I know that the armored style vests are designed to be worn under jackets etc. Would they be of any use worn alone? I typically always wear a full jacket all summer but it gets super hot some days and I'm looking for an alternative. I like the idea of having some extra protection for my chest and back but also hate the idea of potential road rash on exposed arms. Anyone think that a vest would be worth the investment? Just as a reference point, I was looking at something like this:

Armor > Back Protector: Worn on the Body :: MotorcycleGear.com

 

On our local forum they are called douche vests.
They seem to only be worn be they guys that hang out at the local coffee shop.

Best quote I have heard when it comes to gear "Dress for the Crash, Not the ride."

 

The body parts that are likely to take impact in a crash are head, hands, feet, knees, elbows, hips, shoulders. That's what needs protection.

Get a perforated leather jacket, and just accept that you'll be warm in stopped or slow traffic.

Second best quote is: "Sweat washes off; scars don't."

 

Vest wouldn't have done squat in the lowside. The shoulder slider is ground flat... and made from titanium

 

Thanks guys, point proven and very well taken. Let the sweat continue!

 

It annoys me when I see people wearing just the vests. If having amputated arms is ok for them, then good for them.

 

Only way for the vest is under the jacket (in my eyes)

 

Does this include something like the Dainese Thorax? I saw one for sale on CL and was thinking about getting it and removing the armor from both my A* and Dainese leathers to wear underneath. Not sure if it could be worn without a jacket though as the mesh seems like it has too much perforation.

 

as others have said just a vest wont do a damn thing.
It wont protect you like leather, but a decent mesh jacket is a good investment. Yes you'll get hot in stop and go traffic, but once you're moving theres not much of a different between the mesh and having no jacket.

 

If it's low speed street cruising you can get away with armored Kevlar mesh. Heck of a lot cooler but I wouldn't trust it going on freeways with it.


Best quote I've seen so far
"Why Gear : Because walking away in disgust beats riding away in an ambulance any day !" Sprock