Words: Guy Streeter

The Fox Raptor CE Body Armour is the latest protection from the American giant for 2016. The Raptor CE offers complete unrestricted full upper-body coverage with the ability and versatility to be used with a neck brace.

The Raptor CE features full side coverage utilising plastic side panels, adjustable and removable shoulder and bicep coverage and CE certified 1621-2 back coverage.

Wearing body armour is going to be hotter than not, but the older I am getting, the more I think about turning up to work on Monday without any injuries and less about the temperature. Fox has designed the Raptor body armour with plenty of ventilation in the front, side and back. If you need more air flow, then just twist the throttle a little further.

The side panels wrap around from the back piece and secure into the front chest plate using an integrated adjustable buckle. When I first looked at the side panels I thought that was going to be a point of contention – I was sure I would get the handlebars caught up in it somehow or it’d just feel bulky, but so far on the moto track or in the bush I haven’t been caught up on it.

In fact the side panels really make you feel less vulnerable in dense bush. Maybe its just a placebo, but it makes me feel more comfortable. The actual fit is really good and slim-lined, which is definitely ideal in terms of comfort.

I don’t use a neck brace at the moment, but the Fox Raptor CE is fully compatible to be used in conjunction with a neck brace with its adjustable front plate. It will take about five minutes to set up and you are away.

The Fox Raptor CE comes in a variety of colours, which will match in well with the Fox gear sets. When it comes down to it, the Fox Raptor CE body armour is great bit of safety kit that will help you out on the track or trail.

It’s available now for $269.00, with sizing ranging between S/M and L-XL. Colours include Black/White, Red, Blue/Yellow and Orange/Black. Further details can be found at www.foxhead.com/au.