The Demon Flexforce X V6 D3O/XRD Impact Shorts are hyped as some of the best crash protection out there, so I had to see for myself.
Do they live up to their reputation for skiers and snowboarders?
Will they save your butt when things go sideways?
Let’s find out.
Full Review
I spent a good few weeks riding in the Demon Flexforce X V6 D3O Impact Shorts before drafting this review. I threw them on for everything, big drops, awkward landings and a few park sessions where I knew I’d be testing my limits. I wanted to see how they’d hold up to some particularly tasty falls. Think icy side hits, tailbone landings and crashes that leave you questioning your life choices.
I wore them all day, layered under different pants and took a couple of low-speed falls just to see how they’d handle it. And because life loves a good test, I ended up slamming a few times harder than expected.
Here’s what I found.
1. Comfort & Fit
First off, these Demon Flexforce X V6 D3O Impact Shorts are surprisingly comfortable. They fit snug but not tight, so you don’t feel restricted. I wore them all day, and honestly kind of forgot I had them on. There’s no weird pinching or shifting around the waistband and they stayed in place even after a few rough crashes. The material is breathable and stretchy, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing a brick wall.
The biggest win for comfort is the T.P.S. (Total Padding System). The removable insert gives you the flexibility to adjust the padding depending on the kind of day you’re having. Want more protection? Add a little more padding. Want to keep it light? Take it out. Definitely nice to have that level of customization.
That said, budget options like Bodyprox are potentially a little more comfortable for all-day wear, but you’re sacrificing a lot of protection. The Demon Flexforce X V6 strikes a good balance between comfort and solid protection, especially with that removable padding.
2. Protection
As for protection, these shorts are pretty great. They’re loaded with D3O T6 padding, including a specially upgraded tailbone pad and the new Quad Padding. This is solid stuff.
I took a few tough tailbone landings and the impact felt way less harsh than I expected. The hips and thighs also got a nice boost with plush foam padding, making awkward sideways falls a bit easier to shake off.
Comparing these to Bodyprox and other reputed impact shorts, there’s a noticeable difference. Bodyprox is a solid budget pick, but the level of padding and the technology in the Demon Flexforce X V6 is just next level.
And don’t even get me started on the ever-popular “Rippl impact shorts“. They’re ridiculously flimsy compared to these. Social media can’t always be trusted!
3. Durability
After a few weeks of testing, these shorts still feel solid. The material hasn’t worn down and the padding is still in top form. Admittedly, the colors have slightly faded, but who cares. The D3O and XRD layers have held up after some rough falls.
If you’re like me and prefer gear that stands up to consistent use, these are a worthy investment (or at least they have been so far).
4. Bonus Features
I should also point out that these have got X-Connect Technology, a nice feature if you’re using other Demon gear.
You can apparently connect the top and bottom for an entirely gap-free setup.
I haven’t tried this myself, but if you want ultimate crash protection, consider grabbing the Demon Flexforce V6 Impact Top too (reviewed here).
5. Pros & Cons
Who These are For
If you’re someone who takes a few falls, pushes your limits on the slopes or just wants decent protection without feeling like you’re in a suit of armor, these are for you. The X-Connect Technology is a bonus if you’re already using other Demon gear, but even if you’re not, the protection you get from the D3O and XRD padding is solid. You’ll get a comfortable, breathable fit that holds up to a full day of riding whether you’re skiing or snowboarding.
Who These Are NOT For
If you’re just cruising around or sticking to mellow slopes, you probably don’t need all the protection these offer. They’re not cheap, so if you’re not dealing with hard falls or high-impact crashes, there are cheaper options out there. Also, if you’re looking for something simple and don’t care about adjustable padding or extra tech, these might be overkill. Instead, go for a cheap and cheerful option like Bodyprox ↓
- Be limitless, Be fearless -- Your choice of rugged and hidden armor for your vulnerable hip, thigh, sit bone, and tailbone that efficiently bends and moves along with the body. Have your own Bodyprox Protective Shorts during outdoor and all action sports activities such as Snowboarding, skateboarding, Cycling, roller sports, mountain biking, skating, and other extreme activities.
- Premium Protection -- With our very own Protective Shorts that are equipped with generous shock absorbing EVA foam cushions strategically placed to the rear, thigh and tailbone area, this ensured exceptional comfort and protection from scratches, bumps or even drop during an intense outdoor activity.
- Skillfully produced from the highest-grade breathable fabric, combine features of Nylon and Spandex, skin-friendly material that absolutely fit your body, quick-dry technology which prevents fabric from sticking to the skin, providing an exceptional ease of use at the same time, have soft and comfortable custom fit waistband that allows excellent mobility.
- Durable and Flexible -- Durability and stability whilst flexible at the same time without the discomfort that comes with traditional and known padded shorts. Your all-in-one protection for lumbar, butt and thigh area.
- Relaxed-Fit and Skin-Friendly -- Since it is ideally worn underpants, it is the combination the highest grade elements from Nylon, Spandex and Vent Mesh materials keep the skin from moisture and retains the skin cool, dry and fresh. Lightweight even with sufficient amount of pads and precisely designed for comfort.
Final Thoughts
The Demon Flexforce X V6 D3O Impact Shorts definitely live up to their reputation. They offer solid protection without the bulk. Their D3O and XRD padding handles tough falls while keeping things comfortable. The breathable, flexible design makes them perfect for long days and the adjustable padding gives you that sweet spot of protection.
Yeah, they’re pricier than budget options like Bodyprox, but the level of protection and durability you get is worth it if you’re riding hard. If you’re serious about keeping your tailbone (and other important parts) safe, these shorts won’t let you down.
Just remember, if you’re only cruising and not looking for heavy-duty protection, you might want to consider something lighter. But for those looking for serious gear, the Demon Flexforce X V6 is hard to beat.
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Hi Michael & Jess
1. Would these [Demon Flexforce X V6 D3O/ XRD Men’s Impact Shorts] save my hips from a hard fall, on rocks from my Electric Bike ?
2. Would they be comfortable, on the Bike?
3. Are they bearable, in the Summer?
And last, But Not, least; Would they ship it, to Romania?
Looking forward to hear (see) from you
Cheers
Gheorghe (George Stan)
P.S. Last year I took a hard fall on my left hip. I was lucky because I only cracked a bit my hip socket. Nothing worst than that, but even so, it cost me 8 weeks in bed, on my back Only. I don’t wish that to any one in the world. And Definitely I Don’t wish to repeat it.
Hey Gheorghe!
Sorry to hear about the fall – been there – injuries suck!
I’ve worn mine mountain biking all summer, pretty solid.
1. Definitely takes the sting out of most falls, but… to fully save your hips during high speed falls on rocks is a big ask. I’ve tried supposedly “bombproof” ones with hard plastic outer-coating and they are potentially slightly better in that circumstance… but they tend to dig into your hip/thigh pretty badly and I ended up avoiding wearing them. The demon strike the beter middle ground for me – comfortable, flexible and still very protective. Way better than any of the Amazon offerings.
2. Yep, comfortable. Takes a little getting use to but then you’ll forget they’re there.
3. Reasonably breathable but still an extra layer. You’ll sweat a bit more, but better than another injury!
As for shipping, I think it’s worldwide, but I’m not 100% – sorry. Worth checking the site or reaching out to them.
Hope that helps?
Mike
Hi Micael& Jess, thank you very much for the report. Very informative. Can you tell me something about the sizes? Does M tend to be small or large? Often the size information isn’t very accurate, and I think you have a little more experience here and can help me decide which size I should choose. I wear size 32 inch jeans. Thank you very much for the information and best regards, Klaus
Hi Klaus,
Glad the write up helped. They fit more like compression shorts than regular underwear, so the waistband can feel tight if you are near the upper end of a size. Medium technically tops out around 31 inches, and Large starts at 32. I’m around 33-34 and the large is pretty much spot on – but still feels snug. I’d imagine the Large is the safer pick for you, especially if you plan to layer with thermals etc. Medium would probably still work but will feel tighter and probably more noticeable when you ride. Let me know how you get on! Hope that helps and enjoy the season out there. Mike