It might look like something that Will Ferrell might wear to the Roxbury but Bluegrass has hit the nail firmly on the head with the Seamless Lite D3O. Complete with rather serious breathability claims, the Seamless Lite is a fully certified back protector that can genuinely be worn during any ride, boosting protection with little penalty. It’s not perfect, as its D3O protector is thick and stiff but it’s more than earned its place as one of the best MTB body armour protectors.
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Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O – Technical details
I find it funny how we as mountain bikers go out of our way to protect our knees and heads but quickly overlook the importance of back protection. After all, it only takes the right impact on your back to end your riding career. However, I understand why many don’t ride with a back protector full-time – even the best back protectors are bulky, cumbersome and warm.
But those issues are what Bluegrass’s Seamless Lite D3O has set out to solve and as its name might suggest, it’s designed to provide seamless protection.
Built around an 80 per cent Polypropylene, 10 per cent Polyamide and 10 per cent Elastane blended fabric, this back protector employs Dryarn microfibre that Bluegrass states ‘guarantees the highest level of performance for next-to-skin fabrics’. However, it’s constructed with an open-mesh design to promote airflow and help sweat evaporate. The fabric has been dermatologically tested to free it from odour and bacteria. Bluegrass also claims that Dryarn is 30 per cent lighter than traditional fabrics.
With its skin-tight cut, the Seamless Lite also benefits from a super-long bottom that is meant to be tucked in to help keep it in place, boosting stability. Two small pockets at the rear make handy spots to store gels, a multi-tool, or any smaller bits and pieces you want to carry. Touching back on the D3O insert, it complies with EN 1621-2:2014 certification.
The Seamless Lite D3O is offered alongside the Seamless B&S D3O which takes a t-shirt form and provides shoulder protection.
This back protector comes in two sizes: M/L and L/XL to fit chests from 79 to 155cm, waists of 64 to 108cm, and torso heights of 38 to 58cm. Thanks to its mega stretchy, form-fitting fabric this is a unisex garment.
Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O – Performance
The idea of a back protector designed to be unnoticeable and be worn from trail to enduro riding is something I appreciate. Although excellent, many protectors carry a few too many downsides to be worn all of the time and as I’ve said in many protective reviews, the best are those you can be happy wearing all the time.
And the Seamless Lite D3O fits the bill impressively well. Its fit is certainly slim and while I sit towards the upper end of the S/M top that I tested, it’s very good. As the description says, it’s nice and lengthy and can be tucked far under trousers but its proportions elsewhere are spot on. Admittedly, I have shied away when changing into it in the car park for fear that I might be whisked away for looking rather indecent.
But once under a jersey, its mesh design makes sense and the back protector does an awesome job of flying under the radar in terms of comfort and breathability. Granted, post wash the fabric can feel a smidgeon firm around the underarms but once some body heat and movement has its effect, the fabric softens and becomes very comfortable.
And that’s a running story with the Seamless Lite. When first slipping it on, the thick and rather unsophisticated slab of D3O needs a good level of body heat to become malleable. However, once warm and bendy, the top works incredibly well blending comfort and good airflow. It would be good to see a thinner and more sophisticated model of D3O, like the brand’s Ghost armour which meets the same certification as the protector included but it’s much slimmer and more flexible. It would make much more sense on a product like this.
The D3O is where the drawbacks of the Seamless Lite are found. Along with offering little flex in colder temperatures, it gets toasty and sweaty when the mercury rises. And that’s a bit of a shame given how the rest of the vest performs as it does a truly excellent job of keeping cool. On the other hand, it does provide fairly good coverage.
Although I’ve been moaning about this back protector a little, that hasn’t stopped it from being my go-to protector owing to its versatility. It’s far from bulky, aside from the D3O insert, and the fabric chosen promotes tonnes of airflow. I’ve used it through gentle trail jaunts to bigger and faster uplift-assisted bike park days.
It’s the fabric, fit, and breathability that makes it such a great option. In terms of warmth and ignoring the D3O, the vest does incredibly little to insulate heat, so on 20-degree-plus days, it’s remained comfortable. Then, because the whole vest is essentially made of mesh, breathability and airflow are top-notch. Again, apart from the D3O panel, it does away with sweat and moisture without batting an eyelid.
As the Seamless Lite is a pull-on back protector, taking it off can get a little interesting owing to its mass of stretch. It’s not the easiest of tasks but certainly not the most difficult. It is important to take care though as the mesh could rip if you’re too physical when taking it off. The back protector has shown absolutely no signs of damage either.
Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O – Verdict
With an asking price of £200, the Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O is an investment if anything. It’s worth stating though, that if you regularly ride downhill or bikepark, something with more protection still would be a better bet.
There is plenty of competition at this price point with Scott’s Vanguard Evo Jacket being a prime example at £175. Unlike the Seamless Lite, the Vanguard is equipped with storage for a hydration bladder along with a host of additional zipped and unzipped pockets. It’s designed like a jacket with a zip running up the middle, so it’s easy to take on and off. While this might all sound great (and it is), the Vanguard isn’t without its foibles – it’s unstable when worn with a hydration bladder and can cause overheating.
If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, Race Face’s Flank Core comes in at £140. It’s a mesh t-shirt build that comes with shoulder protection but where it’s cheaper, it’s also bulkier making it a protector best kept for occasional races and bike park days.
Leatt’s Body Tee AirFlex Stealth comes in at £220 and addresses the issues I have with the Seamless Lite’s stiff D3O. This top comes sorted with strategically placed shoulder panels, accommodation for a neck brace and chest protection. There’s a long zip, too, so it’s easy to put on. However, while this might look better on paper, the chest protector can get sweaty and it’s not quite up to the task as an all-round riding option.
The Bluegrass Seamless Lite D3O pros more than outweigh the cons. It’s super comfortable, offers good ventilation and its back protector provides coverage for all kinds of riding – whether that’s your usual Sunday trail ride or aggressive efforts between the tapes.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Seamless construction ensures adherent and ergonomic fit
Unisex fit to accomodate all body shapes
Dryarn® microfiber guarantees the highest level of performance for next-to-skin fabrics
Open mesh enhance ventilation and sweat evaporation
Quick drying microfiber works to regulate body temperature
Dermatologically tested microfiber to eliminate bacteria and odour
Back protector D3O® BP4 L1 (removable)
D3O® insert compliant with EN 1621-2:2014
Two rear pockets for snacks and soft items
Lightness and flexibility gives you freedom of movement
Long length bottom to be dressed into thepants maximising stability
Hand wash only. Use only mild soap and water to clean your protector.
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Product durability
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Product weight
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Product comfort
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product value
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