7iDP Transition SS Base Suit
(discontinued)

AvgAverage User Rating
Vital Rating:
Discontinued
Related:
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Tested: 7iDP Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit
Rating:
Vital Review

Review by Joel Harwood // Photos by AJ Barlas

7iDP's brand name represents the foundation of the company: 7 original colleagues creating intelligent design protection. 7iDP believes that protection in mountain biking had become stagnant and brand-driven, rather than driven by design and rider needs. After two-years of development, 7iDP released the Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit with input from the Rocky Mountain – Urge Rally Team, recent Rampage winner Kurt Sorge, in addition to engineers, designers, and testers. For the last few months, we made poor choices, hucked and rode with little regard for safety in the name of testing this piece of protection.

Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit Highlights


  • 4-way stretch, highly durable 90% polyester / 10% spandex mix material
  • Polyester, spandex and 4-way mesh compression fit
  • Double layer polygon foam for increased air flow and reduced weight
  • Removable rear spine protector
  • Removable modular shoulder pads
  • Chest and back customization for neck brace integration
  • Designed beyond CE EN1621 standard for maximal protection
  • Color: Black
  • Sizes: S, M, L and XL
  • MSRP: $169.99 USD

Initial Impressions

The Transition Suit is meant to fit as a base layer under the jersey, so it appears small at first glance. Closer inspection reveals quality stitching and breathable material wherever possible, with more durable material where necessary. While most companies have chosen to predominantly use adaptive foam as padding, 7iDP remains steadfast in their commitment to exceeding CE standards – meaning that they choose to use a combination of their patented Curv plastic and traditional foam.

Another unique feature of the Transition Suit is the modular system for the back plate and the removable padding to better accommodate popular neck braces.

On The Trail

Fit on the Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit is true to size. The top slides on without requiring zippers or buckles, yet it fits snugly. We found that the pads were placed accurately and comfortably, without restricting movement or pinching. The armor never moved while riding. In our commitment to product reviews, we even chose to tomahawk off trail on one occasion with zero issues – no damage to our body or the armor. The weave on the fabric is tight and it seems 7iDP leaned towards function and durability over ventilation. Throughout the testing process, the Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit was comfortable, moved with the body and never became a distraction due to heat or discomfort.

Things That Could Be Improved

We can always argue that breathability could be improved with a product like this. Sure, we were warmer while wearing the Transition Suit, but we had no regrets when we hit the deck. We would have liked the chest pad to extend slightly further down the chest in order to protect another rib or two. This is subjective given the variety of bodies the suit was designed to fit, but for us, a little added length would add protection and wouldn’t interfere with movement.

Long Term Durability

When we received the Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit we were immediately concerned that the suit would slowly stretch and become more likely to shift while riding. After a number of sessions, we found that it would stretch ever so slightly, but after a quick wash it returned to normal. Also, one of the 4-way stretch panels developed a very small hole somewhere along the line, likely from a crash or getting caught up on our pants. Five-minutes and a needle with thread prevented it from becoming a legitimate issue.

What’s The Bottom Line?

7iDP has definitely done their homework with the Transition Suit. The ability to customize for a neck brace and desired level of protection was great. The ability to shape-shift is unique, and we even heard that some enduro riders were using the spine protector sleeve to hold a hydration bladder. There are flimsier, lighter-weight options and more protective bulky alternatives – the balance between CE-certified protection, comfort and customization is a first, especially at a competitive cost. Some riders will argue that they’ll never wear upper body armor because it’s too hot, bulky and restrictive. We’ll just rebut that they haven’t tried the 7iDP Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit.

Visit www.7protection.com for more details.


About The Reviewer

Joel Harwood has been playing in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia for the last nine years. He spends his summer months coaching DH race groms in the Whistler Bike Park, and guiding XC riders all over BC. He dabbles in all types of racing, but is happiest while blasting his trail bike down trails that include rock slabs, natural doubles, and west coast tech. On the big bike he tends to look for little transitions and manuals that allow him to keep things pointed downhill, rather than swapping from line to line. Attention to detail, time in the saddle, and an aggressive riding style make Joel a rider that demands the most from his products. Joel's ramblings can also be found at www.straightshotblog.com.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Tested: 7iDP Transition Short Sleeve Base Suit

3 member reviews

A Good Idea that Needs Some Work
Rating:
The Good
Great concept. Multi piece spine protection and chest protection. Works with Leatt and Atlas braces.
The Bad
Sizing is way off. I normally wear a medium shirt. The SS Base Suit was way to big and bulky. I ended up selling it to a friend who is over 6 ft tall and it fits him much better.
Overall Review:

The SS Base Suit is a great idea; however, 7iDP needs to work on sizing, ventilation, and reducing the bulk of this suit.

0 comments

Post a reply to: A Good Idea that Needs Some Work

Good fit, high quality
Rating:
The Good
Fits true to size, nice shoulder and back protection
The Bad
hot, bulky
Overall Review:

Ordered this to try to find something for easier riding days. It fit's really well and seems really well made. However it is really hot.

It's also a lot bulkier that I thought it would be. I ended up returning it because my 661 core saver fits better under a jersey and has more protection.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Good fit, high quality

Specifications

Product
7iDP Transition SS Base Suit
Riding Type
Trail
Freeride / Bike Park
Downhill
Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Other
Pad Type
Soft Shell
Material
Polyester/Spandex, Curv
Coverage
Partial Suite
Sizes
S, M, L, and XL
Color
Black
Miscellaneous
- Curv® flexible rear spine protector
- Low weight, high strength 1mm flexible caps and plate for contoured fit
- Features removable spine protector, foam and plastics on the back and
shoulders for easy washing
- Double layer polygon perforated custom foam to increase air flow and
reduce weight.
- A combination of Poly/Spandex and 4 way stretch mesh offers great air flow
- Designed beyond CE EN1621 standard to ensure maximum protection
- Removable Spine protector allows for easy washing
- Chest and Back impact zones feature removable sections to allow for easy
integration of Atlas and other popular brands of neck braces.
- Compression fit allows base suit to be worn under jersey.
Price
$169.99
What do you think?
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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