Tweety Bird PRODUCT EVALUATION

HRP Sports Flak 4

Extra Large

Chest Protector

Pro-motocrossers may look really cool riding around without chest protectors—their shirt ablaze with their sponsors colors and logos--but us mere mortals are well advised to invest in a quality chest protector, especially when we have a tendency to hit things (like trees).

When my old (how old? Well, when I had bought it, Bob Hannah still owned HRP—we’re talking the ‘80’s) HRP chest protector finally bit the dust after a major get-off, I decided that it was time to move into the new millennium.

HRP had just released a new line of chest protectors, and since the old protector had served me so well (I’ve owned others), I naturally thought of HRP. Moreover I knew that HRP “private labels” protectors for other vendors, so I might end up with up with one anyway. More importantly, they were now offering protectors in extra-large sizes, and I have to admit that I’ve put on a few pounds in the last decade or so.

HRP is offering two protectors--their Flash Jak 2000 and Flak 4. The Flash Jak retails for about $25 more than the Flak 4. Both are offered in solid colors and if you want clear, you pay extra. In addition, if you want arm guards (and we woods riders do), they are an additional $9.00 in cost, so you can mix and match to get the colors and features you want to fit your budget.

I had planned to order the Flash Jak (the more expensive product) but they were out of stock when I placed my order so I decided on an extra-large Flak 4 in clear with yellow pads and of course, arm guards (the model pictured above).

Here’s the run-down after a year’s worth of hare scrambles, dual sports and casual riding:

KUDOS:

· Roomy head opening. I have had a problem with other non-HRP protectors that have smaller openings in that the bottom of my helmet rubs the top of my shoulder pads and produces an irritating noise (like the screech on a chalkboard) every time I twist my head. Absolutely, no rubbing or screeching with the HRP.

· Light weight. These pads, even though they are extra-large, are very light and I notice them less than any pads I’ve ever worn. More importantly, they have been crash tested on at least three occasions and have held up and done their job.

· Protection. Since I’m on the low end for the weight recommendations (190 to 240 lbs.), these pads offer me almost too much protection (too much protection is probably an oxy-moron), but I wouldn’t consider going down in size and wearing a “large”.

· Adjustably. Very good. The straps between the chest and back protectors have straps that are somewhat of a pain to adjust to the tighter settings, but once adjusted, you know they are going to stay adjusted.

SNIVELS:

· “Foamflex” Arm Guards. Actually, four snivels here:

1. You have to purchase them separately.

2. The pads retain a “curved memory” that is not the same shape as my arm. It’s still there after a year’s worth of use.

3. The elastic straps are a little too small. I have mine adjusted all the way out and it’s still a little too tight (and I don’t have big arms).

4. I would like to see the next generation of arm guards a little wider and more substantial as us woods riders probably hit more stuff with this part of our body than anything else.

COST AND SIZES:

Sizes run from “peewee” (50-95 lbs.) to “extra-large” (190-240 lbs.), so you should be able to find a size for you.

Retail costs are between $69.95 (peewee) and $89.95 (X-L) for the Flak 4 in solid colors and $89.95 and $114.95 for Flak 4’s in clear colors.

Top of the line Flash Jak 2000’s are between $119.95 and $129.95.

Arm guards will cost you an additional $9.99 per pair.

Here’s a hot tip that you can do with most protectors. I added a set of bobwhite-engineered suspender straps (“braces to you “suits”) to the bottom of the chest protector and then clip them to the top of my riding pants. Like many riders, I’ve added my drink system to the back of my pads and the suspenders keep the pads from riding up and “putting a choking” on me. You guys with protruding stomachs (you know who you are) will appreciate this for the same reason.

After a year’s worth of use the clear chest and back protectors are still looking good. HRP uses genuine Lexan material for these areas and they have held up well. Most dealers (support your local dealer) can order HRP products for you, usually at a substantial saving. If you want to check out HRP’s website they can be reached at www.hrpsports.com

The Tweetybird “Tweet” Rating:

(Out of five)

Four and one-half tweets

(Mainly because of the arm guards)

--Race and crash tested by Bob (“Tweet”) White at wfo-bob@email.msn.com