I picked up the Bodyprox Impact Shorts because they were cheap and my butt hurt.
I honestly expected them to feel like padded bike shorts from a discount store, but after a few sketchy park falls I have to admit they’re better than I thought.
If you just want solid protection without spending a fortune, they’re hard to fault. They’re definitely not as fancy or bombproof as the Demon Flexforce X V6, but for the price, they’re tough to beat.
Why trust me?
I’ve been snowboarding for over 15 years as an instructor, guide and shop tech. And I’ve spent far too much of that time landing on my backside.
I bought these shorts with my own money and wore them over multiple days on snow, including park laps, chairlift rides and deliberately taking a few low-speed falls to see how the padding actually behaved.
I never score products based on hype or spec sheets. If I wouldn’t recommend them to a friend, I won’t recommend them here.
Full Review
Before writing this, I rode in the Bodyprox shorts for several days, mostly during park sessions where falling is part of the deal. Or it is for me anyway.
I wanted to see if a budget pair could handle real snowboard falls, not just powder spills. I wore them for full days, tried them under different pants, sat around in them, and took a few deliberate low-speed falls to see how well the padding worked.
Then I accidentally took a couple of less-deliberate ones. Useful testing. Annoying, but useful.
Here’s how they stacked up.
1. Comfort & Fit
The Bodyprox shorts are more comfortable than I expected. The nylon and spandex blend feels closer to compression gear than bulky armour, and the padding sits in the right places: hips, thighs and tailbone.
They don’t feel premium, but they also don’t feel awkward. The waistband doesn’t dig in, the legs don’t bunch up too badly, and I mostly forgot about them once I started riding. That’s a bigger compliment than it sounds. If impact shorts annoy you, you stop wearing them.
2. Protection
The protection is good for the money, but let’s not pretend these are magic.
The EVA foam takes the sting out of normal park falls, icy sit-downs and those stupid little edge catches where you somehow land directly on your tailbone. I walked away fine from the falls I took in them.
But compared with the Demon Flexforce X V6, there’s less depth and less rebound in the padding. The Bodyprox soften hits. The Demon feel like they properly absorb them. That’s the difference.
For beginners, casual park laps and normal resort riding, Bodyprox is enough. For bigger features or repeated hard slams, I’d upgrade.
3. Durability
After multiple days of use, the fabric and stitching still looked fine. No tearing, no sagging, no weird loose threads.
The padding is the bit I’d watch. It still works, but EVA foam does compress over time, especially if you’re falling on the same tailbone pad every session. I wouldn’t expect these to last like premium shorts, but for the price, I can’t really complain.
For a season of casual riding? Fine. For daily park abuse? I’d spend more.
4. Pros & Cons
Who These are For
If you want a budget-friendly pair of impact shorts that don’t feel bulky and still offer real protection, Bodyprox is perfect. Beginners, casual park riders, or anyone sick of tailbone bruises will get their money’s worth. If you then decide to “upgrade” down the road, you’ve not really lost much.
Who These Are NOT For
If you’re throwing big tricks or hitting rails every session, the Bodyprox shorts might feel a bit underpowered. The EVA foam is fine for casual riding and smaller falls, but it doesn’t offer the same heavy-duty impact absorption as something more expensive.
They’re also not for anyone who wants a super snug, custom-feeling fit… the sizing is good, but it’s not as dialed in as premium options with removable pads and extra features. If you’re expecting them to feel like a second skin or hold up to daily abuse all season, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Recommended Upgrade
If you want maximum protection and don’t mind spending more, the Demon Flexforce X V6 is the way to go. It’s loaded with triple D3O panels, extended tailbone coverage, and a comfort system that feels good on long days. It’s bulkier and costs a chunk more than the Bodyprox, but if you’re riding park or taking heavy slams, this is the one I’d trust.
- Triple D3O + XRD padding for tailbone, hips, and butt
- TPS comfort system + extra plush foam
- Ventilated Lycra/mesh for breathability
- Extended lower back protection
- X-Connect compatible with Demon tops
Final Thoughts
The Bodyprox Impact Shorts are a reminder that you don’t need to spend big money to protect your tailbone. They’re light, comfortable, and do their job well for most riders. If you’re cruising groomers, learning park tricks, or just want a bit of extra confidence, they’re an easy buy.
That said, if you’re riding bigger features or want something built for heavy slams, it’s worth looking at higher-end options with thicker padding and better impact tech. Choose the level of protection that matches your riding style and budget — anything is better than limping off the hill with a bruised tailbone.
I Crash-Tested the Top Impact Shorts
Falling hurts. These shorts don’t. I crash-tested the most popular impact shorts to find out which ones are actually worth wearing.
