Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure

Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure

Strap-on protection

BUYING BODY ARMOR IS A LOT LIKE buying insurance: You’re never sure what to get or how much to spend. But realists know they can’t enjoy motorcycling fully without preparing for the possibility of an accident. Cue the Forcefield Extreme Harness Adventure.

Every armor-maker has its own way of doing things, which is why so many shock-absorbing materials and means of holding them in place exist. U.K.-based Forcefield (formerly TPro) created a proprietary modular sandwich of multi-layer/multi-density materials designed to provide a high level of “breathability, flexibility and repeatability.” Independent sections are held together with wide straps and hook-and-loop strips. The Adventure is worn next to the skin under a jacket or riding suit.

Because the U.S. doesn’t have a DOT-type armor standard, the industry uses European Union Certification (CE). This system is based on the force (measured in joules) transmitted through a given point by a given impact. The Adventure received Level Two certification (highest possible) for back protection, Level One for chest protection (Level Two for chest doesn’t exist) and exceeds the standard for elbows and shoulders.

Relatively heavy and a bit bulky, the Adventure doesn’t breathe as well as, say, a mesh jacket. As for fit, the vest rode up and pressed against the back of testers’ helmets on racer-replicas but was more comfortable on bikes with upright riding positions.

DETAILS

Johnson Leather Corp.

1833 Polk St.

San Francisco, CA 94109

800/730-7722

www.johnsonleather.com

Price. . . $335

Ups

Proprietary material allegedly able to

withstand many impacts.

Shoulder and elbow armor removable

Meets tough Euro standards

Downs

Heavy, like wearing a floormat

Upright bike ergos only

Costs more than some fully

padded jackets

Not bad for something that most of us never wanted to deal with in the first place.