IXS HEX PULL-OVER BODY PROTECTOR REVIEW

Words by Robert Johnston  |  Product Photos by Finlay Anderson
Action Photos by Micky Francis

Body protectors; Roost Guards; Back plates and Chest plates. Whatever you want to call them, they’re key protective items to keep you safe during the gnarliest of rides. In recent times, we’ve seen a boost in popularity of the Roost Guard style, worn over the top of your jersey. But these hardshell protectors typically aren’t the most comfortable or breathable items. And personally, we value comfort highly for our time on the trails.

Aiming to retain the practicality; protection and style of a Roost Guard, but boosting comfort and general wearability, are iXS with the Hex Pull-Over. It’s safe to say they nailed it, making for a genuinely pleasant protector to attack the trail in. Keep on reading to learn all about it.

ABOUT THE IXS HEX PULL-OVER BODY PROTECTOR

The iXS Hex Pull-Over is a body protector featuring a Level 1 chest protector and Level 2 back protector. It’s designed to be worn over your jersey in the classic “Roost Guard” style. The protection is provided by iXS HexForm protective material, which sits on top of a lightly padded fabric base. The HexForm protection features a flexible 3D-shock absorption Gel-Shell material, which uses Hexagonal shaped towers to offer breathability. These are covered in a flexible hard shell, which allows the Hex Pull-Over to move with your body yet slide with low friction if you hit the ground to prevent further injury.

The Hex Pull-Over is available in a choice of two sizes – S/M and L/XL – for adults. There is also a Youth protector for smaller riders. These all feature highly adjustable straps at the top and sides, letting you dial in the fit to get the Hex Pull-Over sitting in the correct spot and staying put. The side straps feature quick release buckles, letting you quickly pop the body protector open to pull it on or off. iXS’s take on the Roost Guard retails for $145 / £115 / €159.

THE DIRT

I’ve typically chosen to use under-jersey body protection in the past, as I’ve found them to be more comfortable than a classic Roost Guard. Also, you look extra-hench, which is always a nice feeling. But with an under-jersey protector, you’re essentially committed to wearing it for the full day, and so the comfort on a hot sunny day can quickly begin to dwindle.

Thankfully, the iXS Hex Pull-Over body protector offers the best of both worlds. No, it won’t make you look hench, but it’s extremely comfortable to wear and impressively breathable for this style of protector. Of course, it’ll still offer more heat and insulation than no protector at all, and you’ll likely find a bit of sweat happening beneath. But when compared with near-solid roost guards, there’s a notable amount of extra airflow. When you’ve finished your descent, you can unclip the straps and let some more air in, and easily whip it off if you’ve got a long chairlift ride or a cafe to sit in. This way, the Hex Pull-Over is usable for even pedal-fed days.

Thanks to the Hex Pull-Over’s flexibility, you’re able to run it cinched up nice and tight on your body. This not only keeps it more secure in use, but also likely protects you better should you hit the ground. Speaking of which, I’ve thankfully avoided fully testing its ultimate protective capabilities thus far. I hope to keep it that way, but I have faith that it’ll not only offer the impact protection, but that its smooth and slippery surface should slide on the ground reasonably well too.

My only complaint about the Hex Pull-Over is that the opening at the head is ever so slightly narrower than I’d love it to be. Getting a helmet through the gap is possible, but it’s a bit of a squeeze with a proper downhill full face. And I had a couple of days where I started to get some rubbing on my trapezius muscles, which could be avoided if the straps sat slightly wider. Even so, I’ll still be reaching for it at every opportunity in the bikeparks, as it’s damn near perfect otherwise.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Comfortable; breathable, protective and stylish. The iXS Hex Pull-Over body protector is an excellent product to protect you during your park laps and the gnarliest pedal days.

Price: $145 /£115 /€159
Website: ixs.com