EVS RC-Evolution Ride Report

[Woody_393]

I got my Large EVS RC-Evolution neck brace a couple of weeks ago, and have been meaning to write up my thoughts on it, but I didn't have any pictures. I still don't, but decided to put this up anyway.

I will still try and get some next time I go riding.

I have the black one (I think that's the only color you can really get), in Large (I weigh 220).

I always wear a chest protector, and have always worn a neck roll (similar to the EVS RC-2, but made by Thor, and an EVS RC-1 prior to that). So wearing something around my neck is not something new to me.

Putting the brace on is easy, undo the velcro, and put it around your neck. No problems their at all. Certainly easier than the Leatt. Though neither one is difficult.

I was worried about the chest protector / neck brace combo wouldn't work out of the box, but to my surprise, my large Fox Airframe (maybe it's extra-large?? -- the biggest one you can get anyway) fit right over the top. I do have to start at the back and then put it over my head and then it works perfectly.

The neck brace its self fits excellent. I have not taken the time yet to figure out the strap system since mine is held in place quite well with my chest protector, so I can't really comment on that aspect. But in looking at the directions, it looks pretty simple. With my setup, it does not move around at all.

I have worn a leatt, and really liked it. The EVS in comparison is almost exactly the same as far as the way it feels on. Maybe a little wider, and doesn't fit quite as snug on the chest area, but I believe that has more to do with EVS' attempt to work around collar bone injuries, and thus, it sits a lot more on the shoulders. The portion that goes down the back, felt identical to the Leatt. I think the Leatt may be just a tad more comfortable, but not enough to quibble about.

For the money, I would have a really hard time justifying the Leatt. Even the new one priced around $200.

Ride report:

When I first had it on, I tried to compare it to what I remembered about the Leatt, and to be honest, I can't really tell a difference. It's there, it's comfortable, and hopefully will help protect me if I need it. The weather has been in the 60's and 70's, so I can't comment about if it makes you hot or anything like that.

My only complaint so far is that when standing up while accelerating (so I'm leaned forward) my helmet hits the back of the brace and somewhat limits my range of motion a little more than I like. This is completely adjustable by removing some of the foam from the foam portion of the "neck roll" part of the brace, but I've not taken the chance to remove some of it yet. I guess you could say it hasn't bothered me enough to do anything about it anyway. I'd call it a minor irritation, but not the kind I'd go out of my way to fix (though I will eventually). This is all dependent on your helmet and the length of you neck anyway, so what I think and what you think may not be the same... so as the saying goes, YMMV.

I've ridden with it 2 times now, and at the end of riding when I'm taking it off, I always try and think about what I thought about it. And honestly, I usually can't come up with much. I don't even remember I'm wearing it. Which in my book is exactly what I want.

The RC-Evolution also comes with a somewhat cheesy carrying case (cheap), but it fits fine and does what it's supposed to. I'd certainly rather have it than not.

The only other extraneous comment I can think to add is that the Leatt seemed to inspire some confidence (though I'm not sure that's good) that I don't get when wearing the RC-Evolution. I don't know why it doesn't, but for me, it didn't give me that sensation that I was more protected like the Leatt did. Not sure that matters, but I wanted to give you all my thoughts.

Overall, I love it . The price is good (~$180 after shipping) and I believe it will do as good a job as any of the more expensive braces on the market.

Like I said, I'll try and get some pictures as soon as I remember to.

Overall, it's a great product, and I'm glad I finally have mine.

[2strokesurvivor]

Nice report. I wanted to purchase the EVS, but could not get one in time to go riding. I had not ridden in about two years, so I wanted to be protected well and just bit the bullet for the Leatt Club. Your report is similar to my time with the Leatt. I rode all day and really didn't notice any restrictions to my movement. I did go down once (bumped a guys back tire when he decided to get off the throttle in a turn). I remember thinking about the brace as I went over my front bars and onto my head. The brace worked perfectly, stopping my head and neck and transferring to shock to the brace. Everyone should be wearing a neck brace in some form.

[Woody_393]

Could not agree more. Get something and wear it, even if it is just a neck roll.

Glad the Leatt is treating you well. I have no doubts it is a great product as well.