Race Face Rally FR Armour Reviews
Reviews of Race Face's Rally FR range of arm and leg protection pads, designed by freeride legend Wade Simmons
Designed closely with pro Freeride legend, Wade Simmons, the Rally FR armor features a hard shell for increased impact and puncture protection. Our proprietary hardshell design is the product of two years of research and development. Open back panel and airflow vents in the shell keep these pads just as cool as they look.
- RIDER INSPIRED DESIGN: Design and input testing with mountain bike prophet, Wade Simmons.
- HIGH DENSITY HARDSHELL: This hardshell is the result of countless CAD drawings and engineering meetings. The material is light weight, and has an impact modifier to absorb force while retaining its shape. A carefully engineered matrix on the back of the shell further distributes impact forces across the hardshell and foam.
- KNEE STABILIZATION PAD: Centers the knee to ensure proper armor placement and minimizes armor movement.
- TWO PIECE ELBOW / FOREARM PROTECTION: Allows for unrestricted articulation of the arm for greater comfort and control.
- 13MM PERFORATED FOAM: Enhances flow through venting and moisture control. We spec premium closed cell foam in the arms and legs. While it is more expensive, it is the only type of foam we've found that will not "thin out" over time.
- OPEN BACK: Offers full breathability on climbs, shuttles or descents.
Media Reviews:
MBUK Magazine June 2008
Definitely one for all you freeriders out there, or those who are decidedly crash prone. They're very heavily padded with huge knee cups, which extend around the side of the knee, and wrap-around plastic shin guards. Triple calf straps and a criss-crossed upper leg strap lock these things down solid, and they stay in place even with a big off. 8/10
MBUK magazine September 2007
We tend to crash a fair bit in the course of testing, and one thing we've learned is that RaceFace's (originally Roach) armour is some of the sturdiest around and has been for years.
The combination of sleeved upper and strapped lower has always got round the problem of arm pump better than most X-strapped pads, but the latest version has been tweaked slightly with slight changes in strap location and angle to minimise arm pump, even on freight train length descents. The long forearm shells really help you take a long slider and the big elbow cups provide excellent impact protection for when you fall.
The armour is available in loads of sizes too, so accurate sizing - from kids to King Kong - is easy.
It's not cheap, it's bulky under longer sleeves and can be a bit sweaty in warmer weather, but in terms of protection this armour still sets the benchmark.
MBUK Verdict: Superb elbow protection for when you make an arse of yourself - 9/10
MBR Magazine January 2007
The best thing about the Race Face FR pads is that once you don them you can forget about them. Five straps guarantee that they stay in place when you crash and because the shin padding actually bottoms out on your ankle, the pad can't slide down while pedalling. Face Face's FR pads are not the lightest, coolest, or cheapest on test but they are easily the most comfortable as the four size options guarantee a near-perfect fit. Just remember, a stitch in time saves nine. 9/10
MBUK Magazine March 2007
Roach - now RaceFace - pads are some of the original super protective pads, and they still work well. The Rally pads are about as proven as you'll get, with big wraparound plastic knee and shin pieces on a thick perforated foam backing. The two wrapover knee straps are secure in crashes and don't irritate the back of the knees, while three (rather than the usual two) calf straps anchor the rest of the pad well after they've moulded for a few rides.
MBUK Verdict: Great secure protection
What MTB Magazine December 2006
This is a great pad for technical trails, with the best side impact protection for the knees and a very quick and comfy fit system. They're not that cheap, but you do get what you pay for.
What MTB Verdict: A great performer - 8/10
The Right Stuff: Tim Flooks' MegaAvalanche Riding Kit I got to fully test these last year during on of my 'offs' where they stayed in place and saved my knees. They're comfy and don't rub, even after a full-on practice day.
What MTB October 2006
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Winners were selected by the highest rated products that met a minumum number of reviews for each category.
This year, there are repeat winners and there are also new surprises. Some manufacturers we all know very well, while others are under the radar and new to the public eye. That's what makes this award unique. If the product works and performs well, then the consumers will reward it no matter how big or small a manufacturer. And winning the CHOICE Award 4 years on the trot is a phenomenal achievement for Race Face. The Race Face Rally DH Leg and Race Face Rally FR Arm both won 2005 CHOICE awards, here are a few snippets from the reviews received;
"These puppies are strong as hell. They stay in place and don't slide around at all, neither a wreck or pedaling can move these. They offer full coverage and still breathe pretty well".
"Great product that works well. Performs above my expectations. Buy this protection and you will not be disappointed".
"Absolutely EXCELLENT knee + shin armour. The best protective gear I've tried yet. It stays in place well, and doesn't creep down your leg even after hours of hard riding. Huge protection coverage and WAY more comfortable than 661's. Despite the huge thickness of the under armour padding... They are remarkably cool... Well worth the money. and then some".
"After falling off the side of a ladder-bridge and bailing knee first onto another, lower ladder-bridge (padless) - I decided to try and start preventing mashed-up, puss-riddled knee scabs, and swore I'd get some good pads. The rally downhillers are those pads, and more. I've fallen onto them a few times and bearly felt a thing. The legs are so prone to a battering when riding that these really are worth their weight in gold".mtbr.com Jan 06. 2005 MTBR CHOICE Award WINNER (for the FOURTH consecutive year)
Overall; I would recommend the Rally FR highly, especially to anyone, like me, who is on the frequent crasher program. The Rally FR are probably a bit better suited to FR rather than DH, but there is a DH option as well. The mere fact that my 30 year old knees are still intact after some of my crashes this year is a testament to the quality protection offered by this product! To be a bit warm at times was a very small price to pay for being able to ride without injury and with great confidence.
www.asilvertouch.com To read the asilvertouch review in full, please click here
MBR July 2005 10/10, Best in Test - The open back panel gives some cooling, and these pads are quick and easy to fit. Not only does the full-length pad offer maximum protection and double as an ankle guard but, because the pads actually sit on your ankle, there is no way that they can slide down. The most comfortable pad here.
MBR Verdict; Among some pretty strong competition two pads really stood out: the Dainese Revolution and the Race Face Rally FR. The former takes the plaudits for its overall performance, its light weight and breathability; the latter slightly edges it in the comfort stakes. Neither will disappoint. MBR July 2005 Other pads tested in this review; 661 Race (9/10), Fox 911 Launch (9/10), TSG Knee/Shin (7/10), Dainese Revolution (10/10) and Azonic Slider (8/10)
MBUK July 2005 - Race Face Rally FR Arms - the ultimate protection for riders who don't fancy knackering their funny bones. The Lycra sock and three broad straps on each pad give a secure slalom barging or bailing fit, and the full wraparound gives an immediately confident feel.
Long, broad forearm pads offer plenty of protection for crashing through undergrowth or or rolling over rock gardens. Be warned: they'll be too bulky for most long sleeve shirts so you'll need a three quarter sleever to avoid arm pump. The quality and durability of the long-term sets we've had has been excellent.
MBUK Verdict: great protection
These are basically re-badged versions of the ROACH pads that we've been using for several years - and we still love 'em. Big moulded knee cups and half leg wrap shin armour is backed up by deep, contoured soft padding behind. Three calf straps and twin cross knee straps keep things totally secure when you're heading down the trail doggy style too. Despite all this, they wick away sweat pretty well and don't interfere with pedalling too much either, making them a great 'playing out' choice.
WMB Verdict; Rock solid, highly protective pads What Mountain Bike May 2005
Race Face's Rally FR line is a slightly lighter-weight, more flexible armor that is designed for freeriders who go up as well as down.
To see the full listing of reviews on mtbr.com please click here WINNER - mtbreview.com CHOICE Award
MBUK - 2004 Preview Issue - Roach specialises in keeping some of Canada's most insane freeriders intact, so we're not surprised by the massively strong, deeply padded wraparound hard shell protection of these freeride pads (now branded Race Face in the UK). What has surprised us is how well the protective cups and sculpted padding fit for total stability on the bike or bouncing down the trail. The straps are the most comfortable on test and, and despite overkill appearances, the ventilated foam wicks spectacularly well to keep the pads dry and cool.
MBUK VERDICT - 10 out of 10 Massive wraparound protection but amazingly ridable
To purchase, please visit our Race Face Armour Authorised Dealers
Published Monday 18 April 2005
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