[Whitefreeze11]

Not wanting anyone to take anything from this just wanted to know how the sport has changed.....
I've seen on many websites that Chest protectors have really come along way from the old days. I was just wondering are these still considered wimp jackets or are they a good investment.

Also I've been told speedball players have taken a liking to them because they create more bounces.... with that statement in mind does it work and are they using it for that? and then are they legal in tournament play?

Please give feedback on questions asked... This is not a pad bashing thread, (thats more than likely what I would've done back in the day)

[xAK47xSAx]

I've been wondering sorta the same thing and this is the conclusion i came up with. chest protectors are for the younger and scared new paintball players for the most part. what i have noticed though are the undershirts that are like underarmor material but have padding built into it where your jersey may not have padding. i.e. chest, rib cage, shoulders.

i thought it would be a good idea to get a padded undershirt, combined with elbow pads and jersey padding would create more bounces which I'm sure it would. I then was reading the psp and nppl tournament manuals/rule books and it states in the rule book that ur padding may not be over 5mm or cm thick ( can't remember which one) and ur undershirt cannot have any padding or be thick, just regular tshirts. With that being said i don't think they are a good idea anymore because i wouldn't want to learn how to play with it on and then be forced to not use it if i were to go to psp or nppl. and throw off my game by not getting as many bounces.

But then again they have there uses i.e. woods ball or scenario play where there aren't padding restrictions i believe.

my 2cents.

[tyskidmore3]

NPPL's rule book LAST year allowed chest protecting under shirts. The new rule book for 2012 only allows female players. I say chest protectors are a good investment if you play recball, scenario or are a female player. It protects you from the pain full shots we all get to the chest, back and shoulders. I use mine when i ref so I don't have to take all of the abuse.

[ripdisc]

if you are using it specifically for bounces it does work pretty well. some fit tight like stated above but i have one that fits more like a tshirt with a little foam here and there that i prefer. it works great in the summer it isn't hot but if i wear just that it does take a little sting off.

as far as people dogging them calling them wimp jackets and things i have played paintball for a long time and grew up wearing whippersnappers and a tshirt. i tell people im glad it hurts to get hit, but if you can lessen it and not have welts why not? i started wearing one for indoor speedball tournaments where bounces helped and you would get shot up close quite a bit.

[backwoodspball]

Ive been playing for almost 20 years(since I was 10). I finally got the sly pro merc and love it. Its basically under armor with padding on the shoulders, sides, and chest/back. Places you need it. Its not bulky and fits very nice! I get bounces with it, but it does lesson the whelps. Not that I dont mind pain. Im always up front in the action so I hardly even feel a hit. If I can reduce the number of days I have a whelp, then so be it I just wear one under my jersey along with the sly forearm/elbow pads and it works great! Older you get, the longer you keep whelps LOL

[808_PB]

I'll still love you if you have a chest protector :p