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Thor Impact Rig SE

by Martin Hackworth 

Photos: Martin Hackworth, Thor



 
Thor Impact Rig Front

Thor Front
     The Thor Impact Rig SE is a one stop solution to your body armor needs - if, that is, you are looking for a complete under jacket/jersey system of protective gear. The Impact Rig SE supplants the Thor Impact Rig with the addition of a removable kidney belt and sewn on elbow/forearm guards. The Impact Rig SE has an impressive list of features that include CE approved armor - a chest protector, back protector, shoulder, elbow and forearm protectors along with a kidney belt - all in one unit. The Thor Impact Rig SE is well-designed, comfortable, functional and, if our crash testing is any indication, provides a more than adequate level of protection. 

     The micro-mesh that holds the hard armor, the soft armor and the kidney belt that comprise the Impact Rig SE appears to be sturdier than that found on most of the competition. The micro-mesh is nice because the openings are small enough that you are not likely to get anything caught in them - a prime reason for rips and tears. But the greatest selling point of the Impact Rig, to us, is the full length articulated back protector that zips in and out - among the best we've seen on off-road armor. The sewing and zippers throughout have so far proven sturdy enough for our needs and all seams are external for comfort. 
The Impact Rig SE is easy to get in and out of thanks to a full length zipper on the left front (this feature allows the chest protector to be one piece for maximum protection). The Velcro on the kidney belt allows rapid and secure fastening. Once on it's very easy to dial up a custom fit with the various well placed straps designed for the task. When properly fitted the Impact Rig SE is comfortable, moves exceptionally well with the torso and is well-vented. The bulk of the Impact Rig SE is low enough for an easy fit under virtually any jersey and/or jacket. The Impact Rig SE is comfortable and light enough that it is very easy to forget that you are wearing it after you slip on the rest of your stuff.

     I've logged over 10000 miles in my Impact Rig SE in a variety of conditions: racing, dual sporting and trail riding, and have experienced zero problems with it. The venting is fine, the durability has been excellent and it is exceptionally comfortable. I wear mine over a summer weight Under Armor long sleeve T-shirt and under a jersey and the combination is just about the last word. I could not be happier with the fit, the lack of bulk, the ease of ingress and egress and the comfort and protection. It really is the best piece of armor I've ever owned.

     The Thor Impact Rig SE is available everywhere for around $139.00 - a bargain in our view.  If you are interested in trying out an alternative to the traditional roost guard and elbow pads you can't go wrong here. 
Thor Impact Rig SE Specs:

Price Paid: $139.00 - Pocatello Power Sports
Color: Charcoal/Red
CE approved armor
removable, full-length articulated back protector
extensive venting throughout
vented polyurethane shoulder caps
YKK zippers
padded collar
molded bioform padding
numerous tension straps
molded elbow and forearm guards
micro-mesh chassis
elastic cuffs

The Good: Practically the most fun you can have on your back in your dirt duds.
The Rad: SciFi chic.
The Gnarley: The sheer nylon mesh makes me feel so... 

Get your Thor Impact Rig SE right now at Competition Accessories.

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