MXA TEAM TESTED: FLY RACING REVEL LITE ROOST GUARD

WHAT IS IT? The Fly Racing CE Revel Lite roost guard is a form-fitting, lightweight guard that is applicable for both over-the-jersey and under-the-jersey use. It is worn by R.J. Hampshire, Jalek Swoll and Chance Hymas on the National circuit. With an outer shell that’s made of lightweight and flexible plastic and a thermo-form soft chassis added for comfort, this roost guard has been designed to offer the ultimate trio of protection, comfort and ventilation.   

WHAT’S IT COST? $109.95.

CONTACT? www.flyracing.com or (208) 319-3079.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Fly Racing Revel Lite roost guard.

(1) Concept. The Fly Racing CE Revel Lite roost guard is a lightweight forming-fitting chest protector that utilizes minimalist designs to offer comfort and protection. Mainly worn under the jersey, this guard fits snugly to the body to the point where it is hard to tell if a rider is even wearing a roost guard at all. It can also be utilized on the outside of your jersey, like a more traditional chest protector, and it still looks good and functions properly. However, don’t confuse it for a chest protector; it doesn’t have the overall coverage or plastic thickness to deal with big crashes.

(2) Protection. The Revel Lite roost guard offers a variety of safety features. Most notable would be the bio-foam attachments, which is a new system that allows Fly to eliminate the use of rivets completely, reducing the number of the contact points that can cause injury. The outer shell is made with plastics that are flexible with low weight. This roost guard does offer a wide range of channels to allow airflow through it; however, they didn’t hinder the protection it offers. Our one complaint is that the Revel Lite chest plate dips low at the top, exposing the sternum and top of your chest to roost more than we’d like. 

(3) Fit. The Fly Racing Revel Lite roost guard has fully adjustable shoulder straps with removable foam shoulder pads. Along with the shoulder straps, it had a very easy-to-use clip-in method around your waist, and the Y-strap feature on the back of the guard can be used with or without the protective back plate. It comes in two sizes—small/medium and large/extra large. Our test riders, who were in the 165-pound range and wear large jerseys, felt the large/extra-large option fit great. We did have one test rider with sensitive skin who complained about the inner air channels causing some chafing.

(4) Ventilation. The Revel Lite is perforated throughout, and no section of the Revel Lite roost guard is made with solid plastic. The cheese-grater-style chest and back protectors promote airflow. The outer plastic shell displays an array of small holes that allow air to pass through. On the interior, the foam is separated into different channels to improve airflow to the areas that usually would not be able to breathe. 

(5) Options. The Revel Lite comes in two color options: all black or all white. The white chest protector is more visible when worn under ventilated jerseys.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The Y-strap feature on the back wanted to stick to your back as you sweat during a moto, and we wish the chest plate didn’t dip so low at the top. 

MXA RATING: The Fly Racing Revel Lite is lightweight, comfortable and effective against flying debris. It holds up well against heavy roost and moves freely with the rider.