As you're in NotSpain, there are similar products to the Scott Offcon by Ekoi and Racer 1927 which are worth looking at.
Unfotunately the back protector of the Ekoi one is too short and some parts of the chest don't seem very breathable.
But the Alpha Plastron from Racer looks quite ideal, very similar to the Scott Softcon Air but around 100gr lighter, more adjustable, and it even offers a set of straps to use just as a back protector, which could be ideal to climb with it in "backpack mode" and put the chest back in it for the descents. Great suggestion! Unfortunately it's not available, but let's see if I can find it somewhere else. Otherwise, the Fox Raceframe Impact D30 (soft back) might be a good option if I find straps to easily wear it as a "backpack" (taking out the front part) on my long climbs.
3 years ago I bought the SCOTT Softcon Hybrid Pro. As Ikshpp quoted on the Alpinestars one, the SCOTT is also on the heavy (and hot...
3 years ago I bought the SCOTT Softcon Hybrid Pro. As Ikshpp quoted on the Alpinestars one, the SCOTT is also on the heavy (and hot in summer) side but was the only one as that time able to reach "level 2" of French "EN1621" norm/standard (all were only "level 1" - so lower impacts absorption), used for (motor)bikes. I'm just a regular Joe on a mtb, ride some local enduro races every year and also a father of 3... so get badly injured needs to be avoided. I can spend riding an entire day, but it means a lot of sweat.
I’m also looking for a new chest protection but lots seems to be to short in length to protect effectively the spine. The Scott softcon seems well...
I’m also looking for a new chest protection but lots seems to be to short in length to protect effectively the spine. The Scott softcon seems well designed and pretty ventilated. Do you still recommend it after 3 years ? Indeed its the only chest protector with level 2
I still recommend it. As far as I remember, only the back protection reachs level 2. Other parts are level 1.
About spine protection, I believe most of lumbar vertebrae are covered/protected. If needed, I could temporarly upload a link to a photo during next week-end (I work on field for the next 2 days, so not mich time at home).
Few "bad points" for me:
1) chest and back protections are not removable when you want to wash it (only elbow and shoulders pads are removable). I only wash it "by hand" with a bit of dish soap. After using it from time to time (for the most exposed trails or races) in 3 years, there is no smell.
2) Mesh grid can be a bit irritating on some aeras (e.g. nipples) if you dont wear something underneath. Wearing another layer adds heat, so more sweat.
Few "good points": feels sturdy, looks okay, not so heavy, easy to use, easy to dry. "So far so good".
IVe found both weight for Scott softcon air (level1 - 720g) and softcon hybrid pro (level 2 - 1.1 kg). Even if the look seems identical, the build and materials seems very différent. I’ll go on hybrid pro based on your feedback, even if its hotter that air version in Summer, being better protected the entire year is a must.
IVe found both weight for Scott softcon air (level1 - 720g) and softcon hybrid pro (level 2 - 1.1 kg). Even if the look seems identical, the...
IVe found both weight for Scott softcon air (level1 - 720g) and softcon hybrid pro (level 2 - 1.1 kg). Even if the look seems identical, the build and materials seems very différent. I’ll go on hybrid pro based on your feedback, even if its hotter that air version in Summer, being better protected the entire year is a must.
If I'm not wrong, the weight of the Air version is 840-890gr (M-L), which makes the difference even smaller. The materials are the same, but the hybrid pro has an additional plastic piece in the lower part of the chest, and the back protection is larger and thicker. In case you are interested, I found this extensive comparison between the two versions. It's in German, but you can easily add translated subtitles.
As you're in NotSpain, there are similar products to the Scott Offcon by Ekoi and Racer 1927 which are worth looking at.
Unfotunately the back protector of the Ekoi one is too short and some parts of the chest don't seem very breathable.
But the Alpha Plastron from Racer looks quite ideal, very similar to the Scott Softcon Air but around 100gr lighter, more adjustable, and it even offers a set of straps to use just as a back protector, which could be ideal to climb with it in "backpack mode" and put the chest back in it for the descents. Great suggestion! Unfortunately it's not available, but let's see if I can find it somewhere else. Otherwise, the Fox Raceframe Impact D30 (soft back) might be a good option if I find straps to easily wear it as a "backpack" (taking out the front part) on my long climbs.
I still recommend it. As far as I remember, only the back protection reachs level 2. Other parts are level 1.
About spine protection, I believe most of lumbar vertebrae are covered/protected. If needed, I could temporarly upload a link to a photo during next week-end (I work on field for the next 2 days, so not mich time at home).
Few "bad points" for me:
1) chest and back protections are not removable when you want to wash it (only elbow and shoulders pads are removable). I only wash it "by hand" with a bit of dish soap. After using it from time to time (for the most exposed trails or races) in 3 years, there is no smell.
2) Mesh grid can be a bit irritating on some aeras (e.g. nipples) if you dont wear something underneath. Wearing another layer adds heat, so more sweat.
Few "good points": feels sturdy, looks okay, not so heavy, easy to use, easy to dry. "So far so good".
IVe found both weight for Scott softcon air (level1 - 720g) and softcon hybrid pro (level 2 - 1.1 kg).
Even if the look seems identical, the build and materials seems very différent.
I’ll go on hybrid pro based on your feedback, even if its hotter that air version in Summer, being better protected the entire year is a must.
If I'm not wrong, the weight of the Air version is 840-890gr (M-L), which makes the difference even smaller. The materials are the same, but the hybrid pro has an additional plastic piece in the lower part of the chest, and the back protection is larger and thicker. In case you are interested, I found this extensive comparison between the two versions. It's in German, but you can easily add translated subtitles.
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