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PRODUCT REVIEW: PCS NECK BRACE! PROTECT YOURSELF!!

Another detailed Product Review coming at ya from The Test Crew!! We don’t just put a photo and a price like the other guys, we use this stuff and tell you where it fits into your motocross world. This week Sven looks at PCS Safety Systems …

Sven Krause 6/20/2005

While the majority of us are trying to spend our money on things that will make our bikes look better, feel lighter, or go faster, there is one thing most of us look over when it comes to spending our money. Our own safety. In reality, without our bodies in good condition, our bike would be useless, and while companies are busy creating newer, better looking and faster moving parts, almost none are paying attention to what matters.

This is where PCS steps in, a company whom specializes in safety equipment for off-road enthusiasts abroad. We were sent the PCS Neck brace to test, available in 3 different sizes including mini, jr., and adult.

After tearing open the package from the box I took much time to inspect it before opening it. It was very aesthetically pleasing to see the product in my hands. It was clean packaging and easily distinguishable as to who makes the product. Phone number, web address, size, and place of manufacturing were all labeled on outside of product, easy to see and distinguish. Because this was an older packaged unit we tested, the web address was incorrect however their new website can be found at www.pcssafety.com (OK Sven, that’s good, thanks let’s move on - ed.)

Description: The brace is 100% machine washable however for the lazier people that don’t know how to operate that strange machine sitting in the basement, and it will withstand the bashing a pressure washer can put to it as well.

It is soft and squishy at touch of finger pressure, yet very stable around your neck.

Installation: This part of the test was the point where I was the most leery about. As thoughts raced through my head fearing that not even Martha Stewart herself could sew this bad-boy on. I cringed as I opened the package and to my astonishment, everything was already set. All the ropes were pre-tied and ready to be mounted onto my chest-guard. It took a total of 1.5 minutes to mount the neck brace and I was set, everything was done.

The directions were incredibly well done featuring a 3-D front view and side view as to how the neck brace was to be mounted. It was all colored photographs depicting the chest-guard, neck brace, strings, and even the helmet. All in all the installation was a piece of cake and should not give troubles to anyone with this neck brace.

Saddle time: I was a bit skeptic at first just because I was thinking, “How can a piece of foam save my neck?” However, having already had 6 concussions in my life and to what I believe permanent head and neck damage I was more than open for a fix. While it clearly says on the packaging it will not 100% prevent neck injuries it will help you in the case of a crash. Like anything new, it took a bit of time getting used to, but it was within a few hours of riding where I barely felt it. I feel it gives the rider more confidence in knowing that they are protected fully therefore increasing a riders potential performance. I never noticed any sloppiness in the brace or anything that really stood out poorly while riding it.

THUMBS UP: There were a lot of things I liked about this product. It was light, virtually unnoticeable to side-to side head motion yet upon rolling motion of the head you can notice it’s there and gives you support and a feeling of security while riding. Another thing I liked is its ease of staying in place and when you’re not riding. Contrary to some other neck-braces, this neck brace does not require you to take it off every time you remove your helmet, can’t be lost with it being attached to your chest protector (again contrary to some neck braces).

The neck brace tested by PCS is made very well. It is durable and made from quality materials, the brace part is completely water resistant as well.

Just as most of you were going to complain on how the brace pictured is red and your gear is…blue…yellow…orange, well PCS did their homework and includes a solution to this dilemma. Included with the package is a set of sleeves that slip over the brace with various colors. The colors include yellow, blue, green, orange, red, and black and are interchangeable within 3-4 minutes and are as well washable. Another very notable thing I liked about the sleeves and the brace in general was that on every single sleeve that comes with it, there is the PCS logo on it including their name and website. PCS stands behind what they sell and aren’t scared to show it.

I also liked the cleanliness of the product, it isn’t a large bulky roll that makes you look and move like the latest Star Wars figure, and all in all it’s a comfortable and visually pleasing product.

THUMBS DOWN: While this product is very beneficial to ones safety on a motorcycle, those who have already purchased a chest-protector can only use it. It is not able to mount onto a helmet, nor am I aware that it will mount onto an under-jersey protector such as the Thor Quadrant.

Another thing that bothered me was that PCS did not have description of their warranty policy. I personally would have liked to have seen some notion of a warranty description either stating it has no warranty at all, only has a manufacturers default warranty, or a full out warranty.

CONCLUSION: Overall I was very happy with the product. As mentioned above it can deter neck injuries that have the possibility of being very fatal. I believe it gave more riding confidence knowing you were protected by yet another safety product (there is never enough safety). I recommend this HIGHLY to parents as children’s necks are still in development and injury now could lead to years of pain and suffering in the time to come. Not to just play this off as kids should be the only one’s wearing it, adults should too.

We all know what a visit to the chiropractor costs, the cost of the PCS neck brace is much cheaper. While there were a few things I did not like such as the ability to only mount it to a chest protector and the lack of warranty, overall I believe this is a good product which when worn gives positive results.

PCS Safety Neck Protector System

Price: $42.00 plus shipping

TEST CREW RATING: 3.5 stars out of possible 5