whilst taking it off!!

Happy Riding Girls!! See you on the trails x

Oh and obviously I am giving no guarantees for any of the products and how they may or may not protect you, this is all just my opinion.