Product impression by Paddock Gate producer Fujimatsu
When I put on the protector, I was surprised at how light it felt to wear.She thought it was light even when holding it in her hand, but it actually weighs about 0.5kg, which is relatively light.The dry carbon outer shell seems to offset the weight of the built-in EXGEL.In addition, the armpits are partially hollowed out, making it easy to move around the shoulders.Personally, I don't like to tighten the protector too tightly, so I may have lightly fastened the hook-and-loop fastener on the front, but I feel less pressure.However, although the dry carbon outer shell flexes well, the degree of freedom for deformation is low, so those with large bodies may feel tight.Although there is a belt adjustment function, as of January 2019, there is only M size, so it is a drawback that there are no options for those who do not fit the size.
My seat is the perfect size with no padding and my favorite rib protector. I felt cramped.If you take a deep breath, the protector will insist.If you're using a seat pad, you'll need to make the pad a little thinner to deal with it, otherwise the seat may be one size up for comfort.On the other hand, the back surface has a simple shape with only one belt passing through, so you can sit deeper in the seat.As for the back padding, it will be a favorite part, but it will suit drivers who want to sink firmly into the seat.Personally, I like this one better.
The underarm has a hollow shape, but when viewed from the side while sitting on the trial, the parts that feel pain when running, such as the folded part of the seat and the mounting bolt of the seat stay, were completely protected. .
Lack of comfort increases driving concentration
When I put on the EXGEL DRY CARBON VEST 17 Lite and ran, I felt a little strange.Rib protectors often interfere with the arm a little when turning the steering wheel, ride up and get stuck in the side while running, or the edge of the protector digs into the body. is.Of course, it's a matter of degree and getting used to it, so I've never run while worrying about such things.However, with this rib protector, such a phenomenon does not occur in the first place.I didn't feel its existence so much, so when I ran about 3 or 4 laps, I was worried that I might have forgotten to put the protector on, but when I touched it, it was definitely there.
There are probably three reasons why I felt this lack of wearing comfort.The first is that the degree of freedom of the shoulders and arms has been improved due to the shape of the underarms.Second, it's wrapped in a carbon shell, but it still protects its edges to a large extent.Finally, the structure is devised so that it does not slide up.The placement of EXGEL on the inside improves impact resistance, but it almost never blurs the information from the cart.This was the first time I had experienced such an experience that the lack of feeling of wearing a rib protector increased my concentration on driving.What is necessary for a racing kart driver?This rib protector conveyed that it was seriously considered and made.
On the other hand, what I couldn't quite figure out was how high the protection performance of this protector was.Since this test was conducted at the Suzuka Circuit International South Course, it was necessary to select a bumpier circuit in order to measure it.However, I tried riding with my body resting on the seat, and I tried hooking the tire on the curb, but I will note that there was no phenomenon that caused pain in my ribs.Also, since I tested it in mid-December, I couldn't measure the breathability.
I don't see any shortcomings...
I ended up using this rib protector in most of the 3 days I tested it, but it's so well made that I want to find a fault.After using my favorite items and other protectors, I finally discovered one flaw.The reason is that the shoulder straps are a little thin, so if you wear them for a long time, your shoulders will feel a little sore.The fact that the shoulder straps cross on the back and hang around the neck may also have an effect.However, this pain is only within the margin of error compared to other products.
Price is high but definitely worth it
Again, the price of this EXGEL DRY CARBON 17 Lite is too high for a rib protector.Of course, the reason why it is expensive is fully understandable.Unlike other companies' products, by adopting expensive dry carbon, it is thin, strong, and lightweight, and achieves both high protection performance and accurate transmission of information from the vehicle at a high level. there is.But everyone has a limited budget, so it's better to buy something in the 2 yen range and use the rest for practice.However, there is certain performance and value here that you can be satisfied with once you use it.Until now, I thought that rib protectors were fine as long as I didn't feel pain, but I was made to realize that my perception was wrong, and I even have a sense of defeat.Once you've used something like this, you can't go back to your favorite worn-out item.After all, I shouldn't have listened to the whispers of the devil.It is clear that it is better to buy new items for your favorite items and raise money so that you can participate in as many races as possible.I understand that. …no…but…but….
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