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July, 2025

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Do you ride with or without body armor?

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VailValleySkier
Posts: 224 - Karma: 515
As the title says, do you ride with or without body armor? Body armor meaning knee pads, shin guards, padded underwear, spine guards, elbow guards, wrist guards, etc...


Currently I always use knee pads and padded underwear no matter what I'm doing. I'll only wear a spine guard if I feel like eating shit all day just in case I do land on my back wrong. It's funny though because I can ride feeling confident without a helmet, but if I don't have my padded underwear and knee pads, I feel like naked.
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8 years ago
221 37
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Skrier
Posts: 77 - Karma: 336
do you ride with or without a tampon?
8 years ago
52 4
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270on420out
Posts: 7525 - Karma: 51,354
Use to ride with a back protector, padded underwear,and a helmet. Now I only wear the helmet 60% of the time.
8 years ago
3 1
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Rparr
Posts: 5806 - Karma: 49,702
Yeah this is my go to kit

8 years ago
40 0
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.otto.
Posts: 3495 - Karma: 12,919
its called ski or die

cant die when you wear a suit of fucking armor
8 years ago
21 0
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,999
Debating if I should get a cup or not...
8 years ago
2 13
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Saraswati
Posts: 65 - Karma: 302
I just ride with Slytech back protector, it has saved me couple times and gives me more confidence trying new stuff
8 years ago
6 1
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Ghost_BLandzV2
Posts: 1037 - Karma: 8,434
Skrierdo you ride with or without a tampon?


Every time I try riding with tampons they just fall out when I land too heavy so lately ive been just leaving them at home.
8 years ago
17 0
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Lonely
Posts: 7237 - Karma: 71,197
I've considered wearing body armor, but I don't because I feel like it would make me over confident and I would just end up hurting myself more.

When I played goalkeeper for premier soccer my coach would not allow me to wear any pads. You had to toughen up and actually learn how to make saves properly without hurting yourself.

I feel like it's better to progress steadily and do tricks precisely rather than just hucking yourself all the time because you are an armored turtle.
8 years ago
4 0
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Session
Posts: 5411 - Karma: 22,594
I ride with armor, otherwise known as my manly exterior. But seriously no. Though it's odd I wear more protective gear to play paintball than to travel at high rates of speed in close proximity to tree's and other unmoving objects.
8 years ago
1 0
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2419 - Karma: 10,519
I have a back protecter .
Some people go full out which I think is kinda extra but what ever makes you happy
8 years ago
1 0
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cinnabonconn
Posts: 250 - Karma: 460
The.FishDebating if I should get a cup or not...


only for urban
8 years ago
1 0
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Deepskier
Posts: 3270 - Karma: 4,865
Sometimes I wear hip pads, but the only other thing you might need is a back guard, but really 90% of the time you dont need either. Youll live and honestly what the fuck do you need knee pads for?
8 years ago
3 0
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,103
I wear a helmet about 80% of the time and i have a back protector that I wear on days where i try out new jumps for the first time. just incase i misjudge and over shoot a jump which i tend to do
8 years ago
0 0
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NoImNotaBoarder
Posts: 86 - Karma: 47
I don't but after getting injured two seasons in a row, for the first times ever, I started to wonder why the hell I don't wear Nike Pro Combat gear or something like that to at listen soften harder falls and have a little protection.
8 years ago
0 0
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Aparker
Posts: 729 - Karma: 1,678
i was debating getting hip pads but then remembered i wasnt a pussy. And now i always have bruises on my hips
8 years ago
5 0
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SammyDubz
Posts: 2168 - Karma: 7,227
Deepskierhonestly what the fuck do you need knee pads for?


I think we all know the answer to this one
8 years ago
15 1
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sky_steezy
Posts: 125 - Karma: 404
Is backprotection comfortable and a wise purchase. It doesn't seem too often landing on my back.
8 years ago
0 0
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RousedWits
Posts: 387 - Karma: 896
RparrYeah this is my go to kit





Dude I saw you the other day shredding some phat rails
8 years ago
22 1
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
Aparkeri was debating getting hip pads but then remembered i wasnt a pussy. And now i always have bruises on my hips


I was debating getting hip pads and then remembered I am a pussy. And now I never bruise my hips.

Best investment of my life.
8 years ago
9 0
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
I try to wear a back protector whenever I think I may need it but I find my current hard shell one to be a bit uncomfortable so I barley end up using it anymore. Had a soft shell type before though which was way better so I almost always wore that one. Also especially if you are new to park skiing trying to learn rails on icy days I would really suggest some solid hip pads, haven't had that in years but when I started out I'm sure they saved me from allot of pain.
8 years ago
0 0
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VailValleySkier
Posts: 224 - Karma: 515
LonelyI've considered wearing body armor, but I don't because I feel like it would make me over confident and I would just end up hurting myself more.

When I played goalkeeper for premier soccer my coach would not allow me to wear any pads. You had to toughen up and actually learn how to make saves properly without hurting yourself.

I feel like it's better to progress steadily and do tricks precisely rather than just hucking yourself all the time because you are an armored turtle.

Yea I agree with you there about the precise and steady learning of each trick, but I don't see how wearing armor would stop someone from doing that.

SessionI ride with armor, otherwise known as my manly exterior. But seriously no. Though it's odd I wear more protective gear to play paintball than to travel at high rates of speed in close proximity to tree's and other unmoving objects.

Makes you think, doesn't it?

DeepskierSometimes I wear hip pads, but the only other thing you might need is a back guard, but really 90% of the time you dont need either. Youll live and honestly what the fuck do you need knee pads for?

Come on, you know the answer to that question...

NoImNotaBoarderI don't but after getting injured two seasons in a row, for the first times ever, I started to wonder why the hell I don't wear Nike Pro Combat gear or something like that to at listen soften harder falls and have a little protection.

I would get some protection if I were you. Especially for the areas you've injured if possible. I use a spineguard only because I've broken my back before and never want to fucking do that again.

sky_steezyIs backprotection comfortable and a wise purchase. It doesn't seem too often landing on my back.

It really depends on which one you get and if you get the right size or not. Just like not all ski boots are comfortable, not all spineguards will be either.

RousedWits


Dude I saw you the other day shredding some phat rails

This had me dying, +Karma

Mar-OI try to wear a back protector whenever I think I may need it but I find my current hard shell one to be a bit uncomfortable so I barley end up using it anymore. Had a soft shell type before though which was way better so I almost always wore that one. Also especially if you are new to park skiing trying to learn rails on icy days I would really suggest some solid hip pads, haven't had that in years but when I started out I'm sure they saved me from allot of pain.

Yea, I hate my current hardshell one too. I need to invest in a softshell with more ventilation. Currently have the poc ergo and hate it, but it works.
8 years ago
0 4
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Lonely
Posts: 7237 - Karma: 71,197
VailValleySkierYea I agree with you there about the precise and steady learning of each trick, but I don't see how wearing armor would stop someone from doing that.


Makes you think, doesn't it?


Come on, you know the answer to that question...


I would get some protection if I were you. Especially for the areas you've injured if possible. I use a spineguard only because I've broken my back before and never want to fucking do that again.


It really depends on which one you get and if you get the right size or not. Just like not all ski boots are comfortable, not all spineguards will be either.


This had me dying, +Karma


Yea, I hate my current hardshell one too. I need to invest in a softshell with more ventilation. Currently have the poc ergo and hate it, but it works.


It doesn't stop you physically. It's the mentality of going out and trying a double, getting your shit whipped and continuing to do it until you've actually injured yourself. Body armor can cause your confidence to surpass your skill level which is dangerous.
8 years ago
2 0
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VailValleySkier
Posts: 224 - Karma: 515
LonelyIt doesn't stop you physically. It's the mentality of going out and trying a double, getting your shit whipped and continuing to do it until you've actually injured yourself. Body armor can cause your confidence to surpass your skill level which is dangerous.


That could be true, but when I wear armor I don't get that mentality. Maybe some people do though and I can see how that'd end badly for them. It's just like any other day for me, minus the bruises. It does take some fear away from trying new things, but it's not the same as the false sense of confidence you're describing. To each their own though I guess.
8 years ago
0 0
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,753
SessionI ride with armor, otherwise known as my manly exterior. But seriously no. Though it's odd I wear more protective gear to play paintball than to travel at high rates of speed in close proximity to tree's and other unmoving objects.


I mean hey, if you play paintball, you will be shot guaranteed, so makes a lot of sense. If you're skiing, you're really not supposed to ping pong off of trees, so....

But it is funny to think about it that way.

Though to be honest, you could have on the knight armor suit pictured above and if you collide with a tree going 35 mph, it simply doesn't matter if you have a helmet and all the padding on. Not going to stop the massive deceleration injuries (ruptured aorta, bursting organs, ribs breaking and piercing lungs/organs, breaking your neck, massive brain trauma, etc.) so it really doesn't matter all that much.

I think helmets and back protectors (and knee pads for tele skirts especially) are great ideas and can help. But, I really hope that this younger generation growing up in a ski culture where helmets are totally ubiquitous understands how limited the protection that helmets provide actually is. Sure, helmets can prevent your scalp from sustaining a nasty avulsion injury from a tree branch, or certain puncture injuries, and you're better off hitting your head on a rock wearing one than not.

Helmets are rated 15-20 mph for 1 impact. And even then, helmets do not prevent coup contrecoup injuries sustained from the brain impacting the skull and then rebounding and impacting the other side of the skull (you can hit a tree and because your skeleton stops basically immediately from a high rate of speed, your brain and various organs that are more or less "floating" in cavities continue moving and impact each other and bones, etc.).

I'm not directing all this at you Session, just sort of making this post to everyone.

The majority of traumatic ski deaths in the last several years the victim was wearing a helmet. I'm just pointing this shit out because I encounter a lot of people......I mean a LOT....that are under the impression that helmets are almost magical in how they protect the head and they simply are not.

If you fuck up at a high rate of speed and hit a tree....you're in big trouble. Helmet, spine protectors, pads, whatever. Please don't ski harder or faster or more confidently because you're wearing those things.
8 years ago
9 0
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sky_steezy
Posts: 125 - Karma: 404
Is back protection worth it?
8 years ago
0 0
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,643
SammyDubzI think we all know the answer to this one


Indeed, I'd honestly be less confident skiing with knee pad lol.
8 years ago
0 0
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,643
Jesse_Indeed, however I'd honestly be less confident skiing with knee pad for the simple reason that it would probably restrict my movement in some way.


Wait that didn't make any sense and is missing context...fixed it.
8 years ago
0 0
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VailValleySkier
Posts: 224 - Karma: 515
Jesse_Wait that didn't make any sense and is missing context...fixed it.


No movement restriction with mine. They're actually less restrictive than my long johns and it was quite surprising because I thought the same before trying it for myself.
8 years ago
0 0
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SammyDubz
Posts: 2168 - Karma: 7,227
Jesse_Indeed, I'd honestly be less confident skiing with knee pad lol.


innocent or trolling? can't tell
8 years ago
0 0
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freshiesbrah
Posts: 59 - Karma: 0
RparrYeah this is my go to kit



Is that 2018 Saga?
8 years ago
2 3
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Swizzer
Posts: 32 - Karma: 93
I currently use a helmet and a back protector. I've been thinking about getting hip protective pants after my hip dislocation injury but i doubt those would've saved me from the injury cause i didn't break any bones, only a dislocation. I'm so used to the back protector that I always wear it and feel naked without it.
8 years ago
1 0
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
Whats better for the leakage, Tampons or pads?
8 years ago
0 2
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BirtDike
Posts: 1258 - Karma: 514
Skrierdo you ride with or without a tampon?


Tho
8 years ago
0 0
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brockmoules
Posts: 68 - Karma: 175
Just knee pads, but im getting a full upper protection next year. Also, im not a pussy, but im 16 and dont wanna miss a season due to a stupid injury.
8 years ago
1 0
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VailValleySkier
Posts: 224 - Karma: 515
brockmoulesJust knee pads, but im getting a full upper protection next year. Also, im not a pussy, but im 16 and dont wanna miss a season due to a stupid injury.


Good call, don't let the trolls get you down. At the end of the day it's smarter to be safer.
8 years ago
2 2
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kami
Posts: 567 - Karma: 4,670
Bought a spine protector this year and I would definitely say it was a good decision with the amount of tomahawks and backslaps that happened this year while sending it
8 years ago
1 0
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,038
always wanted to try a back protector but all my money goes to the liquor these days
8 years ago
6 1
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.CJ.
Posts: 1509 - Karma: 3,672
I think a hip protector would be helpful mid-late winter because of the hard snow but after that it would probably be useless, except for rails.
8 years ago
1 0
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Treyladdy
Posts: 19 - Karma: 45
Only wear knee pads when summer shredding on m snow
8 years ago
1 0
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Kalispelljim
Posts: 70 - Karma: 200
All season I wore a back protector/helmet. Today I shredded without any of that. Felt much more aware of my speed/decisions and therefore much more in control.
8 years ago
0 0
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2419 - Karma: 10,519
a mouth guard is a smart one im gone start doing .
it helps with concussions ,saw couple dudes knock out some teeth this year .
8 years ago
2 0
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profa_212
Posts: 9361 - Karma: 42,349
brett_fishera mouth guard is a smart one im gone start doing .
it helps with concussions ,saw couple dudes knock out some teeth this year .


ill throw one in when dropping big shit...knocked a tooth out a few years ago on a flat landing. always keep it in my pass pocket just in case.

other than that i wear a spine protector, helmet, and padded compression shorts. I dont understand the hate....the shorts help a ton on hard landings....especially the hips which have no natural padding. and its not like they suck to wear or anything. Im trying to ski for as long as possible....breaking shit doesnt help that.
8 years ago
6 0
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TOAST.
Posts: 7831 - Karma: 40,831
brockmoulesJust knee pads, but im getting a full upper protection next year. Also, im not a pussy, but im 16 and dont wanna miss a season due to a stupid injury.


How often do you hit your knees on stuff? I can't think of any times where knee pads would have helped me at all. Im all about hip pads, especially when the snows hard.
8 years ago
0 0
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brockmoules
Posts: 68 - Karma: 175
TOAST.How often do you hit your knees on stuff? I can't think of any times where knee pads would have helped me at all. Im all about hip pads, especially when the snows hard.

You have a point, it's really not that often. However i use them just incase I have a hard fall on hardpack or onto a rail. I wear soft knee pads not the hard ones, so I don't sacrifice any mobility.
8 years ago
0 0
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,497
DeepskierYoull live and honestly what the fuck do you need knee pads for?


Knee pads? You mean cocksucker shoes
8 years ago
7 1
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TheTropics
Posts: 101 - Karma: 280
I have one kidney so i'm supposed to ride with some sort of protector.... but I definitely lost mine and haven't used it much at all this season....
8 years ago
0 0
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milo-mcsenderson
Posts: 661 - Karma: 9,717
I wear impact shorts, ski a lot in the UK on dry slope so it makes a big difference there, they really help falling on rails and shit too, once you get used to them you don't even notice they're there and so worth it if you fall on one or on ice and shit. Been meaning to get a back protector too, spinal cord injuries or any other back breaking shit is with you for life. Like I fully don't understand not wearing a helmet, even if you're sick but like people who hit urban without a lid baffle me, like I get if you know how to fall and can minimise the damage but even beginners get fucked up just slipping on ice without a lid. Seems stupid to have to ask NS if you need to wear protection, at the end of the day, wear it if it stops you getting hurt and makes you feel safer. `

I wouldn't personally go much beyond helmet, back protector, impact shorts and gumshield because I think the rest is excessive but I currently only have shorts.

But seriously, look after yourself, I've had to miss heaps of skiing because of shoulder dislocations which can't really be stopped by padding and it sucks. If you're hitting park and pushing yourself then protect yourself before you wreck yourself, and as some people have said, I ski to ski for a long time and don't wanna get broken off because I didn't want to wear padding because it's not 'cool'.

At the end of the day, do what feels right, but if you have to ask about padding/other protection, I'd say give it a go. It might be the best decision you've ever made, or they'll go in a cupboard somewhere and never be seen again
8 years ago
5 0
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brockmoules
Posts: 68 - Karma: 175
Well said. I 100% agree. Stay safe out there!
8 years ago
1 0
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WildEuro99
Posts: 48 - Karma: 45
VailValleySkierGood call, don't let the trolls get you down. At the end of the day it's smarter to be safer.


I'm 17, I'm not a pussy and the only protection I wear is my helmet, I like it, find it really epic and it protects my face while tree skiing.

PD: I'm not saying you are a pussy, just saying I know what I can do, and if martial arts have not destroyed me yet with legs hitting me faster than 35mph I don't think skiing will.

Have a nice day!
8 years ago
0 0
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dangerdad
Posts: 2228 - Karma: 317
casualI mean hey, if you play paintball, you will be shot guaranteed, so makes a lot of sense. If you're skiing, you're really not supposed to ping pong off of trees, so....

But it is funny to think about it that way.

Though to be honest, you could have on the knight armor suit pictured above and if you collide with a tree going 35 mph, it simply doesn't matter if you have a helmet and all the padding on. Not going to stop the massive deceleration injuries (ruptured aorta, bursting organs, ribs breaking and piercing lungs/organs, breaking your neck, massive brain trauma, etc.) so it really doesn't matter all that much.

I think helmets and back protectors (and knee pads for tele skirts especially) are great ideas and can help. But, I really hope that this younger generation growing up in a ski culture where helmets are totally ubiquitous understands how limited the protection that helmets provide actually is. Sure, helmets can prevent your scalp from sustaining a nasty avulsion injury from a tree branch, or certain puncture injuries, and you're better off hitting your head on a rock wearing one than not.

Helmets are rated 15-20 mph for 1 impact. And even then, helmets do not prevent coup contrecoup injuries sustained from the brain impacting the skull and then rebounding and impacting the other side of the skull (you can hit a tree and because your skeleton stops basically immediately from a high rate of speed, your brain and various organs that are more or less "floating" in cavities continue moving and impact each other and bones, etc.).

I'm not directing all this at you Session, just sort of making this post to everyone.

The majority of traumatic ski deaths in the last several years the victim was wearing a helmet. I'm just pointing this shit out because I encounter a lot of people......I mean a LOT....that are under the impression that helmets are almost magical in how they protect the head and they simply are not.

If you fuck up at a high rate of speed and hit a tree....you're in big trouble. Helmet, spine protectors, pads, whatever. Please don't ski harder or faster or more confidently because you're wearing those things.


This is the wrong perspective. Helmets save people from TBIs and concussions everyday. Body armor protects from ligament tears, broken bones, etc. Those have long term recoveries and lasting problems. Those have very real long term ramifications. Health is more than surviving.
No pads shouldn't give you more confidence, but if you're skiing without a helmet on a regular basis....you're crazy. The evidence is there.
8 years ago
2 0
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