Motoport Body Guard Jacket

MOTOPORT BODY GUARD JACKET

CIV EVALUATION,

All-purpose armor

PROTECTIVE RIDING APPAREL COMES IN various shapes, sizes and prices, so making the right selection can be a challenge. One recourse is Motoport's Body Guard Jacket, which is less jacket and more armored undershirt.

Constructed from nylon and lycra, the Body Guard is equipped with removable closed-cell T-Pro armor at the back, chest, elbows/forearms and shoulders. A combination of two foam layers with one inner layer of plastic, the armor is ventilated at the back and chest to aid cooling. Additional features include double stitching at impact zones and a YKK front zipper.

Worn by itself, under another jacket or under an MX jersey, the machinewashable Body Guard fits snugly, molding comfortably to the wearer.

Initially, the armor feels a bit awkward and bulky, but after several wearings, you almost forget it's there. The mesh design is comfortably cool in hot weather, but provides little warmth in colder climes. Fortunately, the jacket stretches to allow layering.

Complaints? Only two: The Body Guard can be awkward to carry or store once you've reached your destination, and your clothing can emerge from the experience somewhat wrinkled. Offered in black or neon orange, the $99 jacket fits sizes XXS-XXXL, and custom sizing is available from Motoport, 6110 Yarrow Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008; 800/766-6661.

Altogether, not too high a price to pay for such versatile safety gear. If your budget dictates your protection selection, you couldn't ask for more. □