High-mile test
Armoured base-layer isn’t cheap but gives superb comfort and protection
Armoured base layer
The claim
“The Forcefield Pro Shirt X-V 2 offers full CE2 protection for those who require protection built into a garment. It features a super lightweight construction and a centre zip. The Pro Shirt X-V comes complete with chest pads and an adjustable waistband.
“New production techniques have resulted in a super-strong open mesh (X Vents) that is even more breathable, yet super soft and strong. This runs through the high-heat areas, and also provides ‘armour windows’, not only looking good but also providing extra breathability and lightness.
“The CE2 back armour parts have been re-designed and now provide unrivalled ‘free fitting’ flexibility. This is achieved by a unique cutting pattern throughout the layers of Forcefield’s own DRI-M technology (Dynamic Reactive Intelligent Materials).”
The reality
This armoured shirt has proved more versatile and useful than I thought it would. Designed for multiple uses, I’ve worn it under textiles for adventure riding, under leathers for trackdays and even under my retro Dainese leather jacket when I’d decided not to trust its feeble-looking Level-1 protection.
There is a lot to be said for having close-fitting armour next to your skin. The theory is that if it is ‘part of your body’ rather than the garment, it’s less likely to move in an impact and is more comfortable and effective.
It is certainly reassuring. The back and chest protectors are four layers of soft foam and about 25mm thick. They seem
initially stiff but your body heat warms them up and makes them flexible and as comfortable as any armour I’ve worn.
The same goes for the shoulder and elbow protectors — the snug fit reassures, though I think the elbow protectors could still be a little bit more strongly-located. It’s done its job in multiple low-speed off-road tumbles and is still totally usable — the good thing about these protectors is that they aren’t single-impact.
The shirt feels much like a normal base-layer to wear and the zip is easy to use. And while it isn’t the coolest (Forcefield has just released a mesh air version) it’s isn’t sweaty either, dries well and never smells. Last summer I wore it forlong, consecutive days of trail riding and it didn’t smell at all — even when it was sticky with sweat.
The versatility has surprised me — I like it so much I ended up taking the Level-1 armour out of my one-piece leathers and my leather jacket and wearing the shirt instead. It made getting my leathers on easier and allowed me to use a chest protector in both too — and that’s got a be a safety gain.
The wear and tear
It’s done well. The shirt hasn’t shrunk in multiple washes, the armour still locates as well as it did when it was new and nothing has lost shape. It’s got many years of use ahead of it, I’m sure.