I spent a few seasons riding the lift at Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park without any torso protection at all. The Baseframe Pro SL Guard was my first foray back into chest protection, which I largely have avoided because it’s hot and bulky. Not so with the Baseframe Pro SL; I was shocked at how well this protection breathes.
That may have to do with the mesh construction, the D30 pads, or a combination of both. Either way, this one’s easy to love immediately. It’s much harder to get on and off, though.
Price: $170
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
What I like: Super compressive and comfortable, the Baseframe all but disappears on you when you’re riding. Air flows right through, keeping you cool in hot weather. D30 feels far less bulky than hardshell protection.
What I’d change: It’s very difficult to get on and off since it’s so compressive. A zipper would help here.
My call: This is easily my new favorite piece of gear for lift service mountain biking. It stays cool, offers key protection, and it’s easy to forget I’m wearing it.
Fox Baseframe Pro SL construction
First of all, yes, the D30 back panel is removable so you can toss this bad boy in the wash. You’ll want to remove it to avoid damaging it. D30 is an odd material: it’s malleable right up until you strike it with a blow, at which point it will harden.
That means you’re able to move freely basically at all times. But when you crash, the D30 hardens to protect your back. On top of that, your body heat (and the ambient heat) will soften the material so it conforms to your body. This has become the go-to protection material in motorcycle wear, so it stands to reason it should make a lot of sense here.
The Baseframe Pro SL also features added hip protection and padding over your solar plexus. The rest of this moisture-wicking baselayer is a mesh construction. There are no zippers or Velcro, so you’ll rely on the mesh construction to yield a bit when you’re putting this on and taking it off.
Riding the Baseframe Pro SL
Simply stated, the Baseframe Pro SL is awesome. It’s comfortable and it breathes super well. The mesh construction allows air to pass right through, and since it’s moisture-wicking, you’ve got sweat management built in. The D30 also conforms nicely to your back, so it moves with you while you’re pedaling.
The air flow is just so darn good, and the compressive feel of the Baseframe really did make me forget I was wearing it. That’s great. But there’s one key drawback.
Getting the Baseframe on and taking it off is quite the wrestling match, especially when you’re sweaty. You’ll have to rely on the material’s stretch, which frankly wasn’t enough for me. I think I spent more energy working this off my body after lift runs than I did on the actual trails.
While I’d hate to tinker with the simplicity of the Baseframe by adding a zipper to it, I think it might be necessary here. Even a bit of velcro or some sort of strap system could help make the Baseframe easier to work on and off your frame.
Final Word
I hate to admit how many lift runs I’ve got under my belt without wearing any sort of torso protection. I’ve avoided such protection because hardshell units are uncomfortable and bulky. And featherier options tend to skimp on protection altogether. The Baseframe Pro Sl fits under my jersey with ease and offers a lot of protection in a light, breathable package. It ain’t cheap, but neither is a trip to the hospital. The Baseframe Pro SL is now an indispensable part of my DH/enduro kit.