O’Neal Magnetic Protector Vest  2012 Mountain Bike Review

O’Neal Magnetic Protector Vest 2012

Reviews / Body Armour

O’Neal 128,085

At A Glance

The Magnetic Protector Vest is designed as a lightweight vest with some heavy-duty back protection. It’s the perfect bit of kit for the rider looking for armour to cover the most important part of your body, but not wanting a full jacket with the associated heat issues. The vest features a belt, which can be removed to make it even more lightweight. O’Neal have also included the SaS-Tec Memory Foam in the back protection area, this foam hardens on impact in relation to the force of the blow. It is soft and supple and works a treat. In addition are two rib protector pads that can be removed if needs be. The vest itself is made of a lightweight mesh to keep the heat down.

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On the Trail

The Magnetic Protector Vest is very light and comfortable to wear, the back padding is extensive and we really appreciated the way it comes down really low to ensure full spine coverage. With the belt on the vest is very secure and while it adds a little to the heat it more than improves the overall protection of the vest. Keeping the back protector snuggly in place at all times. Some riders may feel a little naked tackling more hardcore rides without full body armour, and this is certainly suited to the more confident rider just looking to protect the spine.

Overall

If you want to have a lightweight vest that offers excellent protection for the spine then the Magnetic delivers on all counts. We loved the large flexible back pad, which utilises some of the most high tech materials available.

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This review was in Issue 19 of IMB.

For more information visit O’Neal

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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.

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