Tested: TLD / Shock Doctor Chest Protector 5900 5

By Josh Maurer

Model: Troy Lee Designs Chest Protector CP 5900
Retail Cost: $169 as tested (there is a second model that has bicep protection which retails for $199)
Colors: Black (tested) or White

I had no idea this chest protector was so versatile when I first got my hands on it. There are 44 different configurations with this particular model, ranging from maximum chest, back, side, and shoulder protection to very minimal chest-only protection...not to mention everything in-between. I will be featuring the configurations that us mountain bikers would probably use.

Maximum Protection
The upper body is very well-protected in this configuration. Though every piece is utilized, the setup is breathable, lightweight, and very comfortable. The front rib protection really helps with the comfort of the chest protector because the side padding in this mode prevents the chest protector straps from chaffing the skin. Even at maximum coverage, the breathing qualities are very good and the system is very low profile. It easily fits under a regular sized jersey (worn under the same Large size jersey I would wear without any protection).

Maximum Protection for Neck Brace
(my personal favorite configuration):
In the pictures you can see that my Leatt brace fits perfectly when the appropriate pieces were removed from the Maximum setup. The thoracic support from my Leatt fits right into a raised area in the back and you can choose to let the neck brace sit on top of the chest protector or on under it. I preferred to run it tucked under the chest protector to help keep it in place because I don't use the straps on my Leatt brace. The straps from the Leatt can be used in this configuration as well for extra stability of the brace. I wear my Leatt with the largest spacers, so it is in the largest configuration and still fits perfectly with the chest protector.
Like I mentioned above, this is my favorite configuration because I am able to get the maximum amount of protection from the chest protector and integrate my Leatt brace for the neck protection. This setup makes you feel pretty dang protected, but you can still to move your body without feeling restricted. 

Mininmal Shoulder Protection

Comparing the bottom spine protector pad on and off.  You can even remove the entire back plate as well.

Totally Customizable for You
I only touched on a few of the configurations that are possible with this chest protector. Again, there are literally 44+ different possible configurations because every piece is removable. To learn more about this versatile piece of protection, visit www.troyleedesigns.com.