[wXman]

Been using a set of CoreRat Arm/Leg armor that is on its' last leg (3 seasons of my inept riding) and it has served me very well. I'm about ready to get a new set, and wanting to try something different. Seems all the Canuks (crazy ba$tages they are) and most of the ppl on this board like the Roach FR stuff so that seems like my most likely choice.

Which brings us to my question.....Those of you that have this armor, how well does it handle repeated washings, and can you just toss it in the washer and dryer, or does it have to be hand washed and air dry??? One of the key features for me of the Core Rat was I could disassemble the stuff and get the HORRID stench outta it with a good thorough washing. You all know the smell I'm talking about....the one after riding 3-6hrs in 80deg or more temps....PHEW!!!

It is also important to me to be easy to wash because a lot of the trails I ride are littered with Poison Oak and I've contracted the stuff from my armor when wearing it on subsequent rides. Would the Roach armor hold up to washing in Tech-Nu (de-odorized mineral spirits essentially) either full strength or diluted??

Thanks for your input in advance....

 

[ioscope]

Isn'r roach stuff identical to Raceface??

 

[OGRipper]

Race Face owns Roach. I don't know if Race Face makes their own armor but I can tell you the Roach Rally FR stuff is awesome. I don't put mine in the dryer but I throw it in the washer a lot and it comes out fine, the stink goes away and it seems to hold up no problem. As a rule I don't usually put anything plastic in the dryer though, if it doesn't melt it gets real brittle.

 

[manwithgun]

There's a dude I overheard the other day while packed tight in a foul shuttle van
that just wears his Dainese armor into the shower after race day, lathers, rinses, then hang dries... and Roach/Raceface armor are identical, who do you want to be a billboard for?

 

[go-ride.com]

We've been selling a lot of the Roach/Race Face armor and so far no complaints about durability from washing or crashing.

I wash my armor a lot and recommend warm water and the gentle or hand wash cycle on your machine. Never put it in the dryer unless you are absolutely desperate. Then make sure you set the heat to low and put your pads in a cloth bag (ie: laundry bag).

I also recommend carrying a bottle of Fabreez in your gear bag. I give a little spray to my armor before and after riding. That really keeps the smell down when you don't have time to wash.

 

[zane]

Febreeze is the best sh!t out there for getting rid of smells (or covering them up). I have raceface armor and it's identical to the roach armor, my LBS (universal) sells them as the same item. They handle washing pretty well- none of the seams have come apart or anything. I like the darker grey for the 05 pads, I have 04 knee/shins that are the lighter grey and 05 elbows that are dark, but oh well. The freeride pads are good if you want a lot of breathability (open back) but if you want full coverage get the dh pads.

 

[Bacardi]

To your favorite Laundry soap, Add a little bit of bleach, very diluted, or vinegar to get rid of smells.

I wash my gear in a mesh laundry bag so the watchin' ma-cheen don't eat it.

Air dry with a Fan.