Manufacturer: Thor
Product: Impact Rig SE
Bought From: Modern Motorcycling
When: August 2010
Overall Modern Motorcycling Shopping Experience: Recommended
- Great deals (thanks Aaron!)
- Good product selection
- Clearance items are dirt cheap
Thor has been making great products for over 40 years, and the Impact Rig SE continues with that tradition. I have been using this pressure suit for about 18 months and figured it was time for a review.
What is it?
The Impact Rig SE is a form fitting under-protector for your upper-body. It is designed to be worn under your jersey (or jacket) and is comfortable enough to be worn in most riding conditions. I almost always wear a very thin Under Armor-type long-sleeved t-shirt underneath it and have never had issues with overheating. I have worn it directly on my skin and without a jersey on the hottest days of the year without suffering chafing or itching. I have not had a chance to test it in desert conditions.
Thor Impact Rig SE
The entire piece is well made, employs YKK locking zippers, and is relatively lightweight. Protection comes from a 6′ wide Velcro kidney belt and individual hard plastic pieces that protect your chest, shoulder caps, elbows, forearms, and back. Everything is held together by a strong yet breathable micro mesh fabric.
After looking at various other chest protectors and pressure suits hanging on the store racks, it was the removable full-length back protector offered by the Impact Rig SE that captured my interest.
Thor Impact Rig SE
The unit is very easy to put on, having one full-length zipper on the left side that effectively splits open the protector allowing for easy ingress/egress. There’s also a plastic snap-buckle connecting the left shoulder to the chest-plate and is key to relieving tension off of the main zipper — I have never had the main zipper become unzipped during a ride.
With the kidney belt Velcro’d snug (there are two stretchable Velcro straps per side) and the main zipper locked, the Impact Rig SE truly gives you a great sense of protection and confidence. I have never removed the back protector so I can’t say how the unit would feel in that situation. Movement is not restricted very much at all, but you won’t feel as ‘free’ as you would while wearing and over-jersey shell protector. It’s a personal preference, but I’d gladly trade a little bit of mobility for some extra protection (hey, I’m getting old!).
After a year and a half of riding, crashing, and washing, the Impact rig SE has held up well. Double-stitching covers most areas, however there are a few bits that still rely on single stitching. All plastic armour pieces still look great, and the fabric/stitching has held up too, except for the tip of the left sleeve:
The Impact Rig SE comes in three sizes: S/M, L/XL, and XL/XXL. I am about 5’11″ and weigh 185 lbs in street clothes. I wish I could tell you what size I’m wearing, but 18 months of riding and washing have left the sizing tag unreadable. I’m pretty sure I have the L/XL size, but all I can say for sure is that I don’t have the S/M size.
Like everything else in life, the Impact Rig SE is not perfect. Yes, it can get a little hot, especially if you’re not moving. I don’t know if I’d take it to Baja (or similar environments), but if you have please share your experience!
I have been hurt while wearing this protector; I took a jab from a bar-end and broke a couple lower left ribs in the process. I think that the chest protector could be extended a little bit while not sacrificing any more mobility. Also, side protection is pretty much non-evident, but I think adding it would create a much heavier and bulkier product.
The Good
- great protection
- multi-season adaptability
- still retain your mobility
- quality construction
- great price
The Bad
- might be a bit hot for desert riding
- no side protection