what protective gear should I buy?

[arpit]

Hi I do a variety of riding on a hardtail . I'm looking for protective gear for aggressive cross country, and some for downhill, which I'm going to start to do.

For downhill, I want to buy a pressure suit, and a full face helmet.

For aggressive cross country I want to buy knee and shin armour, which I will also use for downhill work. I also want to buy elbow and arm guards. In addition, I'd like to get wrist and ankle protectors pending an assessment of effectiveness.

It's fairly crucial that the knee guards and elbow guards aren't hot, restrictive, or uncomfortable, or else I just won't end up wearing them for long rides. It's also important that they don't slip, either when riding or in a crash. Price is important but not as important as comfort or slippage.

I can buy from
-a local bike shop - I can get dianese armour there, immediately
- online from phantom cycles
- online from beyondbikes in the US - massive postage costs though
- Torpedo7

Dianese armour seems styled to what I want, but its expensive and reports on mtbr say they slip easily. Any comments?

What I'm looking at :

Knee guards and elbow guards
Anything phantom cycles sells really
I like the look and the price of Troy Lee Designs Elbow Guards and knee guards which are 38 bucks each.
However, they offer many other options, which I refer you to:
http://www.phantomcycles.com.au/home.php?cat=143&page=1

Torpedo7 also sells hinged knee armour - 661 Ricochet Knee/Shin Armor- for about 60 bucks. They sell pads as well, but they look hot and restrictive.
They also sell Exustar Elbow Protection for about 30 bucks.

Full face helmet
I'll get the cheapest one available. There ae substantial savings to be had by buying from the US, but these may be offset by postage. I'll probably end up buying the Bell Bellistic for 160 from phantom. Opinions?

Pressure suit
Options
661 suit from overseas for about 150aud
Same suit from phantom for about 240aud
Exustar Body Armor from torpedo for about 120 aud
Mace Swat Jacket from phantom for 170 bucks.


So guys, appreciate it If yu'd give me any opinions you have regarding body armour for my intended uses, and any suggestions you might have about what I should purchase

Cheers,
Arpit

[Big_Al]

look on e-bay for a helmet
Get a 661 pressure suit of T7

Depending on how agressive you are is to weather you really need body armour.. You would be sweet if you wernt that agressive with some elbow guards and shinnys. Shinnys are an essential to riding. i dont go anywhere with out them its better to have them on that a hole in ur leg.

Atm im looking for body armour i will probably get a 661 SP-1 pressure suit. it offers the most protection out of them all.

Cheers Al

[roxy12]

mace jackets may be a good choice ther, as i know i bought a 661 pressure suit, but very very rarely wear it i just find it gets in the way becasuse its so bulky whilst im rather small, the elbow guards also tended to move alot (nearly all brands i tried didnt fit me properly), only time i wear it is when im racing the mace will give you the option of keeping the upper body protected whilst stil having full elbow movement.\\

just a thought.

also just also why not go to your LbS and ask about a deal on all the armour, they may beable to hook you up something wicked!