Pressure Suit Vs Foam padding Jackets

ricardo_smooth

Basically I want to invest in some upper body protection for uplift days etc. Having never had any stuff before i'm a complete newbie to them all. I do like the idea of the newer style foam padded ones such as

Troy Lee Designs BP 7850-HW http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59939

One Industries Exo jersey http://www.stif.co.uk/mtb/product/one-industries-exo-short-sleeve-jersey/11290.

But if something like nukeproof's critical armour pressure suit http://www.stif.co.uk/mtb/product/nukeproof-critical-armour-jacket/10934

is really that much better and not much more uncomfortable, then I can see the point in spending the extra cash on them (however not looking to spend more than the rrp of the critical).
I don't need neck brace compatibility as I don't wear one.

Any help/guidance welcomed

felix.london

No advice, just going to give you more options!...but this is on my shopping list this season;

The ARG 1.0 LD Top
http://www.bike-discount.de/shop/k1268/a92949/arg-1-0-ld-top-black.html?mfid=767

I like the idea of the full front zipper. I've had two full seasons of sweatily, battling my way out of the (now pretty worn out) 661 Subgear after every ride!

The Bliss ARG also looks like it might ward off more than just scrapes, scratches & light bruising like the Subgear...basically looks like it's designed to take bigger hits and also the back protection looks like a nice addition to have - got a friend in the hospital with 2 fractured vertebrae from a snowboarding accident a couple of weeks ago

ricardo_smooth

looks like there isn't any chest protection though whereas all 3 of the others offer both

Stevo_666

Not tried the foam padded type stuff myself but I've had no problems with comfort/mobility with my 661 pressure suit and it has definitely saved me from a fair bit of pain and injury.

rockmonkeysc

If your riding downhill then the foam padded tops are useless, they give bugger all protection from hitting pointy rocks at speed. I don't notice my 661 pressure suit when riding but don't buy the cheap ones unless you want to sweat off a stone or two. The Nukeroof armour looks pretty good. It's worth considering whether you will be wanting to use a neck brace, not all armour is neck brace compatible.

angry_bird

Pressure suit over the foam padding. More protection and like has been said above, it's not really noticeable when you're riding, but when you crash you tend to be thankful you were wearing it