Body Armour

Body Armour Buying Guide

Body armour provides comprehensive upper body protection — chest, shoulders, back and sometimes elbows in a single garment. It's standard kit for DH racing, bike parks, and any riding where crashes are expected and impacts are severe.

Pressure Suits vs Armoured Jerseys

Pressure suits (Fox Titan, Leatt Body Protector 5.5) are tight-fitting garments with hard-shell armour at every impact zone — chest, shoulders, back, elbows and sometimes forearms. They provide maximum protection but are hot and restrictive. Armoured jerseys (IXS Carve, Dainese Rhyolite) look like a regular jersey but have soft armour inserts at key points — lighter, cooler, and more comfortable to pedal in, but less protective than a full pressure suit.

Choosing Coverage

DH racing and bike parks: full pressure suit with chest, shoulder, back and elbow coverage. The heat and restriction don't matter because you're shuttling or using a lift. Enduro racing: armoured jersey with back and shoulder protection — enough coverage to survive the inevitable crash without overheating on the climbs. Trail riding: most riders don't need body armour, but an armoured vest worn under a jersey adds significant crash protection with minimal weight.

Fit Under or Over a Jersey

Pressure suits are designed to wear next to skin or over a base layer, with a jersey on top. Armoured jerseys replace your regular jersey. Make sure the armour doesn't shift when you move — the chest plate should stay centred, shoulder pads shouldn't slide to the side, and the back protector should cover the spine from T1 to the lumbar region. Most brands run true to size — size up if you plan to layer underneath in winter.