At the heart of this bib, nothing really new: at the front and back, a D3O plate is integrated to fulfill its protective role. As we have already explained in our review of Rockrider knee and elbow pads, D3O is a material classified as “non-Newtonian fluid”. This means that it is relatively soft at rest, but instantly hardens upon impact to provide optimal protection.
To integrate these plates into its breastplate (which, remember, are immovable), Ekoï opted for an extensible and ultra-thin ‘mesh’ textile.
In terms of adjustments, the bib is equipped with adjustable straps, allowing you to adjust its height using Velcro straps. On the abdominal belt, the Ekoï breastplate is distinguished from its competitors by a double tightening system, produced using BOA mechanisms located on either side of the rear protection plate.
If the BOA micrometric tightenings allow the bib to be adjusted very precisely, they are coupled with a system of tabs. Once the system is disengaged, this allows the adjustment to be completely opened, making it easier to put on and take off the breastplate. The interior of the bib is covered with a thin layer of soft foam, topped with a microperforated textile to ensure the best possible breathability.
Contrary to its habits, Ekoï offers its Perf Protect breastplate at a price of €249, which places it in the (very) high end of the market, compared to competitors like the Scott Body Armor Softcon Air at €169.90 or the ‘Alpha Racer Breastplate at €189.95. However, faithful to its commercial strategy, it is a safe bet that we will find it at a (much) more affordable price in some time, with reductions often between 30 and 60% on the French brand’s website.
Discovered during the Roc d’Azur 2024, the Perf Protect intrigued us. We were particularly curious about its BOA abdominal tightening system, which clearly stands out from the ordinary for a bib. And what we can say is that it works. However, this system represents neither a real advantage nor a real disadvantage compared to the usual clamps offered by other brands except perhaps its durability.
Due to the winter period, this accessory, designed to be worn as a last outer layer (and therefore exposed to perspiration, but above all to dust and mud), quickly raised an essential question: how are we going to wash this plastron?
And yes, when you say non-removable D3O plates and BOA clamping system, you can’t machine machine them… The solution? The good old shower method, with a shower head and a little elbow grease, seems to be the most effective for cleaning the faceplate without risking damaging either your washing machine or the faceplate itself. Granted, we don’t wash our back or bib after each outing, but the inability to machine wash it still remains a notable inconvenience.
In practice, the buckle system with BOA tightening works quite well. However, we still have some doubts about its value compared to a more traditional scratch system. While no tester was bothered by their placement, it is important to note that these tightenings are positioned very far back, which could make them a little difficult to access for people with reduced shoulder mobility.
Little advice: given that this tightening is not elastic, we got into the habit, during each adjustment, of inhaling deeply to inflate the rib cage, holding our breath, then tightening the plastron so that that it is well plated. Once this is done, simply exhale to obtain a comfortable fit, ideal for avoiding discomfort, even during somewhat physical stages requiring intense breathing.
In terms of sensation, the bib clearly gives the impression of an exterior “shell”. In other words, don’t expect a “second skin” feeling like that you can find with certain back vests. This is partly due to Ekoï’s choice not to integrate stretchy bands on the abdominal belt or shoulder straps.
This choice has the advantage of promoting air flow, making the Perf Protect bib relatively breathable, contrary to the preconceptions that one may have about this type of equipment, while maintaining a good feeling of protection and good mobility of the shoulders and therefore the arms.
Conversely, forget about using a backpack, or even a fanny pack, in conjunction with this bib. After having tried three or four different models – large, small, rather high, rather low – it is really not the most pleasant, especially at the level of the abdominal strap or the lower back with the waistband: sometimes above, sometimes below. In short, it’s not designed for, and we understand why.
Likewise, we were able to have two testers try it, and none reported any discomfort or discomfort. It therefore seems plausible to consider that it is a unisex model, designed to suit a large majority of practitioners.
Verdict
Ekoï’s Perf Protect combines effective protection thanks to D3O and good breathability. Despite very satisfactory overall comfort and precise adjustments thanks to a BOA system, unusual for this type of equipment, the initially high price remains difficult to justify (although this should be qualified given the brand’s usual commercial practices) . Furthermore, the impossibility of machine washing it, due to the non-removable D3O plates, constitutes a notable weak point, which should be corrected in a future version. In summary, a promising first achievement from the French brand, but with a few points to improve to fully compete with its competitors.
For more information, go to the Ekoï website.
