Not bad at all...
Had the Stern body armour for a couple of days now and although I've never worn this stuff before it didn't take long to get used to it. I've been wearing the armour over a long sleeve thermal/climate control top (�10 from Primark!!) and covered by an unlined Halfords waterproof jacket followed by a Dickies hivis jacket (unlined and lined - depending on temp). There is such a good coverage of the hard plastic protection that I'm no more concerned about abrasion than I would be with my usual textile jacket. I don't see Winter being an issue (ie too many layers over it) as there is plenty of scope for a few layers of clothing under it due to adjustable straps and stretchy mesh "jacket".
By lucky coincidence - and for perfect comparison - I also won a s/h UFO Scorpion armour jacket in good condition off ebay for my son (for DH/MTBing). The Stern is near identical to the UFO - the main difference I can see is that the foam padding is a bit thinner on the Stern but I've overcome this by using CE armour from my existing jacket under it without it feeling extra bulky. The only slight negative is that the chest plates are flat not curved like the UFO but it looks like they can be "persuaded" by gradual bending. Mind you, when on the road, being flat would add to the shock absorbsion when you get hit to the side of the chest by a stone, apple core etc.
Anyway for
�45 I'd have to say it's bloody good value compared to the UFO at about
�144 - unless you can get a s/h UFO in good nick for �27 inc postage! :blob7:
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