ProView – SHRED. Flexi Back Protector Vest Zip

With a need for better protective equipment and a drive to be the best, 2-time Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety co-founded SHRED. in 2006. Since the beginning, they have been pushing the limits of protective gear and performance eyewear for their users. The Flexi Back Protector Vest Zip is utilized by many professional, semi-professional, and armature skiers and riders alike. 

Winter in Southwest Montana has started out, like most of the western half of the United States, very dry and keeping most folks wishing, dancing, and praying for snow. While a lack of snow kept me from pushing as hard as I would have liked while testing this piece of equipment, I was still able to get a handful of fantastic days utilizing the Flexi Back Protector Vest Zip by SHRED. I was able to test it in a few different applications; I took it for a few hikes to see how well it would breathe, I wore it with a vest and by itself under a jacket. I was able to utilize it while patrolling and free skiing on my weekends!

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According to both freerideworldtour.com and freeskiers.org, the website for International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) and the freeride world qualifier, standalone back protectors are required in order for athletes to complete in a competition. Outside of freeride competitors, most racers, freestyle and mogul skiers utilize back protectors and are often required to by their club, team, or school.  

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Fit

Being taller than the average male (6’5, 198cm) I am always very curious about how apparel will fit me. It can be excruciating to find clothing that fits me well. This reigns particularly true in a back protector. A back protector that is too short is simply no good. The vest is made out of a 90% nylon 10% spandex blend so the vest has a decent amount of stretch to it making the length of the spine protector the important factor in sizing. With ample stretch and pull tabs at the sides this back protector can fit most athletic body types as long as the length is sized correctly. I found the back protector to be snug but not too tight.

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Function

The design of the Flexi Back Protector is lightweight, very low profile, and exceptionally sleek. Worn against a base layer or potentially bare skin if desired, this near essential piece of protective equipment is often unseen but packs an extremely protective punch. The first thing I noticed about this product was how light and low profile it was. The vest moved easily with me as I skied and breathed relatively well. I tend to run warm so at times the vest was a little hot, especially when hiking, but this small annoyance is worth having the peace of mind of wearing a back protector. For folks who do tend to run hot, SHRED. also has their naked line of back protectors with three options to choose from! Think protection without the vest.

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Versitility

Often times outdoor enthusiasts want gear that can serve multiple different purposes. While SHRED. does make a separate product specifically designed for mountain biking, the basic protection is the same. Slytech Flexi foam molded with a hexagon structure meets the same safety standards aforementioned required of back protectors utilized for a bike-specific back protectors. This piece of equipment could easily be thrown on under a jersey and taken for a rip on the local trails.

Shop the SHRED. Flexi Back Protector Vest Zip on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!