I took a spill while riding offroad in Utah and landed squarely on my right shoulder. I was wearing a typical set-up, roost deflector and elbow guards, which offered no protection. I separated my shoulder and bruised my collarbone in that spill. I’m not sure if body armor would have prevented that injury, but I immediately purchased a Thor Impact suit which offers a great deal more protection in one reasonably priced, convenient package.

Thor Impact SE 2

I wore this rig while riding 1,230 miles from Ensenada to Cabo San Lucas and wanted to share my thoughts. First of all, $140 is not a lot of money for shoulder, elbow, forearm and back protection, not to mention an integrated kidney belt. The price is definitely right. The various components are connected by a fine mesh undersuit so it’s easy to keep track of everything and put on. I was concerned that the suit would be hot, but I never felt uncomfortable riding with it on, even in 100 degree desert heat. I took quite a few spills during that trip and the suit did a fantastic job of protecting my upper body. During one particularly hectic moment, I came off the course and blew through a cactus going 30mph. I don’t know if you have ever driven through a cactus on a motorcycle, but they explode. No shit. This one sent spines that completely covered my right arm. If I had just been wearing a jersey and elbow guards, I would have been in a lot of pain – the Thor Impact suit bore the brunt and really saved the day.

Now for the cons. I wear a Leatt Neck Brace which wants to be underneath any chest protection.That’s not really possible using the Thor Impact Suit – it needs to be on the inside. I’m not sure if this negates the utility of a Leatt neck brace, but definitely made me wonder. As well, it comes with an integrated, removable kidney belt. The problem is that the belt zips in on both sides. When you tighten the belt, it puts pressure on those zippers which slowly come undone. After 20 miles, one or both sides of the belt will come unattached and ball up in your jersey. It’s incredibly annoying and renders the belt completely useless. If you do pick one of these up, zip the belt out and throw it away. Buy yourself a regular kidney belt that wraps all the way around your body, affixes with velcro.

In all, I heartily recommend the Thor Impact suit. It’s a great value and works well. Just be careful if you use a Leatt neck brace and make sure you buy a kidney belt if you’re going to ride long, or ride whoops.