RED's Impact LS2 Vest has removable spine armor. Keep it in for your I-can't-believe-I'm-dropping-into-this-days, or go without for your slightly less aggressive runs. The stealth back padding design fits comfortably under your jacket, and midweight microfleece material gives you some warmth. Rock out to your favorite play list with your music secure in the iPod pocket. Secure the Impact LS2 Vest with a two strap Flexfit belt and hit the gnarly stuff. Grab other protection gear if you're really going strong and want to protect other areas besides your spine. *Available for US Shipment Only. Fall 2008.
Bottom Line: RED designed the Impact LS2 Vest for hard-core spine protection.
Got this as a precaution for next season due to my recent season ending back injury. This is a perplexing product, and one must ask, who exactly did RED (Burton) design this for? This is overkill for people who cruise groomers, yet it is too cumbersome for freestylers and hard chargers who will actually appreciate the extra protection.
This thing is a cross between being a Ninja Turtle and wearing a medical back brace. It doesn't RESTRICT movement by any means, but it definitely inhibits movement and overall mobility. The problem lies in the fundamental characteristic of this thing: it's a VEST. In other words, any motion that the back plate makes, it gets transmitted through the entire apparel, pulling on your torso every which way. A couple more drawbacks include the fact that it is bulky, and it is heavier than it looks.
On the plus side, this vest is well constructed and most likely provides decent back protection. Furthermore, the spine are elements are modular, meaning you can remove any piece you don't feel necessary.
In a nutshell, if you're in any way shape or form a freestyler who relies on torso mobility for your tricks, stick with the strappy-style spine armor.
I dont ride without it anymore. Thankfully haven't had to use it but i like it a lot. My back does get sweaty on warmer days but no more than having a backpack on. If your one that worries about your back and spine getting scraped by large branches as you go through the trees or getting jabbed in the back by a rock/rail/box on a fall, this is for you.
That said, i'd like it with more of a mesh backing to increase air circulation.
although it's a bit weird when put it on, it sure helps a lot to protect the back, specially i just start to learn to jump. safe me away from some serious injury couple times. highly recommended.
