Where to start is going to be 'cutting the fat'.

For $125.00 USD, you can get perhaps what I've found to be the best in upper body protection. There are a few catches to this, however. First, the armor comes two parts, an upper body spine and shoulder protection, and a lower body tail protector. Thankfully this one of two parts (the tail protector) is detachable. Good, because it's pretty much worthless around the sides of an impact zone, offering little protection where it counts.

With two straps to go around the legs that aren't very adjustable, this lower piece covers only the spinal cord region to any real point. That, and it gives the appearance of a giant Maxi Pad. How delightful. My advice for lower pads, get hockey shorts under your pants that protect the full length around.

My right cheek, I know it's lovely. No, really now there's no need to compliment... or har-ass. The lower pad does not cover my whole keester, lucky for you, bad for me.

Cutting away at more fat, next comes the elbow pads. Although well thought out to include elbow protection, this upper body section must go. They are the outer shell style pads that don't protect on the sides, have rash giving straps guaranteed to chaff, and really offer no protection where it will count in a side impacting fall.

The stitching was from the fact that these pads are sewn on to the upper section.

I kept the yellow sleeves on, but in time I will most likely cut them off. They are still good for holding the upper arm and should pads in place, but most likely I will replace the long sleeves with some elastic bands later on.

With all the needed work to get this upper body suit ready, I'd say that what is left of the suit is perhaps the best I've seen over the years. Cutting away a lot of garbage, remember. The materials are good, the stitching is good... believe me, I took both elbow pads off carefully and needed the patience I had in me. The overall design of the top piece covers all necessary parts from impacts on all sides... oh man did I test this one. I rode right into a car gate and got clothelined at about 20-25 MPH and the front impact held true to disperse the weight evenly. I remember my feet flopping around like fish out of water and didn't even get the wind knocked out of myself. My recommendation, don't test it out for yourself. I'm just saying, it held pretty nicely and my ribs are still in tact.

The back section is also well protected with a heavy spinal protection piece. What I really like about this suit is mainly in the shoulders and arms. They actually have arm protection for one, and for another, the shoulder pads protect in the rear. If you look at most lacrosse or Moto X guard's, they often have the shoulder pads leaning forwards. This is good for taking impact from the front, but not really as much from the sides, or a little less at the sides and to the back.

Here's a bit of a downfall to the padding. Although here I am wearing a hoody sweatshirt, it's normally pretty hot out when riding. It's winter and a bit nippier so it's not a factor now, but there is poor ventilation in this upper body armor. In temperatures above 70 degrees and you had better be wearing either a T-shirt or no shirt underneath. Also, Those bright yellow sleeves will need to be replaced with an elastic arm band of sorts. Right now their only purpose is to keep the upper arm and shoulder padding in place.

As mentioned above, the shoulder pads and arm pads protect further to the rear and cover the sides nicely. When falling and bringing your arms inwards as a fetal position fall, this armor wraps around the body into a nice outer shell to protect from harsh impacts.

What could be changed? A lot actually, get rid of the lower padding and take off the yellow sleeves aswell the elbow pads. Put on some elastic bands to keep the arm guards in place and you finally have a good upper body protection.

Overall Pros: Once the upper body piece is tendered to your fit, it protects better than any upper body armor I've yet to try out. Mainly because this gear was actually manufactured with mountainboarders in mind. It even has one on the tags you get with the gear. As far as upper body armor, it's killer stuff and really protects. High quality stitching too.

Overall cons: Overheating is not a joke, when wearing body armor, it's not needed to wear long sleeves underneath. For cooler conditions and if you know how to rehydrate properly and every so often it's fine. The main thing to this gear is the overall price in regards to what I actually see fit to be used. Scrap the rear gear and the elbows, they really don't offer much. Instead, get some good elbow pads, and good seat cushions that protect the whole measure of your precious self.

Overall rating in regards to other body armor: On my 0 - 5 scale of 5 being the best, I give it a 2. The price is too high, and because the fact it's rated with the elbow pads and butt pads included in this price it's a hassle. Still with the low rating, making the adjustments and it's an expensive, but good upper body piece with a higher rating.

-Unit