[punkassean]

I am sooo stoked, UPS just dropped off my shipment from Rockgardn. I got the new completely redesigned Flak Jacket and boy howdy is this thing pimpin'! I loved my old Flak Jacket but if there was one complaint I had it was the weight and bulk.

This new jacket is much slimmer and almost a pound lighter. It also has more breathable materials as well as a bunch of other awesome features. The sleeves come off above the elbow so you can replace them or just run it short sleeve if you want. The sleeves also have a length adjustment for long or short armed riders which makes the fit feel very much custom. I am 5'10" ~152# and the S/M fits perfect. As always there is a "stash" pocket in the kidney belt for an emergency $20 and whatever else you deem necessary on your ride neaky:

I also got the new Fate carbon gloves which are similar to sport bike gloves with massive knuckle protection. The size medium finger length and overall fit is perfect for me and I usually fall sort of in between a size 9 & 10 in Fox gloves. Sexy beasts !!!

The new goggles are more traditional looking than the previous model but they still fit well within my Giro Madmax helmet and offer plenty of peripheral vision. The best part is they come stock with a clear lens but extra lenses are only $7.50 so I picked up a persimmons and black mirror too. Mark is offering blue, red and chrome mirror lenses for the same price.

Now regular guys like me can pretend were pro racers (like Orven ) and intimidate the competition w/o spending $80 for Oakley Iridiums every other race! The new GDX goggles still have the rubberized no-slip strap and a clasp so you don't wear out the elastic by stretching them up and over your lid all the time.

Lastly, I got a set of the new landing Zone knee/shins. These puppies are beefcake! The knee cap is sewn in only around the top and sides, the bottom is affixed with riveted cordura straps. This lets the knee cap float with your knee as you pedal unlike most other knee/shins which slide down when your knee is bent leaving it wide open to slamming into the fork crowns making you crying like a baby for a few minutes until you shake it off. :nuts:

The base material is super breathable and wraps around the sides of the legs but don't fully cover the back, it also comes well above the knee for full coverage. Some people like full wrap knee/shins but I prefer this design as it's cooler and I rarely slip my heel off the front of the pedal. There is a full "rib" of padding down the center of the shin that "floats" the plastic guard off of the backing fabric to let air flow in and ventilate and also to provide a cushion directly over the sensitive ridge of the shin for impacts. I got a pair of Marks new socks also to try out. I have had those since interbike so I have had ridden with them plenty of times. They are the best all-around riding sock I've ever owned because they are a crew length but they are not cotton. They are performance fabric and the top of the foot is a slightly looser mesh while the bottom and the portion of the sock that sits behind the tongue of the shoe is a little thicker for comfort and abrasion resistance. The elastic is strong so they stay in place and they have a nice little "circle R" logo embroidered into the upper.

I haven't got a chance to get out and ride this stuff yet because it just showed up, but just from trying it on I can already tell how well it will work compared to other gear I've had in the past! The fit of everything is prime and the material selection is top-notch to boot!

I did order some of the new CYA shorts but they are still on backorder, everything else is in stock right now.

I am super amped to get out there and thrash-test this new gear, I will post some of my own pics once I get a chance to to. My digi cam is in Milpitas at Muffler Bob's while he makes a custom exhaust for one our project trucks.

Rockgardn is a long time supporter of RM and privateer racers! Call or go to their website to order some killer new '05 gear.

.:: ROCKGARDN ::.

 

[OGRipper]

"The sleeves come off above the elbow so you can replace them or just run it short sleeve if you want."

It all looks purty, but that's the coolest feature IMO. Is the back of the jacket articulated hard plastic or just foam padding? And is there any tail bone protection?

 

[punkassean]

"The sleeves come off above the elbow so you can replace them or just run it short sleeve if you want."

It all looks purty, but that's the coolest feature IMO. Is the back of the jacket articulated hard plastic or just foam padding? And is there any tail bone protection?

The back is articulated and comes down over the tailbone.

Rockgardn is s small rider owned USA company, Mark works hard to deliver the goods! He has killer deals for grassroots teams etc.

 

[seismic]

Well, - now there is no excuse for not going fast !

 

[in the trees]

How many total straps on the leg armor? They look like the TLD Combats and what I like about the TLDs is that they have 5 straps to hold them in place. (2 at the thigh, 2 below the knee, and 1 at the ankle) I've had great luck with my Flak Jacket and I'd be willing to try them out.

toby

 

[dexterq20]

Holy crap Sean, how much did you pay for all those goodies? Or, if you can't answer that, what's the retail cost on all of that stuff? It all looks so fancy!

 

[James | Go-Ride]

So Rockgardn, Azonic, and TLD are all using the same jacket this year, eh?

 

[J]

After you've ridden the knee/shins, I'm wondering if they ever slipped down? I have some of the older style knee shins (and flat jacket... and CYA shorts) and they are finiky about staying up in place. I'm lookin for some new ones... -J

 

[punkassean]

How many total straps on the leg armor? They look like the TLD Combats and what I like about the TLDs is that they have 5 straps to hold them in place. (2 at the thigh, 2 below the knee, and 1 at the ankle) I've had great luck with my Flak Jacket and I'd be willing to try them out.

toby

The knee/shins have three total straps per leg. More straps don't necessarily equal staying in place. The biggest cause of slippage is a strap directly over the bulbous part of the calf, as your muscle expands and contracts (pedaling) the strap gets slowly worked down. These have a strap right below the knee and then one below the calf as well as the top strap which is above the knee. Although the esthetic is similar to TLD, the design is very different. What's really cool about these is that the portion above the knee is over another full inch taller than the TLD and it's not only padded but there is a thin strip of ABS plastic behind the top velcro to help keep shape. Being so tall makes it so that even if they do slip down during a crash or whatever the actual knee is still well protected. Also the above differences I mentioned in my original post.

I loved my old Flak Jacket too, I can't wait to test this one out! I know right now that the fit is better already.

So Rockgardn, Azonic, and TLD are all using the same jacket this year, eh?

I know it looks that way at a glance but in fact the answer is not even close!

Rockgardn's jacket does use the same basic molds for some of the plastics but that's about the end of the similarities. The Flak Jacket uses a custom material for the base layer, Mark tried out the same material that is used on the Azonic '05 jacket (mesh-like) last year and found it to be a little too abrasive to be comfortable against bare skin. So he worked with his supplier to make a custom fabric that is much softer and still breathes as well and also wicks away moisture.

The next main difference is the expanded foam that goes between the plastics and the base layer. The Azonic suit uses a much larger perforation which equates to a much less dense material, although it may breath fractionally better it does not have the same protection as RG's special foam which has more/smaller holes. The Azonic also uses the same size foam pads for the arms on all sizes of suits where RG's are custom for each size (better fit/coverage).

The Azonic only has straps to pull the shoulder cups forward where RG has rear straps as well that truly let you pull the shoulders in, not just forward.

RG's suit has side/rib protection pads, Azonic does not. Azonic doesn't have the stash pocket either.

Finally to the best of my knowledge the Azonic suit is not cross stitched at all velcro closures for added durability or equipped with a sewn in hook to hang up the suit with to prevent stretching the material.

There are a few other subtle differences but I think that covers the big stuff. I don't know much about the TLD stuff but I don't think it even has a plastic chest panel, I believe it's just soft foam.

Holy crap Sean, how much did you pay for all those goodies? Or, if you can't answer that, what's the retail cost on all of that stuff? It all looks so fancy!

I still get shop-like "special" pricing because I managed a shop in SB that was a huge RG dealer and helped RG get launched, but the whole kit at full retail is is very, very reasonable.

Flak Jacket: $183
Knee/Shins: $50
Fate Gloves: $45
GDX Goggles: $37 with Mirror Lens!
Socks, 3-pack: $28

That comes to $368 plus tax/shipping so under 4 bills for the whole kit and caboodle! A Dainese suit alone cost that much.

After you've ridden the knee/shins, I'm wondering if they ever slipped down? I have some of the older style knee shins (and flat jacket... and CYA shorts) and they are finiky about staying up in place. I'm lookin for some new ones... -J

I will post feedback once I get out there and put it to the test! But I can say that Mark has done extensive testing and these knee/shins will only slip as little as is possible. A certain amount of slipping is virtually unavoidable but these will not slip much if at all.

Any other questions lemme know.

 

[mack]

It looks warm enough to give you a good sweat. I would like to try one on to see how they are though.

And those gloves have to be the coolest thing ever made as a mnt bike fasion bling bling.

 

[Zark]

My god Sean that Jacket is awesome! I'll have to order one of those.

The new goggles look like an improvement too. Tell me, do they still have that hokey glued on foam where the goggles meet your face? Mine had it and fell apart in 3 rides.

 

[punkassean]

My god Sean that Jacket is awesome! I'll have to order one of those.

The new goggles look like an improvement too. Tell me, do they still have that hokey glued on foam where the goggles meet your face? Mine had it and fell apart in 3 rides.

Noah,

The new goggles have a fleece-like layer attached to the foam to make them comfortable against you skin but it's so well bonded to the foam I can't even feel the seam. Your old goggles sound like a probable warranty issue, have you contacted Velo Pro or RG and asked for an RA#

While on the topic of goggles, I forgot to mention that these new ones have easily removable straps so you can hand wash them

 

[NotQuiteJdm]

I can't wait till 06' so I can get this stuff on closeout!

 

[punkassean]

I can't wait till 06' so I can get this stuff on closeout!

savvy shopper! The prices are killer though so even retail is bueno! Do you have a race team?

 

[NotQuiteJdm]

Me? race team? I am just I...lol. Just looking for some quality pads ink:

 

[dexterq20]

...have you contacted Velo Pro...

Hehehehe, Velo Pro. They're fun to prank call. :devil:

 

[Scurry]

I am pretty happy the team I am on has grassroots for them, killer deals. I have a 2004 flak jacket so will have to hold of this year, I also have the CYA shorts. This year I plan on getting the gogles, gloves, and shin pads, I might as well get som socks to.If I could Id pretty much order there whole line up.

 

[Slacker]

Wooo.... I like everything I see. Looks like RG is really stepping up with their product line.

Very curious about those gloves. They look great, but possibly too stiff ?? How comfy are they?

 

[punkassean]

Gloves are comfy, not very stiff at all. They are heavier duty though than the older model so there may be a little less overall freedom of movement/sensation. The palm is still not padded though so that's good!

I'll let you know soon.

 

[punkassean]

Me? race team? I am just I...lol. Just looking for some quality pads ink:

I was just wondering because if you have even a small team you can arrange a grassroots deal.

 

[-dustin]

those socks are ****ing sweet!!!!!

cool, man.

 

[punkassean]

Yeah dude the socks are really nice I find I like wearing them when I'm not riding just because they are so comfy and they stay dry.

 

[sod8]

Looks sweet! Keep us updated on how you like the jacket, specifically the breathability. I was set on Dainese, but this is looking like a nice alternative.

 

[Spunger]

I still have my Rockgardn Flakjacket I got from Velopro. It was one of the few items that fit so well. I didn't really think it was all that heavy though. I always felt like my Hydro pack was heavy, the armor wasn't too bad. Very good build quality though. Makes me glad to support a local company.

I for some reason don't eat armor up as well as some do. Gloves I do, but everything else does it's job well enough for me. I think those gloves though might be on my christmas list. I like their stuff.

Let us know how it all turns out. Thank god they got rid of the football player shoulder cups. That was my 1 gripe about the flakjacket I have. All their products though are well made and thought after.

They're Purrty

 

[Lefty]

Awesome stuff Sean. Now the only thing you will need is a horse and your ff helmet, and you will be a knight in shining armor.

Those gloves do even have more protection than the Oakley ones. And the other brands who have em.

 

[lanman]

I was just wondering how the visibility with those goggles is...are they a tinted goggle? or it the lens just like a mirror so they look that way? If they arent that dark im definitely getting those, they look pimp!

 

[auntesther]

The new stuff looks awesome. I picked up some of the socks and gloves in Interbike. They are both awesome but the socks are unreal. It seem silly to think socks could make such a big difference but for my feet, they are about perfect. Fit like they were tailored for my feet, super comfy, really surable, not overly warm. 3 pack for 28 is a steal.

I am definately gonna be getting anew Flak jacket this year. Marc at RG is a super good guy. I am happy to support a guy like him.

 

[zedro]

huh, all those new straps on the jacket is what i had to do to my old (crAppy) version to keep the damn thing in place....wonder if they took my suggestions on MTBR where one of the designers hangs out...

 

[dante]

COOL!! Rockgardn makes some *really* good stuff!

Now just need to find someone to buy my 2004 suit, "lightly" used. I don't sweat that much, honest...

Actually, it's held up remarkably well, esp for being machine-washed once every two weeks or so. Throw all pads into a mesh bag, toss into front-loading washing machine, and voila, clean pads.

 

[punkassean]

I was just wondering how the visibility with those goggles is...are they a tinted goggle? or it the lens just like a mirror so they look that way? If they arent that dark im definitely getting those, they look pimp!

The goggles are mirrored over a light-medium tint, it is not as dark as average sunglasses. I haven't had a chance to ride them yet but just going outside and looking around I can clearly see. The best part is the pimp look with a $7.50 replacement lens!

 

[punkassean]

huh, all those new straps on the jacket is what i had to do to my old (crAppy) version to keep the damn thing in place....wonder if they took my suggestions on MTBR where one of the designers hangs out...

Zed, that is highly possible, RG tries to listen and constantly develop/refine their products. I know Mark sometimes checks out the MTBR forums.

 

[zedro]

Zed, that is highly possible, RG tries to listen and constantly develop/refine their products. I know Mark sometimes checks out the MTBR forums.

yeah i guess, especially considering i was extreamely vocal about my dissapointment with the gear among the sea of boosters....geez thats so unlike me

 

[punkassean]

yeah i guess, especially considering i was extreamely vocal about my dissapointment with the gear among the sea of boosters....geez thats so unlike me

had you had your coffee yet that day? How wierd, it's not typical of you to :mumble:

 

[SprungShoulders]

BMW makes carbon gloves similar to the new RG's. My knuckles have nothing but good things to say about their pair of BMW's.

 

[punkassean]

And the best part about the carbon knuckles is if hikers or pedestrians mouth off...

 

[Slacker]

And the best part about the carbon knuckles is if hikers or pedestrians mouth off...

I think you just sold me on them.

 

[Lefty]

And the best part about the carbon knuckles is if hikers or pedestrians mouth off...

I was searching for some pics from gloves with spikes on it :devil: , which you also can use for the same problem. But could not find them.

 

[Kntr]

The BMW carbons were waaay to thick in the palm for me. I road them one day and sold them. Plus they sent me the wrong size.

 

[punkassean]

Kanter, the RG palm is one thin layer of clarino I think. They are thick on top for protection and thin on the palm for sensitivity.

Lefty, Just get the universal spikes from punk/metal stores.
http://www.imosh.com/SPIKES.htm Then nobody will mess with you!

 

[Lefty]

You're to good You rule. Howell i think it's gonna be expensive .For a set 2/3/4 " spikes you could buy a set of gloves.