Mountain Biking - Finding the right body armour?

To all the masses, I employ your knowledge and help in finding the right chest protection for my freeride/DH style of riding.

Here's my situation, yesterday I was at my favorite DH trail when i took a jump i have never taken before over a cement draing ditch off of a ladder. The first time i cleared the ditch but screwed the landing (no injuries). Not wanting to stop there i pushed back up the hill and took the jump for a second time, onlty this time the landing was worst and to make a long story short i fractured a rib. Now i didn't start this thread to discuss what i did worng on the jump or the landing, but to see if anyone through thier experience knows of a chest protector that also helps protect the ribs?

Only one thing, it has to be short sleeved, i ride in Hawaii and it gets hot.

I would appreciate any help. The doctor said i'll be out for six weeks, i hope to cut that down in half. it kills me to see my friends ride and i can't play.

Yeah i hate it when i can't ride and everyone else is.

As for short sleeved body arour your best bet is to go to a motorbike shop and get a back/chest plate, something like this:

http://i.timeinc.net/mx/content/images/nov03/112803zlt.jpg

Check this out. It's a little more hardcore than that chest plate and its short sleeve, which is a plus and not seen alot.

http://www.hootsgear.com/armor_goods.html

the vorpal jacket

Yep, definately not seen alot.

Thanks Hammer, i checked out HOOTs. you definatley don't see that here in hawaii. The Armour looks good.

Has anyone tried sixsix one armour before? i was looking at the straight jacket. How much protection would that provide?

The way i remember injuring my rib (right upper rib) was as i fell i pulled my right arm in to my chest. in theory to protect my arm.

Would the chest protection in anyway protect my ribs if atleast partial?

If you crack your self on the front side or rear most protectors will give you some support. If you happen to be unlucky and nail a rock or other hard surface on you side you will be screwed.

My prferance is the Rockgarden armor. If you only want chest and back then go with the MX style protectors.

:beer:

Body armour on the chest spreads the impact force over your whole chest. SO yes it can protect you, but if you wit with enough force there is no way it will protect your ribs from braking. Also full arm body armour can't protect you from broken arms and broken collar bones.

Understandable.........................

Today i went to my local bike store, one of the only bike stores here in Hawaii that supports DH/freeriding junkies " Shaka Bikes in Kapolei" and checked out the 661 Assault Suit, its a short sleeve just what i was looking for and affordable. Has anyone tried this armour out? i was unable to try it on and atleast ride around in the parking lot because of my ribs are a still tender. Any input good or bad would help. Alooooha!!

Talk to Maelstrom, I think he uses the 661 Assault Suit.

Maelstrom?