[Bryan Bosch]

Flak Jacket Premium Body Armor by RockGardn Sports

When you ride, it’s not a matter of if you’ll crash, but when. While crashing may go hand-in-hand with our off-road motorcycling, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of things that you can do to protect yourself from injury. There are a number of companies that have done a great job engineering and manufacturing protective gear that greatly increases the margin of safety and chances of walking away from a nasty get off. One of these companies is RockGardn Sports out of Camarillo California. With a great following from mountain biking enthusiasts, RockGardn realized that gravity really didn’t seem to give a rip whether you were falling off your bicycle or motorcycle. I had a chance to give their Flak Jacket Premium Body Armor a try, so read on to find out how it worked out.

Fit
The RockGardn Flak Jacket uses a one piece, front zipper design that is put on like any traditional jacket and comes in a range of sizes, from small to triple X. The jacket’s lycra construction means that there is a certain degree of stretch, making the task of finding just the right size an easy one and the material is soft enough to be worn against the skin. Once the jacket is on and zipped up, fine adjustments can be made to the forearm pads, shoulder straps and integrated kidney belt. With less than a minute of adjustments, the Flak Jacket ready for some saddle time.

Function
My initial, major concern with the jacket was heat. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the jacket ran fairly cool. The temperature at Planet Xtreme MX (http://www.planetxtreme.tv/) (formerly Amago Sportspark) was in the mid to high 80’s. Not hot if you’re from Phoenix, but hot enough for a native Oregonian transplant to Southern California. The lycra material is perforated, allowing it to breathe extremely well and it’s moisture wicking effect clearly aided cooling while moving.

I was also concerned about the jacket feeling bulky or limiting movement when riding. Outside of looking a bit like Arnold Schwarzenegger with my jersey over the flak jacket (mostly because of the jacket’s shoulder cups), the jacket was not noticeably heavy or restrictive. I personally liked the supportive feel the jacket provides when the integrated kidney belt is fastened. Not only does it support the front of you, the kidney belt pulls the jacket’s built in spine protection into the small of your back, promoting good posture and riding position. I also noticed that the jacket didn’t contact the chin of my helmet when I turned my head from side to side, as it does wearing my conventional chest protector. All in all, I really didn’t notice the jacket when riding.

So, it’s reasonably cool and comfortable to ride with, but how does it protect? As much as I wanted to rag doll to test the limits of the product, I didn’t have any nasty get offs while testing. However, without going out on a limb, I can say that the jacket is pretty much state of the art when it comes to body armor for mountain biking and off-road motorcycling use. Its one unit design keeps the pads from siding off the areas they are intended to protect (I see this a lot with individual elbow/forearm guards) and the integrated pads are large enough to spread out impacts that otherwise would likely cause injury. The pads are strategically located, offering complete protection for your chest, forearms, elbows, upper arms, shoulders and spine.

Pros :thumbsup:
* Solid rider protection
* Quality construction
* Reasonably cool and comfortable (as far as protective gear goes)
* Integrated, one piece design with built-in kidney belt

Cons :(
* Not as cool and comfortable as wearing just a jersey

Bottom-line
If you must crash hard on Sunday and still make it to work on Monday, the Rockgardn Flak Jacket will go a long way to ensure this happens.

[sleepy]

I have one of these (actually last years model) and really like it. You forget that it is on once riding. If your helmet hits the shoulder pad when turning your head, you are one jacked up puppy (mine doesn't). I have had a number of offs since owning this and so far, so good. I really like the fact that I'm not searching for 15 different items to put on - just don the jacket and all of the other pads are there with it.
I was concerned with the fit at first (I'm 5'7" and 205lbs) but it fits a short fat guy pretty well too ;)

[chopjaw]

I have gotten one. It has saved my arse from taking a dirt sample. The only thing that I can say about it that I dont like is, it dosent have colar-bone protection. But that is a small price to pay.

I would recommend this to anyone.

[1_smooth_crf]

I have been using one of these all summer and it is hot but not unbearable. I would recommend it. Safety First.

04 crf 250r

[cactusred55]

I have one of these that I've been riding with now for about six months, and really like it. It has saved a ride or two, where I know I would have went home instead of continuing to ride because I wasn't all banged up. I used mine a lot in desert riding, and now in woods single track stuff, too. It gives a heck of a lot of piece of mind knowing that you have that much more protection. I can't say I've ever noticed it being that much warmer, except maybe during rest stops when no air's moving. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.

[Dustyridr]

I'll throw my support in for the Flak Jacket as well. Every since I started riding the woods again last year I worried about elbow protection. I tried two different kinds, one restricted the blood flow so bad I couldn't stand it and the other worked their way down to my wrists after just a few minutes.

I got the Flak jacket last year and that did the trick. Luckily for me I had it on when I needed it as well. The front end of my bike slide out from under me as I was coming around a curve at around 25 mph in the woods and when I went down, the first point of impact was my right elbow agains a small (50lb) boulder on the path. The flak jacket took the hit pretty well, but I still shattered my elbow. I'm quite certain that I would have lost my whole arm if I hadn't have been wearing it. The doctor told me that I wouldn't ride dirt bikes again, but I've already been proving him wrong on that point with God's help. :thumbsup:

As far as it being hot, it's not that bad. You can ride with it along without a jersey. The material that makes up the bulk of the jacket is very breathable and keeps you cool. I usually wear a cutoff t-shirt under it regardless of the weather and it's hot here in NC in the summer with 100% humidity. I also still wear my roost protector over the top. At 43 years old I like protection. I also recommend the shorts that they make. Haven't had a case of monkey butt ever since I started wearing those, but again, it's more about the protection that they provide more than anything else.


Johnny

[MotoMac]

I just found this website and this is my first post. I'm getting back into dirt-biking after a 21 year layoff (been street biking since then). Since I'm far from young and heal a lot slower than I did in my youth (I started riding in 1959!! :eek: ), I think I'll need all the protection I can get.

Thanks for the comprehensive test. I had been looking at the SixSixOne Pressure suit, but have heard others say that it isn't that comfortable. Looks like I'll be ordering the RockGardn unit. One question though....Sleepy says that it fits his 5' 7", 200 lb frame okay, but what about us skinny guys? I'm 6' 1", 155 lb and have very long arms. Can the pads be adjusted up and down the sleeves to customize the pad position?

Also, did anyone that has one of these units have to go to a larger jersey to fit over it? I normally wear a large jersey, primarily to get the sleeve length, although my chest size is more like a medium.

Comments please?

Cheers,

Mac

[cheezeburger]

Just ordered one and almost went with a 661 pressure suit until I re-read this site. I got a moose hard shell for christmas, but was hoping for this unit. (I printed off the internet page for mom in law, she got the moose hard shell instead). Once I get the rock garden unit, one of them will have to go!

[huenemed]

Since the RockGardn dudes are just down the street from my office I decided to drop in, try one on and purchase if it felt right --- well, I did all of the above.

When it stops raining enough here in SoCal to allow my local track to dry out enough for some moto, I'll post a test report.

Initially, the fit is very good. Heat? I'll just have to wait until summer to find out - my body is very efficient in thermal processing and as a consequence I don't overheat easily, so that may be a factor.

[vantolr]

I used mine twice this past fall......so far, it's great. I suspect it will get a little toasty come summer, but it fits well and, hopefully, in the event of any future crashes, will protect well, too.

[cheezeburger]

Guys,

One note, I would go to the larger size. I ordered the L XL, which is what I wear in a T Shirt. I had to send it back. Looks like 2X, 3x for me. I'm Tall, medium build, 6'2" However, I did try it on. I'm taking back the Moose protector and I don't even have my 2x 3x yet! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Despite my wife saying it looked "goofy", I believe I would recomend it (I told her a jersey would go over it - she was happier) As for hot, I don't know. It January now :excuseme: . And you know, a helmet is hot .... :)

[MotoMac]

Mine finally arrived this afternoon. Initial inspection shows it's very well made. It is, however, a bitch to put on. I thought the sleeves were all one piece, but they're split at the elbows, so it takes a few contortions to get everything in place. I have a feeling that it will be much worse if I'm already sweaty. Taking it off forces me to bend where my body no longers want to. Hopefully I'll work out a system for donning/doffing that will be quicker and easier. It doesn't seem to impair movement at all and it passes air fine. I put it on and then my vented jersey (which also arrived today) and stood in front of a fan. Air just seems to pass right through it and I don't anticipate having a problem unless I have to stop on the trail on a really hot day. Today the temps touched 99 and are forecast to continue, so I'll find out this weekend. There is so much adjustability that it will take a while to work out everything and get it feeling even better.

I do have one major gripe though... RockGardn's website says that the S/M size is for chests from 38-42 inches. According to my tape measure, mine is around 39-40, but I had a hell of a time zipping it up and felt slightly constricted for the first few minutes. After a bit I didn't seem to notice, but it is definitely on the smallish side of what the website says.

Overall I'm positive that I'll love this thing. It's go more protection that the photos indicate, which is good....us older folks break easier and heal slower!

Cheers,

Mac

[rockchucker22]

I just tried my rock garden for the first time and I must say I love it. It wasn't hot at all ( not that its summer but it has been warm) and I hardly noticed it while I was riding. No hard bails so as far as protection goes it did nice for roost and branches. I love the way the elbow pads stay in place, my biggest complaint would be that the kidney belt is a little small. Over all I say its awesome. :thumbsup: :applause:

[cheezeburger]

Had my first big get off with the flack jacket. It was scratched, I was ok. The more I use this thing the more I like it. I do agree that the "sleeves" being split at the elbow is a problem. The ends of them tend to move around and iritate you. Also, I'm tall, but my sleeves are much longer than my arms. Again, order at least one size bigger, no matter what your tape measure says. The articualtated back has great protection, but can be warm. Overall cooler than a chest protector, but protects better. What more could you ask for? :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Cluck Kent]

Hey Cheezeburger...

I was just contemplating on ordering me one over the net from here in Australia. I am glad all the feedback has been good. I was chasing the Dainese but the cost is a fair bit more and if the RG Flak has proven itself to you in a fall then I guess its gotta be good enough to make me firm up a purchase. I told them my chest size (43") so hopefully they will get me one that is plenty big enough for this Kiwi ape to fit into.

Cheers
Paul :thumbsup:

[fasteer]

after reading about the Rockgardn, I looked up the local dealer & went in to try one on. Was ok, but just didn't fit me quite right. The dealer recommended that I try the Dainese equivalent. Perfect fit & maybe a bit better collarbone protection, so I bought it. Bloody expensive, tho. Haven't crashed in it yet, so can't report on that aspect. Did have to go up a size in jerseys. One other benefit to either the Rockgardn or the Dainese - it makes wearing a backpack/water system way more comfortable.

[MOTORDUDE0616]

I've owned my rockgard for over a year now and love it.

[velli]

hi,

i new to the riding scene am looking to buy my first new bike. for now i have just been driving straight and getting used to a bikes feel.

for me protection is a priority so thank you for the great review and this thing really looks like it could help.

ty

[kannahavemore]

the spine protection on this piece is a nice feature, Ive been riding with the EVS balistic suit for over two years now and love it, I primarily use it for the cooler days and winter, makes the enduro jacket sooo much more comfortable. It is very well made and the integrated kidney belt is the best Ive ever worn. The attention to detail on the EVS is great Like super soft jersey in the chest area to prevent your nipples from rubbing off, so comfortable I can wear it with nothing under.
Last week I was coming down a really steep single track rutted out loose boulder ridden down hill, The pucker factor was high!! A juniper reached out and grabbed my bars yanking them sideways, I was off the bike sooo fast I cant even tell you what happened exactly, high sided landed face and chest first and immediately was squished by my bike. I have a big dent on my back protectors in the suit from my peg which would have impaled me I dont even know if my regular chest protector would have handled the wreck sooo well. The suit stays put and in the right place when you need it. Get One !!!!

[chopped]

I was contemplating using the flak jackets that are used in bull riding but after checking out the two web sites these flak jackets offer a lot more protection. Thanks for the information everyone.

[oldgoated]

nice write up, thanks! i'm looking into getting one for spring time ,you've made it and easy choice, thanks again.

[tmeyaart]

This is a great suit. It fits me like a glove. My first protection and I don't even know that I'm wearing it. I've had a few spills in it and never had a scratch. This offers complete protection. The back plate is exceptional. Kidney belt works great. The only downside is it's breathability, but how do you make breathable plastic plates? I find it only make me warm when I'm riding very slowly or not moving. But the front zipper really helps. When I stop to take a brake I can just unzip the front and unstrap the kidney belt which makes a big difference. It helps me cool off quickly.
I highly recommend this protection.

[doggerdan1]

I purchased the 05' model flak jacket and am so far very disappointed. My first mistake was to purchase the jacket without first trying it on. The 05' model is only available in two sizes , small/medium and large/x-large. I am 6'2", 170lbs, so according to the manufacturer I should wear a small/medium, that is what I purchased. Turns out the S/M was way too small for me, I couldn't even zip up the front and it was way too short in the torso, so I sent it back to exchange for a L/X-L (paying shipping both ways)
The bigger jacket fits a little better but there are some very basic design flaws that would keep me from recommending this product to anyone.
The first problem is there is not enough adjustment in the shoulder straps to pull the shoulder pads in closer like they should be, I'll have to take it to an upholstery shop to have more velcro sewn on. My second gripe is they made the torso way too short for anyone over maybe 5'10", the bottom of the jacket constantly rides up my belly and I'm always tugging on it to pull it back down. My third and biggest complaint is that they failed to put any padding between the wearer and the zipper located right down the middle of your torso. They say it's made to be worn right against the skin, but I can't do it, since it is too short, the zipper (especially where the zipper starts on the bottom) irritates my skin on my belly. My wife is going to try and fix that by sewing on some material to protect from the zipper.
This thing is a big disappointment, I would only give it 2 stars.

[Thejaybird]

I love mine! I just picked up a new one and there are some changes from my old one. First, my old one was a medium and no longer fit (I blame beer and good food :thumbsup: ) so I ordered a large. The material is a mesh fabric compared to my old one that was solid spandex. The new stuff is way breathable and a great improvement. The torso is now super long and tucks into riding pants so now the problem of it riding up is gone. I never ride without it.

[Twhit]

I've recently purchased the RockGardn Flak Jacket. Fortunitly, I live a short distance from the owners place of business and stopped by to try one on for sizing and closely examine the quality. The quality appeared to be as good or better than anyones...OK, passed first test! So they look at me and figured I'd likely need the large/Xlarge size. I'm 5' 10" 170 lbs. with a 41" chest. I try it on and it seemed to be a bit too loose for my taste...basically the shoulders tended to be too loose and drooped down a little. I'm thinking this is not good, as I can imagine the shoulder pads easily moving aside during an impact....not good! I ask to try on the small/medium size. I put it on and it fit like a close fitting shirt and the should pads fit way better. With the adjustment straps smugged up a bit, I had a perfect fit. I also considered the fact that when it becomes all sweaty during a ride, generally most fabrics will sag to some degree. Regarding the issue of the elbo/forearm portion of the jacket making it more difficult to put on...I just detatch them and put them on like you would normally put on these gaurds....separately! Anyway, I purchased the Flak Jacket. At the end of my first ride I was amazed that I didn't even think about it while wearing it and I wore it right next to my skin...no discomfort, no irritation!!! I was a happy camper and I can now easily turn my helmet far enough to see behind me! Would I recommend this product to anyone? Most certainly! On a scale from 1 to 10...10 being best, I give it a 9.75, because I believe most any product always has room for improvement. Oh ya, regaurding cleaning.....either take it into the shower with you or just give it a good hosing off, then hang it up to dry.

Tom

[treemagnet]

Just got mine. not sure what I htink yet. Here are intitial thoughts:
Cons:
Difficult to get into - the 2 piece arms are a challenge.
Quite restrictive through the bicep area - I workout but I'm not HUGE
No collar bone protection

Expected Pros:
Seems to stay in place pretty well - maybe too well

I might have ordered the incorrect size. I'm 6'1 and 200lbs. Big shoulders and chest and arms. Might give them a ring for some more accurate sizing advice. According to the website this is my size but sounds like others have had the experience that they run small.

I'll keep ya'll posted if i decide to go with it despite the collar bone thing.

[treemagnet]

Decided to skip it. i sent it back. it did not fit well and I think that my body type just might not work for this gear. Any bigger in the waiste would not have worked and it need to be bigger in the arms (biceps). Anyway. just my .2

[CBus660R]

treemagnet, I had the same problems as you. I lift weights and the arms were way too tight. It certainly looks like a high quality product and I wanted it to work. FYI I'm 6'2", 215# 35-36" waist, 46" chest, and my biceps are 17.5" or so and I ordered the XL model. I'm not the biggest guy around, but definitely bigger than average. I actually had bigger issues with the forearm area (lots of deadlifts and powercleans in the past). The body did fit me well. If you are of average build, I say go for it, but if you like to lift weights and are muscular, then I'm thinking none of the various brands of body suits are going to fit your arms.

[Seth S]

What would help make these reviews actually useful would be if people would indicate their height, weight, body type, arm length waist size etc. I am 6'3" tall and weigh about 200 lbs, 34/35 waist..not sure on chest maybe 40?....basically tall and skinny but not stick thin. I have a 661 pressure suit that fits great in the arms and is comfortable. However because my torso is taller the kidney belt constantly rides up into the wrong part of my stomach. This annoys the hell out of me. If I clip the kidney belt into the belt on my pants to keep it in the correct place then the kidney belt is rendered useless, the back protector is not properly seated, and the chest protector floats around. I called 661 with a design mod suggestion which sounded like it got filed in the circular bin. Basically I said they should make the height of the kidney belt adjustable.

In reading many pressure suit reports I am not convinced that any will fit us taller riders properly. Its looking like I am going to have give old mom a call and see if we cant modify the thing to fit. The 661 is good otherwise....Perhaps I am too picky on fit but when you go for 200+ mile trail rides the last thing you want on your mind is how annoying the suit is fitting.

[XDragRacer]

What would help make these reviews actually useful would be if people would indicate their height, weight, body type, arm length waist size etc. I am 6'3" tall and weigh about 200 lbs, 34/35 waist..not sure on chest maybe 40?....basically tall and skinny but not stick thin. Seth S, if you're interested at all in a Flak Jacket, I suggest you call Mark at Rock Gardn Sports in Camarillo, CA; describe your physiognomy and heed his recommendations.

Don't know if you can be fitted optimally in a Flak Jacket or not, but--the grament features extra-long "shirt-tails," an innovation I'm told adopted from user feedback; and . . . Mark nailed my own sizing, after my self-description over the phone.