High-end BMX helmet and soft-goods maker t.h.e. recently released a line of SAS-TEC viscoelastic soft guards designed with equal parts form and function, providing an unparalleled blend of protection and comfort. The Maxi Guard has been tested to be more impact resistant than traditional hard pads, but is soft and pliable. Extreme Protection: German-engineered SAS-TEC viscoelastic insert foam reacts instantly to impacts by hardening and dissipating energy throughout the guard. In simpler terms, you'll never know what hit you--and that's a good thing. The foam's memory effect returns the guard to its original shape and is safe to use, no matter how hard or how many times you crash. SAS-TEC is already widely used in the motorcycle industry, and now t.h.e. is pioneering its application in bicycle protection. Compared to other viscoelastic materials on the market, not only is SAS-TEC more impact absorbent, it is lighter, more stable across a wider range of temperatures and lasts longer. In addition to the viscoelastic inserts, EVA foam provides side-impact protection to crucial areas.
Extraordinary Comfort: Because of SAS-TEC's lightweight, low-density properties and anatomical shape, it is malleable enough to articulate around joints, providing full range of motion with little resistance for optimal ergonomics while retaining critical coverage. Lightweight, low-profile design means they can be stowed for climbs or worn all day, even under jeans. On the inside, neoprene sleeves are perforated for ventilation while strategically placed silicone grips keep the guards from slipping down or rotating away from vital areas. Outside, special low-friction Kevlar will scoff at trail rash, but won't snag jeans or shorts.
"Riders wanted maximum protection, but in a lighter, more flexible design that was equally as comfortable pedaling on an all-mountain ride or BMX track as it was for a day of downhill or dirt jumps," says t.h.e. Product Manager, Chris Han. "SAS-TEC allowed us to achieve that comfort and flexibility coupled with the protection of one of the highest ranked armor materials in motorsports."
The t.h.e. Maxi Guard is on sale now and currently available for elbow ($59.99) and knee ($84.99) in S, M, L and XL sizes. Suitable for mountain-bike and BMX use.
Visit the-industries.com and sas-tec.de for more info.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.