HIP ARMOUR

Reading the review of the PMJ Deux jeans (October 21), I noted the comment about the ‘supposed’ benefits of hip armour. I can't comment on how good it is but can tell a tale of what can happen if you don’t have it. In June 1978, just before my 20th birthday, and before armour was being used by

GP riders let alone us mere mortals, I was riding my Honda 550 when I had the misfortune to have a car pull out of a junction on the nearside and I hit the front wing just behind the wheel. I went over the bonnet and hit the road on my left side. I suffered what's known as an acromioclavicular dislocation of the shoulder as a result of the head of the humerus impacting into the shoulder joint, and the head of the femur did the same thing into the pelvis. Because of the damage sustained to my hip joint I needed a replacement hip, which was left for as long as possible (eight years) because of my age, meaning my mobility was limited and I lost my job at that time. I've now had three hip replacements. I also still suffer lower back pain because of the affect of the impact in that area. I have to assume that modern shoulder and hip armour would have significantly reduced the injuries sustained in this accident and would strongly recommend that no one goes out without it. I would also ask that clothing manufacturers make hip armour standard, not optional. I'm still riding, but always with armour, even in jeans. Stay safe.

Russ

Hi Russ, Sorry to hear about your accident. I agree with you, hip armour (and in my view back armour, too) should be standard fitment rather than an optional extra for items that have a CE approval. There’s little consolation in something having the potential to be safe if that’s all it is, potential.

Mikko Nieminen